1. Maine achieved statehood on May 7, 1820, as part of the Missouri Compromise. The compromise admitted Maine as a free state and Missouri as a slave state, thereby preserving the balance of power between free and slave states in the United States.

2. On May 7, 1915, the sinking of the RMS Lusitania occurred off the coast of Ireland, causing the deaths of over 1,100 passengers and crew members, including 128 Americans. Among the victims was Elbridge Gerry Snow, a prominent Maine businessman and founder of the Snow's Clam Chowder brand.

3. In 1945, May 7 marked the end of World War II in Europe, commonly known as V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day). Mainers, like other Americans, celebrated the news with parades and parties throughout the state.

4. On May 7, 1962, Maine became the last state to allow women to serve on juries, following a court ruling in the case of Taylor v. Louisiana. Prior to this ruling, Maine had limited women's participation in the legal system to serving as witnesses, defendants, and occasionally as lawyers.

5. May 7, 1977, saw the opening of the Maine Mall in South Portland, which at the time was the largest enclosed shopping center in New England. The mall, which continues to operate as a major retail destination, was developed by Maine-based Fairchild Semiconductor and has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years.