December 1966 · day by day

What happened in December 1966?

The top front-page story of each day in December 1966, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.

Dec 1🌕 Orbiter 2 Moon Close-up – Orbiter 2 transmits a stunning photographic close-up of a crater on the Moon, showcasing advancements in space exploration.
Dec 2🌍 Thant's Wider Role – U.N. Council plans to expand U Thant's role for peace in his new term, marking a significant diplomatic shift.
Dec 3🚗 Electric Car Future – Professor predicts electric cars could be available in 10 years, aiming to reduce noise and pollution.
Dec 4🌍 U.S.-Mexican Cooperation – President Johnson and Mexican President Diaz Ordaz celebrate the Amistad Dam project, highlighting U.S.-Mexican ties as a model for Latin America.
Dec 5🏛️ Florence After Floods – Floods in Florence recede, revealing extensive damage to art and archives, raising concerns for cultural preservation.
Dec 6🌍 Oil Found in Egypt – A significant oil discovery in the Egyptian desert by Phillips sparks hopes for further exploration and production.
Dec 7🏛️ Justice Dudley Appointed – Justice Dudley is named to lead the city's criminal court system, with other judicial promotions announced.
Dec 8🎨 America's Water-Color Heritage – Retrospective exhibition showcasing America's water-color artistry opens at the Metropolitan Museum.
Dec 9🛰️ Historic Space Accord – U.S. and Soviet Union reach a significant agreement on space exploration at the U.N., paving the way for future cooperation.
Dec 10🌍 Pacific Nickel Monopoly Ends – The Pacific Nickel Monopoly concludes as Chile joins the copper concern, marking a significant shift in global mineral markets.
Dec 11🌍 Soviet Gas Sales Surge – Soviet Union seeks to increase its role in Europe's fuel market through new pipelines and pressing sales of natural gas.
Dec 12🌍 East-West Trade Value – Kohler emphasizes the importance of East-West trade, discussing its benefits to the U.S. in a speech to the Florida Legion.
Dec 13⛵ Briton Sails to Sydney – A 65-year-old Briton completes a solo sailing journey of 13,750 miles to Sydney in just 107 days.
Dec 14🛰️ Global Party Line Test – A satellite successfully sets up a ground-to-plane global party line, enhancing hopes for flight safety advancements.
Dec 15🗳️ Spaniards Vote 'Yes' – Spaniards flock to polls, approving a new constitution under Franco, marking a significant political shift in Spain's governance.
Dec 16📜 Israel Receives Torahs – Israel receives Rumanian Torahs for distribution to synagogues, marking a significant cultural and religious event.
Dec 17⚛️ Atomic Era Dawn – Weston, Illinois, celebrates its selection for a U.S. accelerator, marking the start of its atomic era.
Dec 18🏔️ New Swiss Ski Resort – The old Swiss village of Zinal has been transformed into a modern ski center, offering comfort and amenities for visitors.
Dec 19🏆 Ex-King Saud Arrives – Ex-King Saud of Saudi Arabia arrives in Cairo with a large entourage, receiving a warm welcome as a permanent guest.
Dec 20🏀 Israel Wins Basketball Title – Israel captures the Asian Games basketball title, defeating Thailand 90-42, while India excels in field hockey.
Dec 21🏅 Japan Dominates Asian Games – Japan captures 78 gold medals, marking a colorful conclusion to the 12-day Asian Games held in Bangkok.
Dec 22🏔️ U.S. Climbs Antarctic Peak – A U.S. team of 10 becomes the first to reach the summit of Vinson Massif, the highest known peak in Antarctica at 16,860 feet.
Dec 23🚀 Apollo Crews Named – NASA selects six astronauts and alternates for two Apollo missions in 1967, paving the way for future moon landings.
Dec 24🌾 Wheat Prices Tumble – Wheat and soybean futures prices drop on the Chicago Board, linked to a USDA forecast predicting a 20% increase in winter wheat.
Dec 25🌕 Soviet Rocket Lands – Luna 13, a Soviet spacecraft, successfully lands on the Moon and begins relaying data, marking a significant achievement in space exploration.
Dec 26🎁 Gifts to Neediest Reach – Donations for the needy total $618,102, with children contributing $3 through caroling efforts across the city.
Dec 27🌍 Worldwide Patent System Urged – A presidential commission calls for a global patent system to enhance innovation and protect intellectual property rights.
Dec 28🌾 Soviet Harvests Peak Crop – Soviet Minister credits reforms for record grain yield of 171 million tons, surpassing expectations.
Dec 29📚 Nobel Prize Welcome – Israelis celebrate the return of Nobel laureate Shmuel Agnon, who shares stories from his recent tour.
Dec 30🏛️ Archeological Discovery – Archeologists announced the discovery of a picture-panel in a sunken room off the Grecian coast, revealing ancient artifacts.
Dec 31🏛️ Rockefeller Takes Oath – Nelson Rockefeller is sworn in for a third term as U.S. Governor, becoming the only three-time governor with a four-year term.

Happy Birthday! 1966 – The Year in Headlines

The whole of 1966 in real headlines. See the 1966 book →

Born in December? Pick the day

Every birthday in December has its own On This Day in Headlines book:

Dec 1
Dec 2
Dec 3
Dec 4
Dec 5
Dec 6
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Dec 8
Dec 9
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Dec 11
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Dec 31