On this day: May 6
Riderless Horse Wins Prestigious Race at Belmont Park, May 6, 1923
On May 6, 1923, a horse that had lost its jockey during the run crossed the finish line first at Belmont Park in New York, a startling and rare outcome that drew immediate attention and later discussion about racing rules and track safety.
Town Alarmed After Tree Develops Human-Shaped Burl
In May 1987 a tree in a small community developed a large burl that residents said resembled a human figure, drawing crowds and local concern. The growth was noted for its uncanny outline but, as with similar natural burls, experts emphasized biological causes rather than supernatural ones.
How a 1904 British séance was revealed as a staged haunting
On May 6, 1904, a widely reported séance in Britain that had been presented as a supernatural haunting was publicly exposed as staged after investigators demonstrated how the effects were produced by mechanical and theatrical means.
Earliest Human Sound Recording Replayed for Public Audience
On May 6, 1878, a public replay of what is widely identified as the earliest surviving human sound recording—an etched phonautogram by Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville—was reported, offering modern listeners a rare acoustic link to the 19th century.
First Public Demonstration of Satellite Navigation Concepts, May 6, 1964
On 6 May 1964, researchers publicly demonstrated early satellite navigation concepts—showing how space-based radio signals could determine position on Earth—marking a key step toward modern GPS and other global navigation systems.
Hindenburg Airship Catches Fire Over Lakehurst, New Jersey
On May 6, 1937, the German passenger airship LZ 129 Hindenburg ignited while attempting to land at Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey, producing a rapid conflagration that killed 36 people and ended the era of passenger rigid airships.
The First Public Premiere of a Feature-Length Sound Film, May 6, 1927
On May 6, 1927, Warner Bros. held the premiere of The Jazz Singer in New York City, widely regarded as the first commercially successful feature film to include synchronized recorded sound and musical performances, marking a pivotal shift in cinema exhibition.
First successful open-heart operation using a heart–lung machine completed
On May 6, 1953, surgeons completed the first widely recognized successful open-heart operation performed with a heart–lung machine, marking a decisive advance in cardiac surgery and paving the way for corrective procedures inside the heart.