What happened in January 1961?
The top front-page story of each day in January 1961, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Jan 1📚 Project Unifies History – A federal initiative aims to unify records of great Americans, expecting hundreds of books under this plan.
- Jan 2🌍 New Coal Deposits Discovered – New anthracite coal seams found near Mackay Glacier in Antarctica may provide insights into the continent's climate history.
- Jan 3📖 Britain Prints Modern Bible – A contemporary translation of the Bible is set for publication on March 14, aiming to resonate with modern readers.
- Jan 4🌍 Laos Parliament Convenes – Laos' parliament convenes to seek a vote of confidence for the pro-Western regime amid tensions with neighboring countries.
- Jan 5✈️ Jet Overshot Jersey – A hearing revealed that a DC-8 jet overshot its landing, prompting investigations into the air collision's cause.
- Jan 6🧪 New Chancellor Named – Chicago University appoints Beadle, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist, as its new chancellor, marking a significant leadership change.
- Jan 7🚢 Guantanamo Refugee Haven – Guantanamo Base operates an airlift for refugees caught between the U.S. and Cuba amid the ongoing Cuban crisis.
- Jan 8🌍 Massive 'Oui' Vote – French voters overwhelmingly support De Gaulle's Algeria plan, marking a significant moment in the country's political landscape.
- Jan 9🌍 Zionists Urge Migration – Zionists issue a worldwide appeal for Jews to migrate to Israel during a parley in Jerusalem.
- Jan 10🌍 Sikh Leader Ends Fast – Sikh leader concludes a 22-day fast, easing tensions as Nehru announces the release of 5,000 religious figures.
- Jan 11🔬 Work at Panama Canal – Channel is being widened and deepened to accommodate the rising flow of world traffic through the Panama Canal.
- Jan 12🚢 Atom Ship Nears Trials – Tests for a nuclear-powered merchant vessel are scheduled before June, as the area nuclear group discusses advancements.
- Jan 13🌊 Hoover Honored in Florida – Ex-President Herbert Hoover dedicates levees at Lake Okeechobee, which will carry his name, marking a significant infrastructure achievement.
- Jan 14🔬 Scientists Grow Embryo – Italian scientists successfully grow a human embryo in a test-tube experiment lasting 29 days, sparking Vatican criticism.
- Jan 15🏛️ Kennedy Inauguration Preparations – Washington braces for the largest inauguration crowd in history as President-elect John F. Kennedy prepares to take office.
- Jan 16🗺️ Antarctic Maps Near Completion – Navy fliers photograph one of the last unexplored regions of Antarctica, nearing completion of detailed maps.
- Jan 17🔬 Seaborg Leads A.E.C – President Kennedy appoints Glenn T. Seaborg, Nobel laureate, as chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.
- Jan 18🌍 Columbia Basin Treaty – U.S. and Canada sign a significant resources development treaty, enhancing cooperation on water and energy management.
- Jan 19🏏 West Indies Cricket Victory – West Indies team wins 3rd Test match by 222 runs, leveling the series against Australia at 1-1.
- Jan 20🇺🇸 Kennedy's Inauguration Today – John F. Kennedy is inaugurated as the 35th President of the United States amid snow and large crowds in Washington.
- Jan 21🌍 Kennedy Inauguration Day – John F. Kennedy is inaugurated as the 35th President of the United States, marking a new era in American politics.
- Jan 22🔬 Scientists Simplify Atom – Researchers confirm mu meson as a heavy electron, reducing nucleus particles to 31, advancing atomic science.
- Jan 23🌍 New Stock Index Launch – A new stock index covering Europe is introduced, reflecting a 70% increase in issues traded in the Common Market over the last two years.
- Jan 24🌍 Hydrogen Tail Theory – A theory presented suggests a hydrogen 'tail' may trail Earth, extending 20 million miles into space.
- Jan 25🌍 Eisenhower Calls Soviet Insincere – President Eisenhower criticizes Soviet peace overtures, claiming they are insincere and mere repetitions aimed at deceiving Kennedy.
- Jan 26🌍 Global Gala Held – International Education Institute benefits from a gala at Plaza, attended by U.N. aides and dignitaries.
- Jan 27🏊 Kennedy Doctor Prescribes Swim – Dr. Travell, newly appointed, advises President Kennedy to swim daily for health improvement.
- Jan 28🚀 Chimpanzee in Space – A chimpanzee is set for a rocket flight scheduled in a few days, lasting 16 minutes.
- Jan 29🌍 Israel Rushing Water Supply – Israel accelerates plans to tap the Galilee Sea due to the worst drought in 110 years affecting the Negev region.
- Jan 30🌍 Ruanda Declares Independence – Ruanda establishes itself as a republic in a trust region after postponing elections by the U.N.
- Jan 31🚀 Joint Space Plan – Twelve nations convene in Strasbourg to discuss a collaborative British-French launcher for a European satellite.
Happy Birthday! 1961 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1961 in real headlines. See the 1961 book →
Born in January? Pick the day
Every birthday in January has its own On This Day in Headlines book: