1. In 1780, Massachusetts became the first state to abolish slavery through its state constitution. Article 1 of the new constitution declared that "all men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights."
2. In 1848, the Boston Public Library opened its doors to the public for the first time. The library, which was founded in 1841, was the first publicly funded municipal library in the United States.
3. In 1917, John F. Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts. Kennedy would go on to serve as a U.S. Senator and as the 35th President of the United States, before being assassinated in 1963.
4. In 1953, Edmund Muskie was sworn in as the 64th Governor of Maine. Muskie, who was born in Rumford, Maine, would go on to become a U.S. Senator and the U.S. Secretary of State under President Jimmy Carter.
5. In 1977, Janet Guthrie became the first woman to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. Guthrie, a Massachusetts native, went on to compete in the race three times, finishing ninth in 1978.
5 Fun Facts About May 29 In Massachusetts History
---Learn Every Day: MA Today In History Facts Texted Each Day - Text: history ma To: 618-270-4005---
- Tags: MA
← Older Post Newer Post →