1. Maryland became the 7th state to ratify the US Constitution on May 17, 1787, making it a pivotal moment in the history of the country. Maryland's vote was crucial in securing the two-thirds majority needed for the Constitution to be adopted.

2. May 17, 1954, saw the landmark Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Although the case originated in Kansas, it had far-reaching implications for Maryland, where segregation was pervasive in many areas of public life.

3. On May 17, 1782, the Maryland State Society of the Cincinnati was formed. This organization was named after the Roman general Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus and was created as a way for Revolutionary War veterans to maintain their bonds and promote the values of the new republic.

4. In 2004, May 17 was designated as "Malcolm X Day" in Baltimore, honoring the civil rights leader who spent part of his childhood in the city. The proclamation recognized Malcolm X's contributions to the struggle for freedom, justice, and equality.

5. May 17, 1976, saw the opening of Maryland's first gambling casino, the Inner Harbor Casino. Although the casino only operated for a few years, its opening was significant as it marked a shift in attitudes towards gambling in the state. Today, Maryland has a thriving casino industry, with several large-scale facilities operating across the state.