What happened in March 1961?
The top front-page story of each day in March 1961, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Mar 1🔬 Rheumatic Fever Study – Studies indicate antibiotics can significantly reduce the recurrence of rheumatic fever, debunking two long-held myths.
- Mar 2🌍 Kennedy Establishes Peace Corps – President Kennedy creates the U.S. Peace Corps, aiming to send volunteers abroad to assist in development projects.
- Mar 3🚀 Moon Exploration Plans – U.S. plans 12 lunar shots to explore the Moon, with additional probes to Venus and Mars expected soon.
- Mar 4🚀 Economy Rocket Test – Blue Scout successfully lifts a 172-pound payload to 1,580 miles in a study of radiation effects.
- Mar 5🎹 Kushner's Recital – Pianist Leon Kushner performs works by Beethoven, Schumann, and Stravinsky at Town Hall, showcasing classical music talent.
- Mar 6📡 Phone Satellite Feasibility – Lockheed study claims phone satellite system could be profitable by the 1970s, marking a significant technological advancement.
- Mar 7🔬 Kennedy Orders Equal Rights – President Kennedy mandates equal job rights in federal work, combining committees for broader enforcement.
- Mar 8✈️ X-15 Sets Speed Record – The X-15 rocket plane achieved a record speed of 2,650 mph during a 9-minute test flight, showcasing advancements in aerospace technology.
- Mar 9🧠 Insanity Bill Passed – Assembly broadens grounds for insanity defense in criminal cases, reflecting advancements in psychiatric understanding.
- Mar 10🏙️ Polo Grounds Demolition – Polo Grounds set for demolition to make way for a low-rent housing project, addressing a vital city need.
- Mar 11🎭 Pupils Enjoy Shakespeare – 600 students applaud excerpts from three Shakespeare plays during a Theatre in Education tour.
- Mar 12🌸 230,000 Visitors Attend – A record 230,000 visitors attend a nine-day flower show, showcasing horticultural excellence and attracting special transport services.
- Mar 13🔬 Moho Test Success – Test for Moho called a success with ocean bottom cores taken at 3,000 feet depth, one measuring 310 feet long.
- Mar 14🌍 Venus Data Suggests Life – Soviet astronomers find evidence of oxygen in Venus' atmosphere, hinting at Earth-like conditions, though life remains doubtful.
- Mar 15🚀 Soviet Space Plans – Khrushchev announces that the Soviet Union will soon place a man in orbit, marking a significant step in the space race.
- Mar 16🌌 Paris Bids Rebels Talks – Paris drops cease-fire demand, inviting Algerian rebels to formal talks, aiming for resolution in the ongoing conflict.
- Mar 17🔬 U.S. Gets Signal Back – NASA successfully receives radar signals from Venus, marking a significant achievement in space exploration.
- Mar 18📚 U.S.-Soviet Scholar Exchange – U.S. and Soviet Union agree to exchange scholars in the humanities, fostering cultural collaboration.
- Mar 19🌍 New Guinea Votes – Tribesmen in New Guinea participate in their first-ever vote for council members, marking a significant step towards self-rule.
- Mar 20🔬 Cancer Treatment Breakthrough – Promising results in breast cancer treatment found using a drug combined with surgery, reducing recurrence rates.
- Mar 21🏛️ Housing Bias Bill Passed – New legislation to curb discrimination in housing transactions is assured of the governor's approval in Albany.
- Mar 22❤️ Artificial Heart Progress – Studies indicate that 50 watts of power can be induced through the chest wall, advancing artificial heart technology.
- Mar 23🕊️ U.S.-Soviet Arms Talks – U.S. and Soviet Union set to resume arms negotiations in Geneva, aiming to address global disarmament concerns.
- Mar 24🚀 Deep Space Probe Planned – U.S. announces plans for a deep space probe to ascend 100,000 miles to study magnetic fields and solar gas.
- Mar 25♟️ Botvinnik Leads Chess Game – World Chess Champion Botvinnik is ahead of challenger Tal after the 41st move in their fifth title match.
- Mar 26🔬 Electronic Parts Miniaturization – Molecular circuits open new paths in miniaturization, leading to smaller electronic components and advancements in technology.
- Mar 27🌍 Peace Corps Interests India – India expresses hope and caution regarding the U.S. Peace Corps plan, the largest recipient of U.S. economic aid.
- Mar 28🔭 Satellite Telescope Launch – U.S. plans to launch a satellite to track elusive gamma rays in space, marking a significant advancement in astronomical research.
- Mar 29🌍 Galbraith Approved – Economist John Kenneth Galbraith confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to India, alongside eight other envoys approved by the Senate.
- Mar 30🔬 Protein Synthesis Achieved – Synthesis of protein accomplished under controlled conditions, allowing for further scientific study and advancements.
- Mar 31🌍 U.S. Pledges UN Aid – The U.S. commits to cover half of the $120 million bill for UN operations in Congo, easing financial burdens on the organization.
Happy Birthday! 1961 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1961 in real headlines. See the 1961 book →
Born in March? Pick the day
Every birthday in March has its own On This Day in Headlines book: