Box-office #1
The Empire Strikes Back
1980 · dir. Irvin Kershner
Wide US release on May 23, 1980. Goes on to become the highest-grossing film of the year.
Sci-fiStar Wars $538M worldwide
On this day
May 19 Saturday, May 19, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on May 19 across the years — history, birthdays, the songs that ruled the charts, the films that packed cinemas, and the science that nudged the world forward.
1,243
Events
87
Birthdays
6
Holidays
1949
PoliticsPost-war Europe 77 years ago
West Germany is founded
The Federal Republic of Germany is established with the adoption of its Basic Law in Bonn.
History
What happened on May 19
1,243 verified entries Full timeline
- 1707Science
Carl Linnaeus is born in Råshult, Sweden
The botanist who gave us binomial nomenclature.
- 1788US history
South Carolina becomes the 8th US state
Ratifying the Constitution in Charleston.
- 1873Politics
Canada's North-West Mounted Police is founded
Forerunner to today's RCMP.
- 1911Culture
The New York Public Library is dedicated
President Taft opens the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.
- 1934Crime
Bonnie & Clyde are shot dead in Louisiana
Officers fire ~130 rounds into the outlaws' Ford V8.
- 1949Politics
The Federal Republic of Germany is established
The Basic Law is signed in Bonn.
- 1960WWII
Ben-Gurion announces Eichmann's capture
The Israeli PM tells the Knesset the Nazi officer has been seized in Argentina.
- 1995Technology
Sun Microsystems releases Java 1.0
"Write once, run anywhere" arrives.
- 2010Pop culture
Lost airs its series finale
After 6 seasons and 121 episodes, ABC's drama bows out.
Born today
Famous birthdays on May 19
87 this date All birthdays
Music
The number one songs on May 19
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on May 19, 1981
"Stand and Deliver"
by Adam and the Ants
The dandy highwayman spent five weeks at the top — a brash, glam-pop coronation.
#1 for 5 weeks
Also #1 on this day
- 1965"Ticket To Ride"— The Beatles
- 1972"Metal Guru"— T. Rex
- 2003"Make Luv"— Room 5 ft. Oliver Cheatham
Film & TV
At the movies
Box office #1 and premieres All releases
🏆 Sport May 19, 1982
Aston Villa shock Bayern Munich for the European Cup
In Rotterdam, late substitute Peter Withe scores the winner as Villa lift the trophy on their first attempt.
Read the story
🔬 Science May 19, 1995
Java 1.0 is unveiled
Sun Microsystems releases a programming language that will become the backbone of enterprise computing and Android.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
6 celebrated today
World Turtle Day
International
Raising awareness for turtle and tortoise conservation.
Lucky Penny Day
United States
Pick one up — your luck for the day.
Labour Day
Jamaica
Public holiday since 1961.
Declaration of Independence Day
South Sudan
National observance.