1. In 1655, a group of English Quakers arrived in New York on December 28, marking the beginning of Quakerism in the state. The Quakers were known for their pacifism and commitment to social justice, and their influence can still be seen in New York communities today.

2. On December 28, 1775, George Washington ordered the creation of the first Naval Fleet, which would be instrumental in securing American independence from Great Britain. The Continental Navy played a vital role in the American Revolutionary War, and paved the way for the United States to become a global naval power.

3. In 1832, the New York and Harlem Railroad opened, connecting downtown Manhattan to the Harlem neighborhood. This was the first railroad in the state of New York, and helped catalyze the growth of the city's transportation infrastructure, making it easier for goods and people to move around the area.

4. December 28, 1973, marked the opening of the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, Queens. Named after the famous tennis player and civil rights activist, the stadium has since become a fixture of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, and has hosted some of the sport's most exciting moments.

5. On December 28, 1991, the first-ever "Kwanzaa Fest" was held in Brooklyn, celebrating the African-American holiday of Kwanzaa. The festival has since become an annual tradition, highlighting the importance of family, community, and cultural identity in the African-American experience.