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March 28 in History: Three Mile Island Accident, “Ed Sullivan Show” Ends, and “Futurama” Debuts

Scott Winters March 28, 2026 1 Comment

Discover what happened on March 28 in history, along with notable events that shaped technology, entertainment, and global headlines.

What Happened on March 28 in History?

Important events on this day include the Three Mile Island nuclear accident, the final episode of The Ed Sullivan Show, and the debut of Futurama.

MARCH 28 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1797 – Nathaniel Briggs patented a washing machine.

1865 – Outdoor advertising legislation was enacted in New York, NY. The law banned “painting on stones, rocks and trees”.

1885 – The Salvation Army was officially organized in the United States.

1898 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a child born in the United States to Chinese immigrants was a U.S. citizen. This meant that they could not be deported under the Chinese Exclusion Act.

1904 – The Great Flood of 1904 — The Grand River spilled over the low lying areas of the city of Grand Rapids, MI. 2,500 houses were flooded. Half of the entire west side of the city was flooded.

1908 – Automobile owners lobbied Congress, supporting a bill that called for vehicle licensing and federal registration.

1917 – During World War I, the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) was founded.

1921 – President Warren Harding named William Howard Taft as chief justice of the United States Supreme Court.

1922 – Bradley A. Fiske patented a microfilm reading device.

1938 – In Italy, psychiatrists demonstrated the use of electric-shock therapy for treatment of certain mental illnesses.

1947 – The American Helicopter Society revealed a flying device that could be strapped to a person’s body.

1962 – The U.S. Air Force announced research into the use of lasers to intercept missiles and satellites.

1963 – Sonny Werblin announced that the New York Titans of the American Football League was changing its name to the New York Jets. (NFL)

1967 – Raymond Burr starred in a TV movie “Ironside.” The movie was later turned into a television series.

1971 – The final episode of TV’s “The Ed Sullivan Show” aired.

1973 – Wilt Chamberlain retired from professional basketball after playing 1,045 games over 14 years.

1974 – A streaker ran onto the set of “The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson”.

1979 – A coolant leak at the Three Mile Island’s Unit 2 nuclear reactor outside Harrisburg, PA, led to the core overheating and a partial meltdown. The clean-up lasted until 1993.

1979 – Margaret Thatcher became the Prime Minister of Great Britain.

1981 – Blondie’s single “Rapture” hits #1 in Billboard.

1983 – Fred Jipp was sentenced to 28 years in prison in Phoenix, AZ, for fraud and bigamy. Over 30 years, he allegedly has married 104 women in 28 countries.

1984 – In the middle of the night, Robert Irsay moved the Baltimore Colts football team to Indianapolis.

1986 – More than 6,000 radio stations all played the song “We Are the World” at 10:15 am EST.

1990 – Olympic runner Jesse Owens was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President George H.W. Bush.

1994 – Two thousand Pearl Jam fans, without tickets, pushed through fences to get into the band’s show in Miami, FL, causing riot police to move in. There were five injuries and four arrests.

1999 – The animated TV series “Futurama” debuted.

2001 – Sean “Puffy Daddy” Combs announced that he’d like to be known as “P. Diddy.”

2006 – Destiny’s Child received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2010 – China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. signed a deal to buy Ford Motor Co.’s Volvo car unit.

2017 – The world’s largest dinosaur footprint was found in Kimberly, Western Australia. The footprint was 5-1/2 feet long.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON MARCH 28:

Jerome Isaac Friedman – 96 years old (1930) – Physicist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate

Frank Murkowski – 93 years old (1933) – Soldier, banker, and politician, 8th Governor of Alaska

Michael Plumb – 86 years old (1940) – Equestrian

Samuel Ramey – 84 years old (1942) – Opera singer

Rick Barry – 82 years old (1944) – Basketball player

Henry Paulson – 80 years old (1946) – Banker and politician, 74th United States Secretary of the Treasury

Janice Lynde – 78 years old (1948) – Actress

Dianne Wiest – 78 years old (1948) – Actress

Donald Brown – 72 years old (1954) – Pianist and educator

Reba McEntire – 71 years old (1955) – Singer-songwriter and actress

Byron Scott – 65 years old (1961) – Basketball player and coach

Brett Ratner – 57 years old (1969) – Director and producer

Vince Vaughn – 56 years old (1970) – Actor

Jennifer Weiner – 56 years old (1970) – Journalist and author

Keith Tkachuk – 54 years old (1972) – Ice hockey player

Kate Gosselin – 51 years old (1975) – Television personality

Luke Walton – 46 years old (1980) – Basketball player

Edwar Ramírez – 45 years old (1981) – Baseball player

Julia Stiles – 45 years old (1981) – Actress

Josh Bray – 41 years old (1985) – Politician

Mustafa Ali – 40 years old (1986) – Wrestler

Bowe Bergdahl – 40 years old (1986) – Sergeant

Lady Gaga – 40 years old (1986) – Singer-songwriter and actress

J-Kwon – 40 years old (1986) – Rapper

Jonathan Van Ness – 39 years old (1987) – Hairdresser and television personality

Geno Atkins – 38 years old (1988) – Football player

Ryan Kalish – 38 years old (1988) – Baseball player

Delroy Edwards – 36 years old (1990) – Musician

Laura Harrier – 36 years old (1990) – Actress and model

Derek Carr – 35 years old (1991) – Football player

Jordan McRae – 35 years old (1991) – Basketball player

Christian Walker – 35 years old (1991) – Baseball player

Will Smith – 31 years old (1995) – Baseball player

Max Strus – 30 years old (1996) – Basketball player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR MARCH 28:

Earth Hour: Taking a stand for our planet by flicking the switch and embracing the beauty of a starry night, one bulb at a time.
International Women in Music Day: Talented and trailblazing, these artists harmonize their voices and instruments, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape.
Barnum & Bailey Day: Barnum & Bailey Day tips its glittering top hat to one of the most famous names in show business: the circus built by Phineas Taylor Barnum and James Anthony Bailey. It celebrates a brand of entertainment that mixed spectacle, skill, and shameless promotion, shaping how large-scale live shows were staged...
National Triglycerides Day: National Triglycerides Day aims to raise awareness about an important health issue that often goes unnoticed. Triglycerides are fats in your blood that your body uses for energy. However, too many of them can lead to serious health risks like heart disease and stroke. This day encourages everyone to learn...
Virtual Advocacy Day: It’s amazing how technology turns ordinary people into powerful voices. Virtual Advocacy Day channels that power into something focused and practical: helping people connect with decision-makers without ever leaving home. Instead of flights, hotel rooms, and intimidating government buildings, participants rely on video calls, emails, phone scripts, and online toolkits...
National Weed Appreciation Day: Often overlooked, these hardy plants bring a touch of nature to even the most urban spaces, thriving against the odds.
National Something On a Stick Day: Skewer your cravings with delicious foods impaled on a stick! From corn dogs to kebabs, it's a portable and fun way to snack and dine.
National Black Forest Cake Day: Rich chocolate layers interwoven with luscious cream and a hint of tartness create a dessert that's a delightful harmony of flavors.
Respect Your Cat Day: Cats are independent and curious creatures. Show them love by providing a safe environment, playtime, and respect their boundaries.
National Hot Tub Day: National Hot Tub Day celebrates the joy and relaxation that a hot tub brings. It’s a chance to indulge in the soothing warmth of bubbling water, melting away stress with every dip. For those who own a hot tub, this day encourages slowing down to unwind and recharge. The day...
Eat an Eskimo Pie Day: Eat an Eskimo Pie Day is a fun celebration of one of America's classic frozen treats. The day invites people to indulge in the perfect combination of creamy ice cream and a crisp chocolate coating. There's something magical about the contrast of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether enjoyed...
Ultra Music Festival: Ultra Music Festival is a vibrant celebration of electronic dance music that draws fans from around the world to Miami, Florida, every March. This much-awaited event transforms Bayfront Park into a musical wonderland, offering a variety of sounds and experiences! How to Celebrate Ultra Music Festival Celebrating Ultra Music Festival calls...
March Madness: Get your game face on for March Madness! This high-energy tournament is a slam dunk of excitement, passion, and heart-pumping action. So grab your team colors, gear up for the showdown, and let the madness begin!
National Tsunami Awareness Week: National Tsunami Awareness Week sparks a wave of readiness during this time each year. This week is set aside to spread knowledge about the serious threat of tsunamis, especially in regions with high risk! How to Observe National Tsunami Awareness Week Host a Tsunami Trivia Night Gather friends or neighbors for a...
Make Mine Chocolate: "Make Mine Chocolate" is a lively campaign urging people to think twice before giving live rabbits as Easter gifts. The campaign encourages people to opt for chocolate bunnies instead. This approach helps spread the message of responsible pet ownership while offering a sweet alternative that won't end up in shelters...
Tick Bite Prevention Week: Tick Bite Prevention Week, celebrated annually, is a vital period dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of tick bites and how to prevent them! How to Celebrate Tick Bite Prevention Week Celebrating Tick Bite Prevention Week can be both educational and fun. Here are several suggestions to get involved...
National Cleaning Week: Sprucing up the living space can be quite the chore, but the end result is a refreshed and orderly home to be proud of.
National Physicians Week : Healing hands, medical marvels—physicians navigate the intricate realms of health, weaving stories of resilience and care.
NanoDays: NanoDays celebrates the fascinating world of nanotechnology through hands-on activities and engaging displays, sparking curiosity for learners of all ages. This nationwide event, organized by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network, invites families and communities to explore how nanoscale science shapes future innovations in fields like medicine, electronics, and environmental...
National Green Week: National Green Week is an exciting initiative that brings attention to the importance of environmental sustainability. Schools and organizations across the country use this week to engage students in activities that promote greener living. The event aims to inspire young minds to adopt eco-friendly habits that can make a lasting...