May 01

Born in 1579 in Haarlem, Wolphert Gerretse emigrated to the Dutch colony of New Netherland in 1630. He acquired land on Long Island and founded several farms that formed the nucleus of future settlements. Gerretse negotiated land agreements with local Native American tribes and contributed to the colony's agricultural development. His descendants and land holdings played a vital role in shaping early New York colonial society. He remained in the region until his death in 1662, witnessing the transformation of New Netherland under Dutch and then English rule. Gerretse's pioneering spirit exemplified the era of European colonization in North America.

Martha Jane 'Calamity Jane' Cannary was an American frontierswoman, scout, and storyteller famed for her rugged independence and adventurous spirit. Born in Missouri in 1852, she traveled through the American West, working as a scout for the U.S. Army and a performer in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. Jane claimed close friendship with Wild Bill Hickok and became a legendary figure through her tall tales and memoir. Known for wearing men's attire and living life on her own terms, she challenged gender norms of her era. Her life became enshrined in folklore, and she remains an enduring symbol of the American frontier.

Scott Carpenter was selected as one of the original seven Mercury astronauts in 1959. On May 24, 1962, he piloted the Aurora 7 mission, completing three orbits and conducting scientific experiments. A former U.S. Navy test pilot, he also flew fighter jets and early helium balloons. After leaving NASA, Carpenter worked in engineering and technology development, including undersea exploration with the U.S. Navy. He remained active in aerospace until his passing, inspiring future generations of space explorers.