1. In 1971, Connecticut women began serving on juries for the first time. Prior to this date, women were excluded from jury duty due to their assumed role in the home.

2. On February 9, 1776, the State of Connecticut authorized the formation of several regiments to serve in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. These regiments would go on to play a significant role in several key battles, including the Battle of Saratoga.

3. In 1842, the Emma Willard School for Girls opened in Waterford, Connecticut. It was the first women's seminary in the United States to offer a comprehensive secondary education to young women and played an important role in promoting women's opportunities for higher education.

4. On February 9, 1825, the Connecticut State Library was established by the state legislature. It was the first public library in the state and has since become one of the largest and most important research libraries in the region.

5. In 1986, Connecticut native Charles Smith became the first African American pilot to fly for a major U.S. airline. Smith, who grew up in Hartford, had previously flown for the U.S. Air Force and eventually became a captain for United Airlines.