Today in history: May 23

1701 — Scottish privateer Captain Kidd is executed in London after being convicted of piracy and murder.

1777 — The Meigs Expedition claims a Patriot victory on Long Island during the American Revolution.

1785 — Benjamin Franklin reveals his design for bifocal glasses.

1900 — William Carney becomes the first Black American to receive the Medal of Honor, recognized for his bravery carrying the flag of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry during the Civil War.

1911 — The New York Public Library is dedicated on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

1915 — Italy declares war on Austria-Hungary, entering World War I on the side of the Allies.

1921 — “Shuffle Along,” the first major African American hit musical, premieres on Broadway, paving the way for Black performers and composers in American theater.

1934 — Notorious outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow are shot to death by Texas and Louisiana state police while driving a stolen car on a rural road in Bienville Parish, Louisiana, ending one of the most infamous criminal careers of the Great Depression era.

1941 — HMS Kelly, commanded by Lord Mountbatten and cousin to the king, is sunk by German dive-bombers off the coast of Crete during World War II.

1945 — Nazi SS Chief Heinrich Himmler dies by suicide after being captured by British forces, avoiding trial for his role in the Holocaust.

1949 — The Federal Republic of Germany is established in the western occupation zones, formally dividing postwar Germany.

1960 — A deadly tsunami triggered by the massive Chilean earthquake strikes Hawaii, killing dozens and causing widespread destruction.

1979 — Tom Petty defies his record label by filing for bankruptcy, a bold move that allowed him to renegotiate his contract and retain creative control of his music.

2015 — Ireland becomes the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote.

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