On this day

15 May in history.

5 moments from 1862 to 2010: discovery, creativity and courage, each with a source to read more.

5 moments

Australian sailor Jessica Watson presents her book in Düsseldorf

2010

Around the world at 16. Jessica Watson sailed into Sydney after seven months alone at sea, non-stop around the world, three days before her 17th birthday.

Wikipedia: Jessica Watson

Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

More from 15 May

  1. Charles Darwin

    1862

    Darwin and the orchids

    Charles Darwin published a book on how orchids are pollinated by insects, showing natural selection at work.

    Wikipedia: Fertilisation of OrchidsWikipedia: Charles Darwin

    Photo: Charles_Darwin_seated.jpg : Henry Maull (1829–1914) and John Fox (1832–1907) (Maull &am… / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  2. A vector of Mickey Mouse

    1928

    Mickey and Minnie's first film

    Mickey and Minnie Mouse first appeared in a test screening of the cartoon Plane Crazy.

    Wikipedia: Plane CrazyWikipedia: Mickey Mouse

    Photo: Walt Disney / Ub Iwerks / Wilfredor / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  3. Pinewood Derby Car 2004 by Arthur/Henry Hu Kirkland WA

    1953

    The first pinewood derby

    Cub Scouts in California raced small wooden cars they had made down a slope. The pinewood derby is now loved by millions.

    Wikipedia: Pinewood derby

    Photo: User Wiarthurhu on en.wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)

  4. Highbury House, Highbury, London,

    2004

    The Invincibles

    Arsenal finished the English league season without losing a single match, the first top-flight team to do so in more than a century.

    Wikipedia: List of unbeaten football club seasons

    Photo: Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Moments chosen for discovery, creativity and courage. Each one links to a source where you can read more; photos are credited to their owners.