What happened in May 1959?
The top front-page story of each day in May 1959, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- May 1🌍 MARS LIFE ALMOST CERTAIN – Scientist cites evidence of vegetation on Mars, suggesting the possibility of life due to seasonal shifts and dust.
- May 2🚀 Rocket Pioneer Honored – New Maryland Space Center is named after Robert Goddard, a key figure in rocket development and space exploration.
- May 3🎨 Art Scene Thrives – Works in shows range from old masters to moderns, showcasing a vibrant art scene in various exhibitions.
- May 4🌍 Pontiff Beatifies Nun – Pope beatifies Mother Marguerite d'Youville, recognizing her miracles and paving her way to potential sainthood.
- May 5🔬 New Virus Drugs Tested – Research indicates liver substance may convert severe illness into milder forms, paving the way for new treatments.
- May 6🔬 Thyroid Hormone Breakthrough – Physicians report potential new drugs from subtle chemical changes in thyroid hormone, promising advancements in medicine.
- May 7📚 Lady Chatterley Seized – Postal inspectors seize copies of 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' for inquiry, raising questions on censorship.
- May 8🏛️ World Health Campaign Urged – Dr. Eisenhower calls for a global health campaign, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in health initiatives.
- May 9🎭 Bolshoi Open Rehearsal – The Bolshoi Ballet presents a rare open rehearsal, inviting dancers and students to witness the performance.
- May 10🏗️ Seattle Monorail Planned – Lockheed to build Seattle's first monorail system to address traffic issues during the upcoming exposition.
- May 11🌪️ Tornadoes Sweep Texas – Twisters cause $250,000 damage in Austin and hit areas in Iowa and Wisconsin, impacting communities severely.
- May 12🚀 New Rocket Fuel Developed – Liquid hydrogen produced with triple the energy of current propellants marks a significant advancement in rocket technology.
- May 13🚀 Astronauts Face Challenges – Seven astronauts prepare for rigorous training before their upcoming space flight, facing a demanding program.
- May 14🏛️ Israel Celebrates Statehood – Israel marks 11 years as a state with a parade in Tel Aviv, celebrating gains despite ongoing trade deficits.
- May 15🔬 U.S. Atom Smasher Planned – Eisenhower announces plans to seek funding for a two-mile-long atom smasher, aiming to advance basic research in nuclear science.
- May 16🔬 Nerve Cell Movie Shown – Neurologists at Columbia Presbyterian are fascinated by a new movie showcasing the behavior of nerve cells.
- May 17🏺 Ancient City Discovered – Danish expedition uncovers ruins of a 3000 B.C. civilization in Bahrain, revealing significant historical insights.
- May 18📚 Illiteracy Risk Reported – UNESCO warns that rising illiteracy poses a significant risk to the Americas as school growth lags behind population increases.
- May 19🌍 U.S. Bookmobile to Moscow – A 2,800-volume collection of American works departs for Moscow, promoting cultural exchange between the U.S. and Soviet Union.
- May 20🛡️ Atomic Pacts Sent – President Eisenhower submits two atomic defense agreements with Britain and France to Congress for approval.
- May 21🏛️ World Refugee Year – White House Conference opens to plan U.S. aid for homeless millions, aiming for funds and new laws.
- May 22🦩 Birdwatching at Refuge – Egrets, ibises, and geese attract birdwatchers to Jamaica Bay, highlighting the area's ecological significance.
- May 23🏛️ Institute Confers Degrees – Rockefeller School awards its first degrees, honoring Bologna and other notable institutions like Oxford and Harvard.
- May 24🔬 Vast Water Work Finished – China completes an irrigation system reported to be equivalent to 774 Suez Canals, enhancing agricultural productivity.
- May 25🌍 Dulles Eulogized Globally – World leaders including Churchill and Nehru pay tribute to John Foster Dulles, honoring his courage and leadership as U.S. Secretary of State.
- May 26🏌️ Americans Win Golf – Coe and nine other Americans triumph in the British Amateur Golf Championship, showcasing strong performances.
- May 27🌅 Solar Halo Sighted – A solar halo phenomenon was observed, caused by tiny ice particles in the Earth's atmosphere, creating a stunning visual effect.
- May 28🏇 Windsor Castle Wins – Miller's Bay triumphs at the Devon Horse Show, marking its third consecutive victory in the jumping class.
- May 29🚀 Monkeys Survive Space Flight – Two monkeys are retrieved alive after a 1,700-mile space flight aboard a U.S. rocket, marking a milestone in space studies.
- May 30🚀 Space Monkeys Fly – Rocketed monkeys arrive in Washington for health checks and press conference; test data reported as encouraging.
- May 31🏠 Israel Expands Homes – New Nazareth houses will serve as permanent quarters for Arab 'internal refugees' in Israel.
Happy Birthday! 1959 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1959 in real headlines. See the 1959 book →