On May 16, 1986, the United States completed the first successful test of the Superconducting Super Collider, a major milestone in particle physics.

On May 16, 1969, the Apollo 10 mission was launched, serving as a 'dress rehearsal' for the first moon landing.

On May 16, 1929, the first Academy Awards ceremony was held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, honoring films released in 1927 and 1928.