What happened in July 1956?
The top front-page story of each day in July 1956, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Jul 1🔬 Universe Expanding Evidence – Astronomers present new evidence suggesting the universe is expanding like a bubble, enhancing our understanding of cosmic evolution.
- Jul 2🌧️ Cloud Seeding Test – Upstate crowers begin cloud seeding tests aimed at converting hail into rain to protect Hudson Valley fruit crops.
- Jul 3🔬 Blast at Atom Plant – Nine injured in a blast at a research center, prompting radiation checks amid public curiosity.
- Jul 4🔭 Mars Approaches Earth – Mars will be closest to Earth on September 7, allowing scientists to study the planet's mysteries since 1924.
- Jul 5🌊 New Sea Code Drafted – International group finalizes a new code for maritime peace, marking a significant step in global maritime law.
- Jul 6🌍 Indonesia Controls Malaria – Indonesia gains control over malaria through an intensive campaign supported by the U.S., marking a significant public health achievement.
- Jul 7🏆 Hoad Wins Wimbledon – Lew Hoad defeats Ken Rosewall in the Wimbledon final, securing his third major title of the year with a score of 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-4.
- Jul 8🏡 New Homes Sold – 25 million in new homes sold in Long Island project, featuring luxury designs and modern amenities.
- Jul 9📈 Socialists Gain Seats – Japanese socialists gain seats in upper house elections as Premier Hatoyama's party loses ground over constitutional issues.
- Jul 10🌍 Quake Hits Aegean – A powerful quake and tidal wave struck the Greek Isles, resulting in at least 42 fatalities and prompting islanders to flee to safety.
- Jul 11🌍 Aegean Earthquake Update – 20 still missing in Aegean quake; death toll on Thera reaches 43, with 60% of islanders homeless after new tremors.
- Jul 12⚖️ Court Voids Synagogue Ban – State High Court ends ban on Sands Point synagogue, marking a significant victory for religious freedom.
- Jul 13🔬 New Device for Ocean Study – Columbia University develops a new corer for sea floor studies, enhancing sediment collection from great depths.
- Jul 14✈️ Plane Crash Kills 45 – A plane crash near Fort Dix claims 45 lives, with women and children among the passengers heading to Britain.
- Jul 15🏗️ Track Opens in Panama – $5,500,000 track opens in Panama with President Arias among dignitaries attending the inaugural event.
- Jul 16🏅 Johnson Shines in Decathlon – U.C.L.A. athlete Johnson impresses by winning A.A.U. title in decathlon despite an injured knee, signaling strong U.S. Olympic potential.
- Jul 17🔬 Milestone Hormone Synthesis – Cornell researchers achieve a significant milestone by synthesizing a second hormone from the pituitary gland.
- Jul 18⚓ New Atomic Ship Planned – Congress agrees on a bill to build a new merchant atomic ship, estimated to cost $40 million.
- Jul 19🏛️ Gold Coast Vote Won – Nkrumah's party secures victory to adopt the Freedom Act in a peaceful election in the Gold Coast.
- Jul 20🚀 Latins Aid in Space – U.S. scientists in Rio de Janeiro request Latin American cooperation for tracking Earth satellites.
- Jul 21🖼️ New Cave Art Found – Cavern in Southwest France reveals paintings estimated to be 25,000 years old, showcasing early artistic expression.
- Jul 22📚 G.B. Shaw Centenary – The centenary of playwright George Bernard Shaw's birth is celebrated, highlighting his enduring impact on literature and theater.
- Jul 23🌍 117 Killed in India – A devastating earthquake in India results in 117 deaths and 800 missing, with significant destruction reported in a coastal town.
- Jul 24🎶 Candlelight Concert Held – The Transylvania Group performed a 'Candlelight Concert' in Asheville, North Carolina, showcasing local musical talent.
- Jul 25🦖 Museum Renames Hall – Natural History Hall is renamed for Tyrannosaurus Rex after refurbishment, highlighting the iconic dinosaur.
- Jul 26🌾 Moscow Expects Record Harvest – Khrushchev tours key farm areas, urging workers to achieve a record grain harvest amid agricultural reforms.
- Jul 27🚢 Rescue Ships Arrive – Four ships, including Ile de France, bring 753 survivors from the Andrea Doria disaster, with no mass panic reported.
- Jul 28🚢 Doria Survivors Rescued – Survivors of the Andrea Doria shipwreck arrive in Stockholm after the collision, with 8 confirmed dead and many missing.
- Jul 29🚢 Doria Ship Tragedy – 20 confirmed dead and 64 unaccounted for after the Italian liner Doria collision. Inquiry into safety protocols expected.
- Jul 30🔬 Evidence of Ancient Civilization – U.S. archaeologist discovers flint tools in Negev, indicating a 20th century B.C. civilization.
- Jul 31🚢 President Backs Atom Ship – President Eisenhower signs a bill authorizing the construction of an atomic cargo ship, emphasizing its role as a 'tool of peace'.
Happy Birthday! 1956 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1956 in real headlines. See the 1956 book →
Born in July? Pick the day
Every birthday in July has its own On This Day in Headlines book: