Origins and Ownership

1921 - Miss America is founded by local businessmen as a means to entice tourists to Atlantic City, New Jersey.
1935 - Miss America is revived under the leadership the pageant's first female director Lenora Slaughter.
1951 - Miss World is founded in the United Kingdom as "Festival Bikini Contest" by Eric Morley. Morley turns Miss World into an annual event after hearing about the upcoming Miss Universe pageant.
1952 - Miss Universe and Miss USA are founded by Oscar Meinhardt and swimwear manufacturer and former Miss America sponsor Pacific Mills.
1958 - Miss Universe and Miss USA are aquired by Kayser-Roth when the company purchases Pacific Mills.
1960 - Miss International is founded in Long Beach, California following the departure of Miss Universe to Miami Beach, Florida.
1962 - Miss Universe and Miss USA are owned by a 90/10 partnership of Kayser-Roth and Procter and Gamble.
1983 - Miss Teen USA is founded by Kayser-Roth as the teenage equivalent of Miss USA.
1985 - Miss Universe Organization headquarters moves to Los Angeles, California from New York City, New York.
1986 - Miss Universe Organization is aquired by Gulf and Western Industries when the company purchases Kaysar-Roth.
1996 - Miss Universe Organization is aquired by Donald Trump is owned by a 50/50 partnership of CBS and Donald Trump.
1996 - Miss Universe Organization headquarters moves to New York City, New York from Los Angeles, California.
2001 - Miss Earth is founded by the Philippines-based Carousel Productions Inc. after the company lost the rights to produce Miss Asia-Pacific.
2003 - Miss Universe Organization is owned by a 50/50 partnership of NBC and Donald Trump.
2005 - Miss America's Outstanding Teen is founded by the Miss America Organization as the teenage equivalent of Miss America.

Cancelled

1928-1931 - Miss America is not held due to the Great Depression and bad press.
1934 - Miss America is cancelled.
1966 - Miss International is cancelled.

Locations

1960 - Miss Universe and Miss USA are both moved to Miami Beach, Florida from Long Beach, California where the pageants had been held since 1952.
1972 - Miss Universe and Miss USA are held for the first time outside of the continental United States in Dorado, Puerto Rico.
1984 - Miss Universe is scheduled to be held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Due to financial troubles, Miss Universe is moved to Miami, USA.
1991 - Miss World is schedule to be held in the Dominican Republic. Due to scheduling difficulties, Miss World is first moved to Puerto Rico, then to Atlanta, USA.
1996 - Miss Universe is scheduled to be held in South Africa. Miss Universe is moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
2001-2002 - Puerto Rico hosts Miss Universe twice in succession.
2002 - Miss World is scheduled to be held in Abuja Nigeria. Due to security reasons, Miss World is moved to London, United Kingdom.
2004 - Miss America is moved to Las Vegas, Nevada from Atlantic City, New Jersey where the pageant had been held since 1921.
2006 - Miss Earth is scheduled to be held in Santiago, Chile. Due to lacking preparation, Miss Earth is moved to Manila, Philippines.

Titles

1921-1949 - Miss America title is not post-dated.
1950-2005 - Miss America title is post-dated. Thus, there is no Miss America 1950 since, in 1950, Miss America 1951 was crowned.
1952-1958 - Miss Universe and Miss USA titles are post-dated.
1978 - The word "Beauty" is officially dropped from the Miss Universe and Miss USA event titles.
2000 - The word "Pageant" is officially dropped from the Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA event titles.
2006 - Miss America title is not post-dated. Miss America 2006, which was to be held in late 2005, was moved ahead to early 2006.

Causes, Sponsors, and Affiliations

1945 - Lenora Slaughter, director of Miss America, starts a scholarship program the help contestants attend college.
1950 - Yolande Betbeze, Miss America 1951, refuses to pose in Catalina Swimwear manufactured by sponsor Pacific Mills. Miss America officials support her decision.
1951 - Miss World adopts the slogan "Beauty With a Purpose".
1960 - Catalina Swimwear moves Miss Universe and Miss USA to Miami Beach, Florida after claiming that co-sponsor Max Factor Cosmetics received more press attention. 1990s - Miss America is reformed into the Miss America Organization, a not-for-profit corporation.
1998 - Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA adopt as their official causes HIV/AIDS, breast and ovarian cancer, and adolescent alcohol and drug use, respectively.
2000 - Miss Universe Organization adopts the slogan "Redefined for Today".
2001 - Miss Earth is created by Manila-based events company Carousel Productions, Inc. to promote environmental awareness.
2003 - Miss Earth adopts the slogan "Beauties For a Cause".
2004 - The Miss Earth Foundation is created to further the pageant's environmental cause.
2006 - Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) cuts ties with Katie Blair, Miss Teen USA 2006, after allegations of underage drinking.

Dethroned, Disqualified, Resigned, or Replaced

1953 - Armi Kuusela, Miss Universe 1952, gives up her title to get married shortly before completing her reign. No formal replacement is made.
1954 - Ellen Whitehead, 1st Runner-Up to Miss USA 1954, is disqualified after it is revealed that she is only 16.
1957 - Mary Leona Gage, Miss USA 1957, is dethroned after it is revealed that she is married and a mother of two. Charlotte Sheffield, 1st Runner-Up to Miss USA 1957, is crowned Miss USA 1957.
1967 - After Miss USA 1967 wins Miss Universe 1967, Susan Ellen Bradley, 1st Runner-Up to Miss USA 1967, refuses the Miss USA title. Cheryl Ann Patton, 2nd Runner-Up to Miss USA 1967, is crowned Miss USA 1967. This marks the first time that a runner-up is formally crowned Miss USA after the original Miss USA wins Miss Universe. Prior to 1967, when Miss USA won Miss Universe, no formal replacement was made.
1973 - Marjorie Wallace, Miss World 1973, is forced to resign because of her high-profile serial dating.
1974 - Amparo Munoz, Miss Universe 1974, is dethroned for her violent temper and behavior. No formal replacement is made.
1974 - Helen Morgan, Miss World 1974, resigns after it is revealed that she is an unwed mother.
1980 - Miss USA 1980 contestants are offered an all-expense paid trip to Korea to watch Miss Universe 1980. Shawn Weatherly, Miss USA 1980, wins Miss Universe 1980. Jineane Ford, 1st Runner-Up to Miss USA 1980, is crowned Miss USA 1980. This marks the first and only woman to have been crowned Miss USA on foreign soil and the second to be crowned Miss USA outside of the continental United States.
1980 - Gabriela Brum, Miss World 1980, resigns claiming her boyfriend disapproved. It is later revealed that she had posed nude for a magazine.
1984 - Vanessa Williams, Miss America 1984, is dethroned after nude photos of her taken before the pageant surface. Suzette Charles, 1st Runner-Up to Miss America 1984, is crowned Miss America 1984 B.
1985 - Andrea Stelzer from South Africa withdraws from Miss Universe 1985 because of anti-apartheid demonstrations. Stelzer later competes at Miss Universe 1989 representing Germany where she is a semi-finalist.
1999 - Trisha Heflin from Guam is disqualified from Miss Universe 1999 after it is revealed that she is pregnant.
2002 - Oxana Federova, Miss Universe 2002, is dethroned after failing to fulfill the duties stipulated in her contract. Federova maintains that she resigned. Justine Pasek, 1st Runner-Up to Miss Universe 2002, is crowned Miss Universe 2002.
2002 - Dzejla Glavovic, Miss Earth 2002, is dethroned for failing to fulfill the duties stipulated in her contract. Winnie Adah Omwakwe, 1st Runner-Up to Miss Earth 2002, is crowned Miss Earth 2002.

Almost Dethroned or Disqualified

1932 - Marian Bergeron, Miss America 1932, is allowed to keep her crown despite being only 15. Bergeron's crown is stolen only hours after the event is over.
1947 - Barbara Jo Walker, Miss America 1947, is allowed to keep her crown despite getting married during her reign.
1957 - Gladys Zender, Miss Universe 1957, is allowed to keep her crown despite being only 17. In Peru, Zender's home country, a girl is considered 18 after six months of being her current age.
1996 - Alicia Machado, Miss Universe 1996, is allowed to keep her crown despite being criticized for her weight.
1998 - Joyce Giraud from Puerto Rico is allowed to compete at Miss Universe 1998, after racy photos of her surface.
2000 - Helen Lindes from Spain is allowed to compete at Miss Universe 2000, after racy photos of her surface.
2001 - Evelina Papantoniou from Greece is allowed to compete at Miss Universe 2001, after racy photos of her surface.
2006 - Tara Conner, Miss USA 2006, is given a second chance by pageant-owner Donald Trump after allegations of underage drinking, drug use, and excessive partying.

Ethnicity, Language, Religion, Nationality and Disabilities

1945 - Bess Myerson from New York City, New York becomes the first Jewish woman to be crowned Miss America.
1957 - Ginette Montaise from Martinique becomes the first black woman to compete at Miss Universe.
1959 - Akiko Kojima from Japan becomes the first woman of Far Eastern descent to be crowned Miss Universe.
1960 - Corrine Huff from Ohio becomes the first African-American woman to compete at Miss USA, and any other major national pageant in the United States.
1962 - Evelyne Miot from Haiti becomes the first black woman to make the semi-finals at Miss Universe.
1963 - Marite Ozers from Illinois becomes the first naturalized citizen to be crowned Miss USA. Ozers was born in Latvia.
1964 - Dorothy Johnson from Idaho becomes the first black woman to make the semi-finals at Miss USA.
1969 - Interpreters for non-English speaking contestants are introduced at Miss Universe.
1966 - Maria Remenyi from California becomes the second naturalized citizen to be crowned Miss USA. Remenyi was born in Hungary.
1970 - Cheryl Browne from Iowa becomes the first African-American woman to compete at Miss America.
1972 - Tanya Wilson, Miss USA 1972, becomes the first to be crowned Miss USA outside of the continental United States.
1972 - Georgina Rizk from Lebanon becomes the first to answer the final question in her native language and be crowned Miss Universe.
1976 - Several countries boycott Miss World 1976 when both a Caucasian and an African representative for South Africa are included.
1977 - Janelle Commissiong from Trinidad and Tobago becomes the first black woman to be crowned Miss Universe.
1978 - South Africa is banned from competing at Miss World because of the country's apartheid policy.
1978 - Janelle Commissiong, Miss Universe 1977, crowns Margaret Gardiner from South Africa, Miss Universe 1978. Gardiner is a Caucasian woman from South Africa.
1980 - Lenola Sullivan from Arkansas becomes the first African-American woman to make the final five at Miss America.
1984 - Mai Shanley from New Mexico becomes the first Eurasian woman to be crowned Miss USA. Shanley's parents are of Taiwanese and Irish descent.
1984 - Vanessa Williams from New York becomes the first African-American woman to be crowned Miss America.
1984 - Suzette Charles from New Jersey becomes the second African-American woman to hold the title Miss America.
1985 - Andrea Stelzer from South Africa withdraws from Miss Universe 1985 because of anti-apartheid demonstrations. Stelzer later competes at Miss Universe 1989 representing Germany where she is a semi-finalist.
1985 - Laura Herring-Martinez from Texas becomes the first Hispanic woman to be crowned Miss USA, and any other major national pageant in the United States. Herring-Martinez is also the third naturalized citizen to be crowned Miss USA. Herring-Martinez was born in Mexico.
1988 - An unprecedented four out of five finalists at Miss Universe 1988 are of Far East descent. The results are considered by some to be racially biased as the pageant is held in Taiwan.
1990 - Carole Gist from Michigan becomes the first African-American woman to be crowned Miss USA.
1990 - Debbye Turner from Missouri becomes the third African-American woman to be crowned Miss America.
1990 - African-American women are crowned Miss USA and Miss America in the same year for the first time.
1991 - Marjorie Vincent from Illinois becomes the fourth African-American woman to be crowned Miss America.
1990-1991 - African-American women are crowned Miss America twice in succession.
1991 - South Africa is once again allowed to compete at Miss World as the country's apartheid policy is dropped.
1993 - Kenya Moore from Michigan becomes the second African-American woman to be crowned Miss USA.
1993 - Kimberly Aiken from South Carolina becomes the fifth African-American woman to be crowned Miss America.
1993 - African-American women are crowned Miss USA and Miss America in the same year for the second time.
1995 - Heather Whitestone from Alabama becomes the woman with a physical handicap to be crowned Miss America, and any other major national pageant in the United States. Whitestone is deaf.
1995 - Chelsi Smith from Texas becomes the first bi-racial and third African-American woman to be crowned Miss USA. Smith from the United States becomes the second black woman to be crowned Miss Universe. Smith wins Miss Universe 1995 in the African country of Namibia.
1997 - Brook Mahealani Lee from Hawaii becomes the first Asian-American woman to be crowned Miss USA.
1998 - Nicole Johnson from Virginia becomes the first woman with a long-term physical illness to be crowned Miss America.
1998 - Wendy Fitzwilliam from Trinidad and Tobago becomes the third black woman to be crowned Miss Universe.
1999 - Mpule Kwelagobe from Botswana becomes the first black African and fourth black woman to be crowned Miss Universe.
1998-1999 - Black women are crowned Miss Universe twice in succession.
2000 - Lynnette Cole from Tennessee becomes the fourth African-American woman to be crowned Miss USA.
2001 - Agbani Darego from Nigeria becomes the first black African to be crowned Miss World.
2001 - Angela Perez Baraquio from Hawaii becomes the first Asian-American to be crowned Miss America.
2002 - Shauntay Hinton from District of Columbia becomes the fifth African-American woman to be crowned Miss USA.
2002 - An unprecedented four out of five finalists at Miss USA 2002 are African-American. The results are considered by some to be racially biased, and are sometimes referred to as a "white-out".
2002 - Despite an unusually high number of black contestants, none make the semi-finals at Miss Universe 2002. The results are considered by some to be racially biased, and are sometimes referred to as a "black-out".
2003-2004 - African-American women are crowned Miss America twice in succession.
2003 - Erika Harold from Illinois becomes the sixth African-American woman to be crowned Miss America.
2004 - Ericka Dunlap from Florida becomes the seventh African-American woman to be crowned Miss America.
2005 - Natalie Glebova from Canada becomes the first naturalized citizen to be crowned Miss Universe. Glebova was born in Russia.
2007 - Rachel Renee Smith from Tennessee becomes the sixth African-American and second African-American woman from Tennessee to be crowned Miss USA.
2008 - Abbey Curran from Iowa becomes the first woman with a disability to compete at Miss USA. Curran has cerebral palsy.

International Conflict

1976 - Rina Messinger, a member of the Israeli army, is crowned Miss Universe 1976. Messinger is accompanied by body guards at all times during her reign.
2000 - Cansu Dere from Turkey withdraws from Miss Universe 2000 because the pageant is held in Cyprus.
2001 - Christina Sawaya from Lebanon withdraws from Miss Universe 2001 because of the participation of Miss Israel. Sawaya is later crowned Miss International 2001.
2007 - China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Tibet compete together at Miss Earth 2007.
2007 - Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo compete together at Miss World 2007.

Youngest, Oldest, Longest, Shortest and Tallest

1922-1923 - Mary Katherine Campbell is the longest-reigning Miss America at two years. She won Miss America two years in succession.
1951 - Kicki Hakansson, Miss World 1951, is the longest-reigning Miss World at one year and four months.
1957 - Gladys Zender, Miss Universe 1957, is the youngest Miss Universe at 17.
1965 - Apasra Hongsakula, Miss Universe 1965, is the shortest Miss Universe at 5'4".
1965 - Ingrid Finger, Miss International 1965, is the longest-reigning Miss International at twenty months. Miss International 1966 was cancelled.
1967 - Mirta Teresita Massa, Miss International 1967, is the longest reigning one-year Miss International at seventeen months.
1975 - Ladija Vera Manic, Miss International 1975, is the shortest-reigning Miss International at eight months.
1980 - Gabriella Brum, Miss World 1980, is unofficially the shortest-reigning Miss World at 18 hours before she resigned.
2005 - Deidre Downs, Miss America 2005, is the second longest-reigning Miss America and the longest non-successively reigning Miss America at one year and four months.
2005 - Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005, is the longest-reigning Miss Universe at one year and two months.
2005 - Unnur Birna, Miss World 2005, is officially the shortest-reigning Miss World at less than ten months.

Winning Feats

1922-1923 - Ohio wins Miss America two years in succession after Mary Katherine Campbell wins Miss America two years in succession.
1935-1936 - Pennsylvania wins Miss America two years in succession.
1951-1952 - Sweden wins Miss World two years in succession.
1953 - France wins Miss Universe and Miss World in the same year.
1959-1960 - Mississippi wins Miss America two years in succession.
1964-1965 - United Kingdom wins Miss World two years in succession.
1968 - Brazil wins Miss Universe and Miss International in the same year.
1969-1970 - Virginia wins Miss USA two years in succession.
1972 - Australia wins Miss Universe and Miss World in the same year.
1973-1974 - Illinois wins Miss USA two years in succession.
1980 - Miss Universe is won by a Miss USA from South Carolina for the second time. The first contestant from South Carolina to be crowned Miss USA and then Miss Universe was in 1954.
1981 - Venezuela wins Miss Universe and Miss World in the same year.
1985-1989 - Texas wins Miss USA five years in succession. The five winners are referred to as the "Texas Aces".
1994 - India wins Miss Universe and Miss World in the same year.
1999-2000 - India wins Miss World two years in succession.
2000 - India wins Miss Universe and Miss World in the same year.
2004 - Brazil wins Miss Earth, making Brazil the first country to win all four major international pageants.
2005 - Venezuela wins Miss Earth, making Venezuela the second country to win all four major international pageants.

Competitions

1935 - Talent competition is introduced and optional at Miss America.
1938 - Talent competition is required at Miss America.
1960 ??? - Interview competition is introduced at Miss Universe.
1969 - Final question is introduced at Miss Universe.
1961 or 1971 ??? - Interview competition is introduced at Miss USA.
1984-1985 - Final question is used at Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.
1986-1989 - Final question is not used at Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.
1989 - Platform is required at Miss America.
1990-2006 - Final question is used at Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.
1990-1997 - Finalists are asked a question by one of the judges at Miss Universe.
1990-2002 - Final question is the same question asked of all remaining contestants at Miss Universe.
1998 - Finalists are interviewed briefly at Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.
1998-1999 - Interview competitions at Miss Universe and Miss Teen USA are, respectively, an interview about another contestant's country and multiple choice questions.
1998-2000 - Interview competition at Miss USA is a press conference-style series of questions.
2000 - Finalists are asked multiple choice questions at Miss USA.
2000 - Interview competition is dropped from Miss Universe and Miss Teen USA.
2001 - Interview competition is dropped from Miss USA.
2001 - Finalists are asked a question by one of the judges at Miss Universe.
2001 - Finalists are asked a question by one of the other contestants at Miss Teen USA.
2002 - Finalists are asked a question by one of the other contestants at Miss Universe and Miss USA.
2003-2005 - Final question is a question asked by one of the other remaining contestants or the outgoing titleholder at Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.
2003-2006 - Final question is a question asked by one of the other remaining contestants or the outgoing titleholder at Miss Universe.
2003 - Fast Track events are introduced at Miss World. The winners of each event automatically qualify for the semi-finals.
2003 - Casual wear competition is introduced at Miss America.
2006 - Final question is a question asked by one of the judges at Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.
2006 - Casual wear competition is dropped from Miss America.

Swimsuits

1948 - Miss America is crowned in a gown rather than in a swimsuit for the first time. Reporters at the event protest. The runners-up pose in swimsuits as a concession.
1952 - Miss World tones down its swimsuits to more modest designs from the bikinis the pageant featured in its inaugural year.
1997 - Contestants are allowed to wear bikinis for the first time at Miss America since 1947.
1997 - Contestants are allowed to wear bikinis for the first time at Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA.
2000 - Tankinis are provided as an option for contestants for the first (and last) time at Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.

Semi-Finalists

1952-1964 - Miss Universe and Miss USA semi-finalists are announced after the preliminary competition.
1952 - 10 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss Universe and Miss USA.
1952-1958 - Semi-finalists at Miss Universe are cut to the final 5 from which the runners-up and winner are announced.
1953-1954 - 16 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss Universe.
1953-1954 - 20 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss USA.
1955-1970 - 15 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss Universe.
1955-1961 - 15 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss USA.
1962 - 16 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss USA.
1963-1970 - 15 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss USA.
1959-1963 - Four runners-up and winner at Miss Universe are announced from the semi-finalists without a cut to a number of finalists.
1964 - Semi-finalists at Miss Universe are cut to the final 10 from which the four runners-up and winner are announced.
1965 - Miss Universe and Miss USA semi-finalists are announced the night of the main event for the first time.
1965-1989 - Semi-finalists at Miss Universe are cut to 10 finalists, then to the final 5 from which the runners-up and winner are announced.
1971-1983 - 12 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss Universe and Miss USA.
1983-1990 - 10 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss Teen USA.
1984-1989 - 10 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss USA.
1984-2002 - 10 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss Universe.
1987 - Miss USA 1987 has 11 semi-finalists instead of 10 because of a two-way tie.
1990 - 12 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss USA.
1990-1997 - Semi-finalists at Miss Universe are cut to 6 finalists, then to the final 3 from which the runners-up and winner are announced.
1991-1992 - 11 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss USA.
1991-1995 - 12 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss Teen USA.
1993-1995 - 12 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss USA.
1996-2002 - 10 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss Teen USA.
1996-2003 - 10 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss USA.
1998-2000 - Semi-finalists at Miss Universe are cut to 5 finalists, then to the final 3 from which the runners-up and winner are announced.
2001 - Runners-up at Miss Earth are given titles named after the other elements. The 3rd Runner-Up is called Miss Earth Fire. The 2nd Runner-Up is called Miss Earth Water. The 1st Runner-Up is called Miss Earth Air. 2001 - Semi-finalists at Miss Universe are cut to the final 5 from which the runners-up and winner are announced.
2001-2003 - 10 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss Earth.
2002 - Miss USA 2002 has 12 semi-finalists instead of 10 because of a three-way tie.
2003-2005 - 15 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss Universe. Semi-finalists are cut to 10 finalists, then to the final 5 from which the runners-up and winner are announced.
2003-2006 - 15 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss Teen USA. Semi-finalists are cut to 10 finalists, then to the final 5 from which the runners-up and winner are announced.
2004-2007 - 15 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss USA. Semi-finalists are cut to 10 finalists, then to the final 5 from which the runners-up and winner are announced.
2004-2007 - 16 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss Earth. Semi-finalists are cut to 8 finalists, then to the final 4 from which the runners-up and winner are announced.
2005-2007 - 6 Continental Queens of Beauty are chosen at Miss World.
2006 - 20 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss Universe. Semi-finalists are cut to 10 finalists, then to the final 5 from which the runners-up and winner are announced.
2007 - 15 semi-finalists are chosen at Miss Universe. Semi-finalists are cut to 10 finalists, then to the final 5 from which the runners-up and winner are announced.

Awards

1952-1964 - Miss Congeniality is awarded at Miss Universe and Miss USA. Contestants from both pageants are eligible to win the award.
1956 - Miss Photogenic is awarded at Miss Universe for the first time.
1962 - Best National Costume is awarded at Miss Universe for the first time.
1962-1993 - Best State Costume is awarded at Miss USA.
1965 - Miss Congeniality is awarded separately at Miss Universe and Miss USA.
1965 - Miss Photogenic is awarded at Miss USA for the first time.
1983-1988 - Best State Costume is awarded at Miss Teen USA.
1995-2001 - Style Award is awarded at Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.
1997-1998 - Distinguished Achievement Awards are awarded at Miss Universe (1997-1998), Miss USA (1998) and Miss Teen USA (1998).
2003 - Beauty For a Cause Award is awarded at Miss Earth.
2007 - Best National Costume is not awarded at Miss Universe.

Crownings

1952 - Armi Kuusela from Finland is crowned Miss Universe 1952 by actress Piper Laurie.
1953 - Christiane Martel from France is crowned Miss Universe 1953 by Julia Adams because the outgoing titleholder was on her honeymoon.
1972 - Kerry Anne Wells from Australia is crowned Miss Universe 1972 by Marisol Malaret, Miss Universe 1970, because Georgina Rizk, Miss Universe 1971, was not allowed to travel to the host city for security reasons.
1975 - Anne Marie Pohtamo from Finland is crowned Miss Universe 1975 by Kerry Anne Wells, Miss Universe 1972, because Amparo Munoz, Miss Universe 1974, did not travel to the host venue.
2002 - Justine Pasek from Panama is crowned Miss Universe 2002 by Donald Trump because Oxana Federova, Miss Universe 2002, was dethroned.

Television

1954 - Miss America is televised for the first time by ABC.
1955-1959 - Miss Universe and Miss USA are televised locally in black and white by a Southern California television station.
1959 - Miss World is televised for the first time by BBC.
1960 - Miss Universe and Miss USA are televised nationally in black and white for the first time by CBS.
1965 - Miss Universe and Miss USA are separated into two distinct events and televised individually for the first time by CBS.
1966 - Miss Universe and Miss USA are televised in color for the first time by CBS.
1972 - Miss Universe and Miss USA are televised internationally via satellite for the first time.
1998 - Miss World is televised after a hiatus by Channel Five.
2001 - Miss Earth is televised for the first time by ABS CBN, and internationally by STAR TV and The Filipino Channel.
2003 - NBC takes over the television rights for and televises Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA for the first time.
2003-2005 - Miss USA contestants compete on NBC's Fear Factor.
2004 - Miss America is televised on network television for the last time by ABC.
2005 - Miss America is televised on cable for the first time by Country Music Television (CMT).
2006 - Miss USA contestants appear as models on NBC's Deal or No Deal.
2006 - Miss America's Outstanding Teen is televised for the first time by The N.
2006-2007 - Miss Earth contestants appear as models on the Philippine version of Deal or No Deal.
2007 - Leading up to Miss America 2007, CMT televises a reality tv show called "Finding Miss America".
2007 - Miss USA contestants appear on NBC's Identity.
2007 - Miss America is dropped by CMT after only two years.
2007 - Miss Teen USA is televised for the last time on NBC.
2008 - Miss USA is televised for the first time in high definition.

Features and Prizes

1955-1960 - The first Miss Universe crown to be used with regularity is used at Miss Universe.
1955-1960 - The first Miss USA crown to be used with regularity is used at Miss USA.
1960 - Miss Universe Creed, "We, the young women of the universe, believe people everywhere are seeking peace, tolerance and mutual understanding. We pledge to spread this message in every way we can, wherever we go", is read at Miss Universe for the first time.
1960 - Parade of Nations is introduced at Miss Universe and features non-finalists.
1961-1962 - The second Miss Universe crown to be used with regularity is used at Miss Universe.
1961-2002 - The second Miss USA crown to be used with regularity is used at Miss USA.
1963-2001 - The third Miss Universe crown to be used with regularity is used at Miss Universe.
1964 - Parade of Nations at Miss Universe features all delegates in alphabetical order for the first time.
1969 - Interpreters for non-English speaking contestants are used at Miss Universe for the first time.
1969 - Sound-proof booth is used at Miss Universe and Miss USA for the first time.
1972 - Miss Universe winner no longer receives the Miss Universe robe.
1973-1980 - Sound-proof booth is not used at Miss Universe and Miss USA.
1978-2002 - Electronic voting is used and semi-final scores are shown on television at Miss Universe.
1979-2002 - Electronic voting is used and semi-final scores are shown on television at Miss USA.
1981 - Sound-proof booth is used at Miss Universe and Miss USA.
1982-1983 - Sound-proof booth is not used at Miss Universe and Miss USA.
1983-2002 - Electronic voting is used and semi-final scores are shown on television at Miss Teen USA.
1984-1985 - Sound-proof booth is used at Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.
1986-1989 - Sound-proof booth is not used at Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.
1987-1997 - Average scores for finalists are shown on television at Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA.
1989 - Parade of Nations at Miss Universe features contestants grouped by region for the first time.
1990 - Miss Universe Creed is read at Miss Universe for the last time.
1992 - Miss World is awarded a sceptor for the last time.
1998 - Average scores for finalists are no longer shown on television at Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA.
2000 - Miss America 2000 receives a gold crown to commemorate the new millennium.
2001 - As a means to distinguish Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA from other pageants, sashes for the three pageants are changed from the common red, white and blue design to silver and white.
2001 - "You Decide" international voting is introduced at Miss World.
2001 - Arnel Papa designs the Miss Earth crown.
2002-2003 - Mikimoto designs new Miss Universe (2002), Miss Teen USA (2002), and Miss USA (2003) crowns and tiaras featuring diamonds and pearls. While the crowns stay with the Miss Universe Organization, Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA winners keep a tiara when their reign is complete.
2003 - Electronic voting and televised scores are dropped from Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA in favor of a traditional balloting system.

Protests, Incidents and Disasters

1970 - Feminist protesters throw flour bombs during Miss World 1970.
1974 - Feminists protest at Miss America.
1974 - An approaching typhoon threatens Miss Universe 1974 in the Philippines. As a means to diffuse the storm, Imelda Marcos, First Lady of the Philippines, calls in the military to seed monsoon clouds.
1979 - Shortly after the Miss Universe telecast is complete, the stage collapses as reporters and contestants flood the stage to congratulate the winner. Eight contestants fall through the stage to the concrete below. Contestants from Malta and Turkey are hospitalized for minor injuries.
1992 - Miss Teen USA is held in Bixoli, Mississippi on the Gulf Coast. Hurricane Andrew prevents Miss Teen USA 1992 from being televised live. Known as the "Hurricane Option", producers hold the pageant early and tape two alternate endings, each with one of the two finalists being announced the winner. The actual winner is not revealed until the taped event is televised with the appropriate alternate ending.
1993 - An earthquake hits host country Mexico, just before Miss Universe 1993 is held.
1993 - Miss USA, Kenya Moore, is booed by the Mexican audience at Miss Universe.
1996 - Miss World is held in Bangalore, India. Protesters force organizers to move swimsuit photo shoots to the Seychelles. Despite the chaos and heavy security, the event is held without incident.
2002 - Miss World is slated to be held in Abuja, Nigeria. Amina Lawal, a Nigerian woman, is sentenced to death by stoning for adultery. Miss World attempted to use the publicity of the event to bring awareness to the issue. After the event's security is threatened by anti-pageant protests and riots, several contestants withdraw and the pageant is moved to London, United Kingdom.
2003 - Vida Samadzai represents Afghanistan at Miss Earth, although she resides in the United States. Her appearance in a bikini causes an uproar in her native country.
2005 - Miss Universe is held in Bangkok, Thailand. Thailand was chosen as the host country of Miss Universe 2005 before a deadly Indian Ocean tsunami devastated the region in late 2004. It was unclear whether Thailand would remain as the host of the pageant. However, as a means to encourage tourists to return to the country, Miss Universe 2005 was indeed held in Thailand. For the first time at Miss Universe, a moment of silence was held in memory of the victims of the tragic event.
2005 - Locals in Thailand protest at Miss Universe 2005 after contestants wearing swimsuits are filmed in front of sacred monuments.
2005 - All four major international pageants are held on the same continent in the same year for the first time. Miss Universe 2005 is held in Thailand. Miss World 2005 is held in China. Miss Earth 2005 is held in the Philippines. Miss International 2005 is held in Japan.
2005 - Pakistan is represented in an international pageant for the first time at Miss Earth. Her participation causes an uproar in her native country.
2007 - Miss USA, Rachel Smith, is booed by the Mexican audience at Miss Universe. Smith also falls during the evening gown competition but recovers with grace and a smile.

Rule Changes

1921-1923 - Miss America contestants are allowed to be married.
1926 - Miss America institutes a new rule which prohibits a contestant from winning the title twice.
1952-1956 - Miss USA contestants are allowed to be married.
1967 - Miss Universe allows contestants to wear hairpieces and falls, although falsies remain grounds for disqualification.
1997 - Contestants are allowed to wear bikinis for the first time at Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA.
2001 - After a transsexual almost wins the right to represent China at Miss Universe, the rules for Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA are changed so that contestants must be natural-born women.

Contestants

1952-1953 - Jeanne Vaughn Thompson represents Louisiana at Miss USA for two years in succession.
1957 - Prior to being dethroned, Mary Leona Gage, Miss USA 1957, had made the semi-finals at Miss Universe. Monica Lamas from Argentina took Gage's place in the semi-finals of Miss Universe 1957.
2005 - Cynthia Kanema from Zambia becomes the first woman to compete at all four major international pageants.

Miss Teen USA at Miss USA

1983 - The Triple Crown of Beauty is founded as the winner of Miss Teen USA is given the option to compete as "Miss Teen USA" at Miss USA. The winner of Miss USA, of course, then competes at Miss Universe.
1997 - After Miss USA 1997 won Miss Universe 1997, Brandi Sherwood, 1st Runner-Up to Miss USA 1997, is crowned Miss USA 1997. Sherwood becomes the first woman to have held both the Miss Teen USA and Miss USA titles.
2002 - Christie Lee Woods, Miss Teen USA 1996, becomes the first Miss Teen USA to compete for but fail to win a Miss USA state title on her first try (Texas) and the first to compete for but never win a Miss USA state title.
2005 - Ashley Coleman, Miss Teen USA 1999, becomes the second Miss Teen USA to compete for but fail to win a Miss USA state title on her first try (California) and the first to compete for a Miss USA state title in a different state than the state that she represented at Miss Teen USA (Delaware).

States and Countries

1992 - District of Columbia does not compete at Miss Teen USA. This marks the first and only time that one of the fifty states or District of Columbia has not been represented at Miss Teen USA.
1999 - Botswana competes at Miss Universe for the first time. Botswana's representative, Mpule Kwelagobe, is crowned Miss Universe 1999. Not including early editions, this is the first and only time that a country has won Miss Universe on its first try.
2003 - Afghanistan competes at Miss Earth, and at any major international pageant for the first time in decades. Afghanistan's representative, Vida Samadzai, competes in a bikini, causing turmoil in the Islamic country.
2004 - Virgin Islands competes at Miss America for the first time.
2006 - Montana makes the semi-finals at and is crowned Miss Teen USA 2006. Prior to 2006, Montana was the only state not to have ever made the semi-finals at Miss Teen USA.

Significant Titleholders

1937 - Bette Cooper, Miss America 1937, disappears with her bachelor chaperone. Rumors suggest Cooper abandoned the crown for love. It is eventually revealed that Cooper wanted to return to school.
1994 - Aishwarya Rai, Miss World 1994, is considered to be the Most Beautiful Woman in the World.
1998 - Irene Saez, Miss Universe 1981, runs for President of Venezuela and loses to Hugo Chavez. Saez is elected mayor Chacao in 1992 and governor of Margarita Island in 1999.
1998 - Linor Abargil, Miss World 1998, reveals that she was raped two months before the pageant. The accused rapist was convicted during Abargil's reign.
2002 - Halle Berry, 1st Runner-Up to Miss USA 1986, becomes the first African-American woman to win a Lead Actress Academy Award for her role in "Monsters Ball".

Famous Figures

1954 - Bernie Wayne writes the theme song for Miss America, "There She Is, Miss America," in an hour.
1955 - Bert Parks hosts Miss America for the first time.
1967 - Bob Barker hosts Miss Universe and Miss USA for the first time.
1979 - Perennial host of Miss America, Bert Parks, is dismissed as a means to give the pageant a younger image.
1987 - Perennial host of Miss Universe and Miss USA, Bob Barker, steps down after officials refuse to stop featuring fur coats as prizes. Ratings for Miss USA decline twenty-nine percent the following year.
1990 - Bert Parks returns to Miss America for the pageant's 70th anniversary.
1994 - Sid Smith retires as producer of Miss USA after more than thirty years.

Information on this page derived from Premium Magazine, Denise's Musicals and Beauty Pageants Page, Pageant Center, Julio Rodriguez's Miss Universe Trivia Quiz, Jimmy's Pageant Page, the Beauty School, and Wikipedia.