What happened in June 1961?
The top front-page story of each day in June 1961, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Jun 1🌍 Kennedy and de Gaulle Meet – Presidents Kennedy and de Gaulle agree to defend Berlin against Soviet threats, discussing crises in Asia and Africa.
- Jun 2🗼 Kennedy Meets de Gaulle – President Kennedy discusses NATO defense issues with French President de Gaulle in Paris, focusing on European nuclear strategy.
- Jun 3🚢 Navy Ships in Crisis – U.S. Navy deploys 40 vessels to the Caribbean amid the Trujillo crisis, prepared to evacuate Americans if necessary.
- Jun 4🎾 Davis Cup Tennis Wins – Britain, South Africa, West Germany, and Poland advance in the Davis Cup, with Wilson key in Britain's victory over Austria.
- Jun 5🇬🇧 Kennedy's London Visit – Crowds in London greet President Kennedy and his wife during their visit, as he prepares to be godfather to his niece.
- Jun 6🌍 Kennedy-Macmillan Meeting – Kennedy and Macmillan discuss Laos, emphasizing U.S.-U.K. cooperation amid Cold War tensions. The meeting is deemed fruitful for future negotiations.
- Jun 7🖼️ Rembrandt Auction Planned – 'Million-Dollar' Rembrandt to be auctioned in a group of 23 paintings this fall, attracting significant interest.
- Jun 8🔬 Major RNA Breakthrough – N.Y.U. scientist synthesizes a 'Messenger' form of RNA, hailed as a significant advance in understanding the secret of life.
- Jun 9📚 Soviet Exhibit Features Twain – An exhibit in the Soviet Union showcases American classics, including Mark Twain's works, highlighting cultural exchange.
- Jun 10🌍 U.N. Condemns Portugal – The U.N. voted 9-0 urging Portugal to end repression in Angola, with the U.S. backing a resolution for an investigation.
- Jun 11🌍 Economic Council Test – U.S. and European nations initiate a key economic council to address potential financial crises collaboratively.
- Jun 12🌍 East-West Talks Resume – East-West discussions on Laos resume in Geneva, with U.S. and France supporting a cease-fire appeal.
- Jun 13🌍 Congo Crisis Ends – U.N. reports that the crisis in Congo has passed, providing $10 million to support the Kasavubu regime.
- Jun 14⚡ Power Outage Crisis – A major power failure in Midtown New York City halts subways and elevators during a record heatwave, affecting thousands.
- Jun 15🌍 Peace Corps Projects Begin – The Peace Corps selects 27 men for its first projects in Colombia and Tanganyika, marking a significant step in international volunteerism.
- Jun 16🏆 Brue Leads National Open – Brue captures the lead in the National Open Golf with a 69, the only sub-par round, as competitors trail behind.
- Jun 17🏗️ Machinery Stars at Fair – Poznan's fair showcases industrial machinery, marking a shift from propaganda to technological displays.
- Jun 18🏆 Littler Wins U.S. Open – Littler captures the U.S. Open Golf Title with a final round score of 68, finishing at 281, ahead of Goalby and Sanders.
- Jun 19🚂 Train Derailment Tragedy – 32 dead and 153 injured as a train derails in France, with rescue efforts supported by U.S. soldiers.
- Jun 20🌪️ Hurricane Study Initiated – N.Y.U. begins a study on hurricanes, aiming to find ways to weaken or divert storms with a U.S. grant of $228,000.
- Jun 21🌍 Congo Leaders Call Parliament – Kasavubu and Gizenga's aides set a parliamentary session for Sunday amid tensions in Katanga.
- Jun 22🚀 Rocket Collects Dust – Air Force's Venus Flytrap vehicle collects space dust, revealing a dense band of particles, significantly higher than previous estimates.
- Jun 23⚡ Power Line Voltage Record – New test system in Virginia sets a record voltage, marking a significant advancement in electrical engineering.
- Jun 24🌾 Corn Meal Popularity – Corn meal is widely used in regional dishes across America, with recipes for Indian pudding and cornbreads shared.
- Jun 25🏦 New Mortgage Market Planned – Banks propose new private institutions to boost lending not insured by the U.S., supported by Kennedy aides.
- Jun 26📈 Mark Change Paradox – Germany's currency revaluation shows desired effects, yet global exchanges remain nervous about the implications.
- Jun 27🌊 Kennedy's Salt-Water Plan – President Kennedy urges Congress to expedite federal projects on saline conversion, promising benefits for humanity.
- Jun 28🎾 Richey Bows at Wimbledon – Nancy Richey loses in a thrilling Wimbledon match to Australian champion Margaret Smith in three sets.
- Jun 29🔬 Scientist Reports Hepatitis Strains – A scientist announces the isolation of two hepatitis strains, which may help in producing protective antibodies.
- Jun 30🏌️ Wright and Prentice Lead – Misses Wright and Prentice share the lead in the Women's U.S. Open at Baltusrol, both recording 72's.
Happy Birthday! 1961 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1961 in real headlines. See the 1961 book →