1. 1800 - Yale University Library is Established: On November 17, 1800, Yale University established its library, which is now one of the largest university libraries in the world, with more than 15 million items.

2. 1869 - The First Patent for the Bicycle: On November 17, 1869, Connecticut resident, Eugene Meyer patented the first bicycle in the United States.

3. 1892 - Electric Trolley Car Service Begins in New Haven: On November 17, 1892, New Haven started its first electric trolley car service on State Street, which became the first successful electric street railway system in the world.

4. 1944 - Hartford Circus Fire: On November 17, 1944, a devastating fire took place at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Hartford. The incident resulted in the deaths of 168 people and injuries to over 700.

5. 1983 - UConn Wins First NCAA Men's Soccer Championship: On November 17, 1983, the University of Connecticut won its first-ever NCAA Men's Soccer Championship by beating the University of Alabama Birmingham in a thrilling 2-1 game. This victory put the UConn men's soccer program on the map, and they went on to win three more NCAA championships.