1. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded on May 24, 1629: On this day, a group of English Puritans led by Sir Richard Saltonstall and Rev. George Phillips arrived at Salem, Massachusetts to establish the Massachusetts Bay Colony, which would eventually become one of the original 13 states in the United States.

2. Malcolm X spoke at Harvard University on May 24, 1961: Malcolm X, the African-American civil rights leader, gave a speech at Harvard University on May 24, 1961, where he criticized the university's approach to addressing racial issues and called for more action and activism to promote change.

3. The Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup on May 24, 1970: The Boston Bruins defeated the St. Louis Blues in game four of the Stanley Cup Finals on May 24, 1970, winning their first championship in 29 years.

4. Massachusetts designated the ladybug as the state insect on May 24, 1974: On this day, Massachusetts officially designated the ladybug (specifically, the seven-spotted ladybug, or Coccinella septempunctata) as the state insect, citing its beneficial role in controlling crop pests.

5. The Merrimack River floods on May 24, 2006: Heavy rainfall and melting snow caused the Merrimack River to flood on May 24, 2006, leading to evacuations and damage in several Massachusetts towns, including Lawrence, Lowell, and Chelmsford.