What happened in December 1963?
The top front-page story of each day in December 1963, 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✈️ Kitty Hawk Fete – 60th Anniversary of Powered Flight to be celebrated on December 16-17 with various events and activities planned.
- Dec 2🌍 Johnson Visits Kennedy's Grave – President Johnson places red roses at Kennedy's grave, reflecting on the national mourning after the assassination.
- Dec 3🌕 U.S. Calls for Moon Venture – The U.S. renews its call for Soviet cooperation in lunar exploration, suggesting data sharing as a first step.
- Dec 4🔬 Blood Test Breakthrough – New blood test method shows promise in diagnosing diseases by analyzing serum mucoids for tell-tale signs.
- Dec 5📸 Vatican Council Changes – Texts on sacred liturgy and communications adopted by the Ecumenical Council, promoting reforms in church practices and liturgical life.
- Dec 6🏛️ Kennedy Library Fund – Contributions sought for a $6 million goal to establish a memorial library at Harvard for President Kennedy.
- Dec 7📖 Protestant Bible Approved – A Protestant Bible is authorized for use by Britain's Catholics, marking a significant step in interdenominational relations.
- Dec 8🌍 First Antarctic Inspection – Two U.S. teams set to inspect Antarctic bases under treaty terms, including a visit to a Soviet base.
- Dec 9🛩️ Jet Crash Kills 81 – A Pan Am jetliner crashed in Maryland during a storm, resulting in the deaths of 81 passengers and crew members.
- Dec 10🇿🇦 Zanzibar Gains Independence – Zanzibar regains independence from Britain after 73 years, continuing as a member of the Commonwealth.
- Dec 11🚀 Air Force Launch Plans – Air Force announces plans to launch a two-man laboratory attached to a Gemini capsule in 1967.
- Dec 12🇰🇪 Kenya Gains Independence – Kenya celebrates independence from Britain, marking the end of colonial rule and securing a seat in the U.N. amid various challenges ahead.
- Dec 13🦷 Fluoridation Plan Passed – A plan to combat tooth decay through fluoridation is unanimously approved by the Board of Estimate, starting in nine months.
- Dec 14🔬 Cancer Virus Research – Researchers investigate a mysterious virus potentially linked to cancer, exploring its implications for disease understanding.
- Dec 15🏞️ Open Space Preserved – Federal aid helps preserve 55,000 acres of open space across 27 states, promoting environmental conservation efforts.
- Dec 16🔬 X-Rays Detected in Space – Scientists identify sources of X-rays and neutrinos in space, marking a significant advancement in astrophysical research.
- Dec 17🔭 New Cosmic Objects Found – Nine new radio-emitting objects resembling stars are detected at the edge of the cosmos, expanding our understanding of space.
- Dec 18✈️ Air Show Celebrates Wright – An air show marks the 60th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first flight, showcasing five military services and celebrating aviation history.
- Dec 19🌌 Lunar Red Spots Observed – Two sightings of gas eruptions on the moon support Soviet claims, suggesting heat as a possible cause.
- Dec 20🔬 Transplant Surgery Gains – A.M.A. reports significant advancements in organ transplantation, stating most organs can now be successfully transferred.
- Dec 21🎶 'Messiah' Performance Held – 'Messiah' of 1742 performed with Dunn leading the festival chorus in a reconstructed oratorio.
- Dec 22🌍 Celestial Discovery – 'Quasi-stellar' objects identified as the brightest in the universe, marking a significant advancement in astronomical research.
- Dec 23🕊️ Mourning Closes March – Mayor leads 1,000 people up 5th Avenue in a memorial march for President Kennedy, marking the end of the national mourning period.
- Dec 24🌍 Pope on Hunger Crisis – Pope emphasizes that ending hunger is the world's top priority, urging global unity to tackle this pressing issue.
- Dec 25✈️ Idlewild Renamed Airport – Idlewild Airport is rededicated as John F. Kennedy Airport, honoring the late president and marking a significant tribute for the city.
- Dec 26🎉 Christian World Celebrates – Christmas marked with subdued spirit, reflecting on recent events. Churches filled, but fewer worshipers lingered.
- Dec 27🔬 Behavior of Distant Stars – Scientists question basic physics laws as distant star-like objects emit strong signals and exhibit unusual behavior.
- Dec 28🏗️ New Skid-Resistant Tire – A Rockland inventor patents a skid-resistant tire designed to improve driving safety in snowy conditions.
- Dec 29🏆 U.S. Tennis Team Wins – The U.S. tennis team regains the Davis Cup, ending Australia's long reign in the championship.
- Dec 30🏆 Bears Win Championship – Bears defeat Giants 14-10, securing the title with two interceptions of Tittle's passes leading to scores.
- Dec 31🕊️ Soviet Peace Wish – Khrushchev and Brezhnev send a message to President Johnson, expressing hope for peace and cooperation in the coming year.
Happy Birthday! 1963 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1963 in real headlines. See the 1963 book →
Born in December? Pick the day
Every birthday in December has its own On This Day in Headlines book: