Discover what happened on September 29 in history as scientific institutions pushed new boundaries, television favorites made their debuts, major events changed everyday life, and remarkable achievements helped shape the world we know today.
What Happened on September 29 in History?
On this day, CERN officially came into existence, the Chicago Tylenol poisonings led to major changes in consumer packaging, Space Shuttle Discovery returned Americans to space, and Nintendo launched the Nintendo 64 in North America.
SEPTEMBER 29 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1789 – Congress formally established the United States Army under the new Constitution, authorizing a small standing force of several hundred soldiers.
1916 – Standard Oil founder John D. Rockefeller became the world’s first person widely recognized as having a fortune exceeding $1 billion.
1930 – Journalist and broadcaster Lowell Thomas began his long-running network radio news career on CBS. He would become one of America’s best-known radio voices.
1951 – A college football game between Duke and Pittsburgh became the first live sporting event televised coast-to-coast in the United States. Pittsburgh defeated Duke 14–13.
1953 – Make Room for Daddy, starring Michigan-born entertainer Danny Thomas, premiered on ABC. The series was later renamed The Danny Thomas Show.
1954 – CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, officially came into existence when its founding convention entered into force. The laboratory would become one of the world’s leading centers for particle physics.
1960 – My Three Sons, starring Fred MacMurray, premiered on ABC. The popular family sitcom eventually moved to CBS and ran for 12 seasons.
1963 – My Favorite Martian, starring Ray Walston and Bill Bixby, premiered on CBS.
1966 – Chevrolet introduced the new Camaro for the 1967 model year. During development, “Panther” had been among the names considered for the new car designed to compete with Ford’s Mustang.
1978 – Pope John Paul I was found dead in his Vatican apartment only 33 days after becoming pope, giving him one of the shortest papacies in modern history.
1982 – The first deaths in the Chicago Tylenol poisonings were reported after Extra-Strength Tylenol capsules had been deliberately laced with cyanide. Seven people ultimately died, triggering a nationwide recall and major changes in tamper-resistant consumer packaging.
1985 – MacGyver, starring Richard Dean Anderson as the famously resourceful secret agent, premiered on ABC.
1986 – Designing Women, starring Dixie Carter, Delta Burke, Annie Potts and Jean Smart, premiered on CBS.
1988 – Space Shuttle Discovery launched on STS-26, returning Americans to space after a 32-month hiatus following the Challenger disaster. The mission was the first shuttle flight using redesigned solid rocket boosters.
1989 – Zsa Zsa Gabor was convicted of battery for slapping a Beverly Hills police officer who had stopped her Rolls-Royce. She later served three days in jail.
1992 – Magic Johnson announced plans to return to the Los Angeles Lakers after retiring the previous year following his HIV diagnosis. He abandoned the comeback before the regular season began but later returned to the NBA briefly in 1996.
1996 – Nintendo launched the Nintendo 64 video game console in North America, introducing American players to games including Super Mario 64.
2000 – Remember the Titans, starring Denzel Washington, opened in theaters.
2001 – Saturday Night Live returned for its first episode following the September 11 attacks. New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani appeared with first responders, and Paul Simon performed “The Boxer” during the show’s solemn opening.
2008 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 777.68 points after the U.S. House rejected a proposed $700 billion financial rescue package amid the worsening financial crisis. At the time, it was the largest one-day point decline in Dow history.
2013 – Breaking Bad aired its series finale, “Felina,” ending the acclaimed drama’s five-season run.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON SEPTEMBER 29:
Tom McKeown – 88 years old (1937) – Poet and educator
Oscar H. Ibarra – 84 years old (1941) – Filipino-American theoretical computer scientist
Robert Lieber – 84 years old (1941) – Writer and academic
Bill Nelson – 83 years old (1942) – Politician
Mike Post – 81 years old (1944) – Composer and producer
Lella Cuberli – 80 years old (1945) – Soprano
Arturo Lindsay – 79 years old (1946) – Panamanian-American artist
Mark Farner – 77 years old (1948) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Bryant Gumbel – 77 years old (1948) – Journalist and sportscaster
John M. McHugh – 77 years old (1948) – Politician
Douglas Frantz – 76 years old (1949) – Investigative journalist and author
Pete Hautman – 73 years old (1952) – Author
Max Sandlin – 73 years old (1952) – Lawyer, judge, and politician
Janis F. Kearney – 72 years old (1953) – Author, lecturer and publisher
Marshall Holman – 71 years old (1954) – Bowler and sportscaster
Harry E. Johnson – 71 years old (1954) – Lawyer and public servant
Geoffrey Marcy – 71 years old (1954) – Astronomer
Ann Bancroft – 70 years old (1955) – Explorer and author
Joe Donnelly – 70 years old (1955) – Politician and lawyer
Susanne Antonetta – 69 years old (1956) – Poet and author
Suzzy Roche – 69 years old (1956) – Singer-songwriter and actress
Andrew Dice Clay – 68 years old (1957) – Comedian and actor
Joel Gallen – 68 years old (1957) – Director, producer and screenwriter
Pete Fromm – 67 years old (1958) – Author
Andy Straka – 67 years old (1958) – Author
Karen Young – 67 years old (1958) – Actress
Marissa Moss – 66 years old (1959) – Author
Rob Deer – 65 years old (1960) – Baseball player
John Paxson – 65 years old (1960) – Basketball player and executive
Roger Bart – 63 years old (1962) – Actor
Les Claypool – 62 years old (1963) – Bass player, singer, songwriter, and producer
Francis Jue – 62 years old (1963) – Actor and singer
PJ Manney – 61 years old (1964) – Writer
Suzanne Kamata – 60 years old (1965) – Author and educator
Robert F. Worth – 60 years old (1965) – Journalist
Hersey Hawkins – 59 years old (1966) – Basketball player and coach
Ken Norton Jr. – 59 years old (1966) – Football player and coach
Jill Whelan – 59 years old (1966) – Actress
Darius de Haas – 57 years old (1968) – Stage actor and singer
Adam Segal – 57 years old (1968) – Cybersecurity expert
Erika Eleniak – 56 years old (1969) – Model and actress
Robert Kurzban – 56 years old (1969) – Author and professor
Carlos Watson – 56 years old (1969) – Entrepreneur, journalist and television host
Natasha Gregson Wagner – 55 years old (1970) – Actress
Joanna Brooks – 54 years old (1971) – Author and professor
Ray Buchanan – 54 years old (1971) – Football player
Theodore Shapiro – 54 years old (1971) – Composer
Alexis Cruz – 51 years old (1974) – Actor
Dedric Ward – 51 years old (1974) – Football wide receiver
Stephanie Klein – 50 years old (1975) – Author
Heath Bell – 48 years old (1977) – Baseball player
Nathan West – 47 years old (1978) – Actor, musician, and singer
Zachary Levi – 45 years old (1980) – Actor and singer
Chrissy Metz – 45 years old (1980) – Actress
Kelly McCreary – 44 years old (1981) – Actress
Calvin Johnson – 40 years old (1985) – Football player
Inika McPherson – 39 years old (1986) – Track and field athlete
Josh Farro – 38 years old (1987) – Musician
Kevin Durant – 37 years old (1988) – Basketball player
Doug Brochu – 35 years old (1990) – Voice actor
Jordan Schroeder – 35 years old (1990) – Ice hockey player
Halsey – 31 years old (1994) – Singer
Sasha Lane – 30 years old (1995) – Actress
Jaden McDaniels – 25 years old (2000) – Basketball player
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR SEPTEMBER 29:
- National Coffee Day: A beverage that makes the world go round! The aroma, the taste, the energy boost — a good cup of coffee can make every day a little brighter!
- International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste: Minimizing excess and valuing sustenance, addressing this global challenge preserves resources and ensures nourishment for all, fostering a responsible legacy.
- National Starbucks Day: Aromatically invigorating and a great way to kickstart your day, this popular beverage is an essential part of daily routines for many.
- International Happy Goose Day: Savoring that succulent bird, with its rich, tender meat and a crispy skin, is like having a delightful culinary adventure!
- Launceston Cup: The Launceston Cup is a major event that transforms the city into a vibrant hub of excitement and celebration. Held at the Ladbrokes Racing Centre in Mowbray, this day is a highlight of the Tasmanian Summer Racing Carnival. Visitors and locals alike flock to the event, drawn by the thrilling...
- National Silent Movie Day: Have you ever watched a movie where the drama unfolds without a single word spoken aloud? That's the magic of silent films, celebrated each year on September 29th as National Silent Movie Day. This day pays tribute to the era when movies spoke volumes through gestures and expressions alone, captivating...
- National Police Remembrance Day: National Police Remembrance Day serves as a vital moment for communities to honor and remember police officers who have lost their lives. On this day, we acknowledge their bravery and dedication to protecting the public. Many people pause to reflect on the significant risks police face daily and the ultimate...
- Confucius Day: How to Celebrate Confucius Day Confucius Day comes with many opportunities for enjoying the day and paying homage to its namesake. Consider some of these ideas for celebrating: Read Confucius’ Writings Spending some time studying the writings of and quotes by Confucius is a super way to celebrate Confucius Day...
- Michaelmas: Many celebrate Michaelmas on September 29th every year, a day honoring Archangel Michael and marking the transition into autumn. Michael, known as a protector against darkness, represents courage as the nights grow longer. This day, deeply rooted in Christian tradition, reflects themes of good overcoming evil as Michael famously battled...
- Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day: Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day shines a light on the green spaces quietly thriving in and around busy cities. These refuges are part of a national effort to protect nature close to where people live. They're often located just a short drive or bus ride away, making them easy to...
- International Day of Bids and Proposals: Navigating business opportunities, crafting compelling presentations captivates stakeholders, shaping success in a competitive landscape.
- National Compliance Officer Day: National Compliance Officer Day honors the professionals dedicated to keeping businesses honest, fair, and on the right track. These are the people behind the scenes who read the fine print, ask tough questions, and make sure everyone plays by the rules. They look out for signs of trouble before anything...
- Fairtrade Fortnight: Supporting Fairtrade, means contributing to a more sustainable and equitable global market. Plus, you get to enjoy some delicious products!
- National Biscotti Day: Put together your own dream recipe for biscotti and add this delicious, crunchy treat to your repertoire—or just go get some at a bakery or store, that’s fine too.
- Olive Festival in Albania: The Olive Festival in Albania is a vibrant celebration of one of the country's most cherished products, the olive. This event highlights the cultural and economic significance of olive cultivation, drawing locals and tourists alike to experience the region's deep-rooted traditions. The festival showcases olives' diverse uses, from delicious oils...
- World Heart Day: Nurturing the body's lifeline, embracing vitality through mindful choices, and safeguarding the rhythm that fuels each beat of life.
- VFW Day: VFW Day honors the Veterans of Foreign Wars, an organization dedicated to supporting those who have served in overseas conflicts. It's more than just a tribute to veterans; it's a celebration of their continued dedication to each other and their communities. The VFW has been a voice for veterans, advocating...
- Rtveli: Rtveli is a vibrant grape harvest festival celebrated across Georgia. It is a joyful blend of hard work and celebration. It's a time when people unite to collect the fruits of their labor and honor the cultural heritage of winemaking that has been cherished for generations. The festival extends beyond...
- Fiesta de San Pacho: Fiesta de San Pacho is a vibrant celebration that fills the streets of Quibdó with music, dance, and color. The festival honors Saint Francis of Assisi, blending Catholic traditions with Afro-Colombian culture uniquely and joyfully. As the day unfolds, the city becomes a stage where people showcase their rich heritage...
- Hispanic Heritage Month: Join an event, forum, or exhibition for Hispanic Heritage Month, and appreciate the art, history, and cultural offerings of this rich and expansive heritage.
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