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March 30 in History: Alaska Purchased, Reagan Shot, and “Jeopardy” Debuts

Scott Winters March 30, 2026 0 Comments

Discover what happened on March 30 in history, along with notable events that shaped politics, television, and American expansion.

What Happened on March 30 in History?

Important events on this day include the U.S. purchase of Alaska, the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, and the debut of Jeopardy.

MARCH 30 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1842 – Dr. Crawford W. Long performed the first operation while his patient was anesthetized with ether.

1858 – Hyman L. Lipman, of Philadelphia, PA, patented a pencil with an attached eraser.

1867 – The U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million (about 2 cents per acre).

1870 – The 15th amendment, guaranteeing the right to vote regardless of race, was passed by Congress.

1870 – Texas was readmitted to the Union following Reconstruction.

1880 – The Grand Rapids Electric Light and Power Company was incorporated in Grand Rapids, MI.

1909 – The Queensboro Bridge in New York, NY, opened linking Manhattan and Queens. It was the first double decker bridge.

1909 – In Oklahoma, Seminole Indians revolted against meager pay for government jobs.

1939 – The comic book “Detective Comics #27” appeared on newsstands. The comic introduced Batman.

1950 – The invention of the phototransistor was announced.

1950 – The last Marx Brothers movie, “Love Happy”, was released.

1964 – The television game show “Jeopardy” debuted on NBC. It was originally hosted by Art Fleming. It has become the longest running game show.

1964 – John Glenn withdrew from the Ohio race for the Senate because of injuries suffered in a fall.

1964 – Michigan’s first kidney transplant took place at the University of Michigan. Then 15 year old Janice Ottenbacher received a kidney from her identical twin sister Joan. They both survived and went on to become nurses.

1970 – The television soap opera “Another World – Somerset” debuted on NBC.

1977 – The U.S. Air Force announced it would be closing Kincheloe Air Force Base near Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Personnel and equipment would be transferred to other bases.

1978 – U2, a group of four schoolboys from Dublin, won a talent contest sponsored by the Guinness brewery.

1981 – President Ronald Reagan was shot in the chest and wounded outside a Washington, DC hotel by John W. Hinckley Jr. Two police officers and Press Secretary James Brady were also wounded.

1982 – The Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-3) completed its third and longest test flight after 8 days in space and landed at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

1987 – Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” was bought for $39.85 million.

1988 – The movie “Beetlejuice”, directed by Tim Burton, opened in theaters.

1993 – In the “Peanuts” comic strip, Charlie Brown hit his first home run.

1998 – Rolls-Royce was purchased by BMW in a $570 million deal.

1999 – An Oregon jury ordered Philip Morris to pay $81 million to the family of a lung cancer victim.

2001 – The movie “Spy Kids” debuted in theaters.

2004 – Michael Jackson’s teenage accuser testified to the grand jury that was investigating the child molestation case against Jackson.

2009 – The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that the new World Trade Center building would be officially known by its legal name of “One World Trade Center”.

2014 – The movie “Frozen” became the highest-earning animated film in history.

2017 – SpaceX conducted the world’s first reflight of an orbital class rocket.

2020 – The International Olympic Committee announced the postponement of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games due to the COVID pandemic.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON MARCH 30:

John Astin – 96 years old (1930) – Actor

Gordon Mumma – 91 years old (1935) – Composer

Warren Beatty – 89 years old (1937) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter

Jerry Lucas – 86 years old (1940) – Basketball player and educator

Bob Smith – 85 years old (1941) – Soldier and politician

Mark Wylea Erwin – 82 years old (1944) – Businessman and diplomat

Lorenzo Kom'boa Ervin – 79 years old (1947) – Activist, writer, and black anarchist

Jim "Dandy" Mangrum – 78 years old (1948) – Rock singer

Janet Browne – 76 years old (1950) – English-American historian and academic

Grady Little – 76 years old (1950) – Baseball player, coach, and manager

Paul Reiser – 70 years old (1956) – Actor and comedian

Joey Sindelar – 68 years old (1958) – Golfer

Mark Begich – 64 years old (1962) – Politician

MC Hammer – 64 years old (1962) – Rapper and actor

Tracy Chapman – 62 years old (1964) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Mari Holden – 55 years old (1971) – Cyclist

Mark Consuelos – 55 years old (1971) – Actor and television personality

Mili Avital – 54 years old (1972) – Israeli-American actress

Kareem Streete-Thompson – 53 years old (1973) – Caymanian-American long jumper

Ty Conklin – 50 years old (1976) – Ice hockey player

Norah Jones – 47 years old (1979) – Singer-songwriter and pianist

Jammal Brown – 45 years old (1981) – Football player

Jason Dohring – 44 years old (1982) – Actor

Trent Barreta – 39 years old (1987) – Wrestler

Richard Sherman – 38 years old (1988) – Football player

Chris Sale – 37 years old (1989) – Baseball player

Thomas Rhett – 36 years old (1990) – Country music singer and songwriter

NF – 35 years old (1991) – Rapper

Alex Bregman – 32 years old (1994) – Baseball player

Zay Jones – 31 years old (1995) – Football player

Ryan Noda – 30 years old (1996) – Baseball player

Colton Herta – 26 years old (2000) – Race car driver

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR MARCH 30:

National Doctors Day: Trusted experts who heal and cure, doctors are the superheroes of the medical world. From check-ups to emergencies, they're always ready to help.
National Virtual Vacation Day: Exploring new destinations, cultures, and flavors from the comfort of your own space, letting your wanderlust loose without leaving home.
World TB-303 Appreciation Day: An electronic music pioneer, its unique sound sculpted a genre that continues to resonate through the rhythms of today's tracks.
World Bipolar Day: Imagine a day when the world pauses to understand a complex mental health condition. World Bipolar Day shines a light on bipolar disorder, a mental health condition marked by extreme mood swings, affecting millions globally. This day unites individuals, organizations, and communities to share stories, offer support, and educate others...
National Fitness Recovery Day: National Fitness Recovery Day is a friendly nudge to treat recovery like part of training, not a guilty afterthought. It spotlights the unglamorous but game-changing habits that help the body bounce back after exercise: rest, hydration, mobility work, and simple self-care that keeps muscles, joints, and motivation in working order. Recovery...
Turkey Neck Soup Day: Did you know there’s a whole day dedicated to Turkey Neck Soup? This humble dish transforms an often-forgotten part of the bird into something deeply satisfying, the kind of soup that makes a kitchen smell like someone knows what they’re doing. Turkey necks simmer into a rich broth while vegetables...
Grass is Always Browner on the Other Side of the Fence Day: Did you know there’s a day designed to remind us the “grass is always browner on the other side of the fence”? It’s a playful nudge to stop the endless game of comparing lives. Social media can make us feel like everyone else has it better, with perfect photos and...
Torrents Day: Torrents Day highlights a side of the internet that is easy to forget: people can cooperate at scale, quietly, without a central gatekeeper. Torrenting, at its best, is less about hype and more about practical problem-solving. It is a way to share large files efficiently by letting many participants contribute...
National Folding Laundry Day: National Folding Laundry Day is a fun and practical celebration that aims to bring attention to the often-overlooked task of folding laundry. This special day encourages people to tackle their laundry piles, transforming a mundane chore into an engaging activity. Many find joy in this day, as it highlights the importance...
National Take a Walk in the Park Day: Take a Walk in the Park Day invites everyone outside! It's a day to enjoy the simple pleasures of nature, clear your mind, and embrace the peace parks offer. By stepping into a park, you give yourself a break from the buzz of daily life. Parks serve as an oasis, offering...
International Day of Zero Waste: As an annual campaign, the International Day of Zero Waste seeks to amplify and grow the efforts put into not only protecting the environment but also reducing food insecurity and while improving the health and well-being of everyone who shares the planet! How to Celebrate International Day of Zero Waste Taking care...
National I Am In Control Day: National I Am In Control Day inspires people to pause and evaluate how much control they have over their lives. It’s a day to acknowledge that life can feel chaotic, but we still can manage certain aspects of it. This day nudges individuals to focus on what they can change, whether...
National Pencil Day: Whether it's graphite or colored, this trusty tool is a must-have for artists and students alike, offering endless creative possibilities and precise writing capabilities.
Spiritual Baptist Day: Observed in Trinidad and Tobago, Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day honors a hard-won return of religious freedom for members of the Spiritual Baptist faith, a vibrant tradition shaped by African heritage and Christian practice. It is both a remembrance of years of restriction and a joyful public expression of worship, community...
Seward’s Day: Seward's Day marks a significant moment in Alaska's history, celebrating the acquisition of this vast territory from Russia. The holiday honors William H. Seward, the U.S. Secretary of State who played a crucial role in this deal. While many at the time dismissed it as a waste of money, often calling...
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 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...
Semana Santa: Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a profound time of reflection and devotion in many Christian communities. Streets come alive with solemn processions, participants carry religious icons, and traditional music fills the air. This period focuses on the final days of Jesus Christ, drawing believers together in shared faith and contemplation...