What happened in April 1960?
The top front-page story of each day in April 1960, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Apr 1🌊 Flood Threatens Regions – Thousands flee as rivers rise from Nebraska to the East, threatening areas including Pittsburgh with severe flooding.
- Apr 2🏀 N.C.A.A. All-Stars Win – N.C.A.A. All-Stars defeat Akron 103-88, advancing to the finals in Olympic trials, showcasing collegiate basketball talent.
- Apr 3🏗️ Bridge Proposed Across Channel – A 21-mile bridge across the English Channel is proposed, estimated to cost $560 million and take five years to build.
- Apr 4🌍 Japan-Korea Trade Resumes – Japan and Korea plan to resume trade talks aimed at establishing normal diplomatic ties, signaling a potential thaw in relations.
- Apr 5🌍 French Nuclear Tests End – France informs the UN that its nuclear tests are concluded, indicating a shift in its military strategy and international relations.
- Apr 6🚗 Car Sales Surge – March car sales show a significant increase, with some manufacturers reporting record retail numbers.
- Apr 7🚀 Pioneer V Launches – Pioneer V starts its journey to explore the solar system, leaving Earth behind in a significant space mission.
- Apr 8🛰️ Vehicles for Mars – Experts discuss designs for collapsible trucks, planes, and helicopters for potential use on Mars.
- Apr 9🏛️ Prince Baptized in Palace – A British prince, Andrew, is baptized in a palace ceremony with water from the Jordan River, attended by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
- Apr 10🏛️ Youth Bias Conference – White House Conference urges measures to combat prejudice and promote equality among youth.
- Apr 11🔬 Satellite Sees Hurricane – TIROS satellite identifies a hurricane 800 miles east of Australia, marking a significant achievement in weather observation.
- Apr 12🌍 Racial Tensions Rise – Fear and hatred grip Birmingham as racial tensions escalate following sit-ins, highlighting the civil rights struggle.
- Apr 13⚾ Braves Win Season Opener – Adcock's 8th-inning home run leads Milwaukee Braves to a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates before 39,888 fans.
- Apr 14🏟️ Dome for Stadium – Plans for a dome over Shea Stadium are underway as officials negotiate with companies for construction materials.
- Apr 15🔬 39 World Records Ratified – 39 world records in track and field were ratified, including 8 by American athletes and 19 by Soviet stars.
- Apr 16🌍 Conakry Parley on Apartheid – African-Asian meeting calls for total isolation of South Africa, condemning apartheid policies.
- Apr 17🖼️ Prado Expanding – Spanish Museum adds new rooms and hall, acquiring major works to enhance its collection.
- Apr 18🎹 Pianist Allen Brown Recital – Allen Brown showcases his versatility in a recital featuring works by Beethoven and various folklore pieces.
- Apr 19🌊 Seaway Opens Season – Canada's freighter Lemoyne is the first vessel through the locks as traffic resumes in the St. Lawrence Seaway.
- Apr 20🌍 Civil Rights Bill Advances – The House Rules Committee clears the path for a vote on the Senate version of the Civil Rights Bill.
- Apr 21🏗️ Rail Tunnels Proposed – Plans for a $280 million rail tunnel project under the Channel are outlined, aiming to connect Britain and France.
- Apr 22🏛️ Brazil Dedicates Capital – All branches of government meet in Brasilia for its dedication, receiving a salute from President Eisenhower.
- Apr 23🔬 Glial Cells Role – Swedish scientist reveals tests showing glial cells nourish nerve cells, advancing understanding of brain functions.
- Apr 24🌍 Yugoslav Economic Boom – Yugoslav leaders forecast a significant economic boom, raising hopes for an improved standard of living over the next five years.
- Apr 25🎭 Ballet Season Finale – City Troupe concludes its season with a performance of a new work by renowned choreographer George Balanchine.
- Apr 26🌍 1,500 Feared Dead – A devastating earthquake hits Iran during a youth festival, resulting in a toll of 1,500 dead and 3,000 injured.
- Apr 27🌕 U.S. Maps Moon Payload – NASA contracts for a 300-pound package to study the lunar surface, marking a significant step in space exploration.
- Apr 28🌌 Pioneer V Upsets Theory – Pioneer V discovers a decline in cosmic rays 5 million miles from Earth, challenging existing scientific theories.
- Apr 29🌞 Solar Flare Photos – Sun photos captured by X-ray camera reveal magnetic flares, aiding study of solar activity and its impacts.
- Apr 30🚀 Space Fund Increase – Senate committee approves $55 million increase for space funding to exploit recent breakthroughs in technology.
Happy Birthday! 1960 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1960 in real headlines. See the 1960 book →