This Day In History : March 29

2004 Ireland {Republic}

Ireland Bans Smoking in Workplaces

In 2004, Ireland became the first country to ban smoking in all workplaces, including restaurants and pubs. This landmark legislation aimed to protect public health and reduce the risks associated with secondhand smoke. The move set a precedent for other countries to follow.

Also on This Day in History March 29

Discover what happened on March 29 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, March 29
  • 1890 Harold Spencer Jones

    English astronomer who was 10th astronomer royal of England (1933–55). His work was devoted to fundamental positional astronomy.

  • 1561 Santorio Santorio

    aka Sanctorius Sanctorius was an Italian physician who made the first systematic study of basal metabolism.

  • 1853 Elihu Thomson

    English-American engineer and inventor whose discoveries in the field of alternating current phenomena led to the development of successful alternating current motors.

  • 1873 Tullio Levi-Civita

    Italian mathematician who was one of the founders of absolute differential calculus (tensor analysis) which had applications to the theory of relativity.

  • 1941 James E. Hansen

    American atmospheric physicist who advocates for actions to protect the future of the planet from climate change.

Deaths on This Day, March 29
  • 1997 Ruth Sager

    American cellular geneticist whose research (1950's - 60's) altered the prevailing view about where genetic material was within the cell.

  • 1997 Norman Wingate Pirie

    British biochemist and virologist who collaborated with Frederick Bawden to demonstrate that the genetic material found in viruses is RNA.

  • 1903 Gustavus Swift

    American manufacturer and inventor of the first refrigerated railroad cars.

  • 1935 Edward Albert Sharpey-Schafer

    English physiologist and co-inventor of the prone-pressure method (Schafer method) of artificial respiration adopted by the Royal Life Saving Society.

  • 1985 George P. Murdock

    American anthropologist who specialized in comparative ethnology, the ethnography of African and Oceanic peoples, and social theory.

1967

French nuclear submarine

In 1967, the French Navy launched Le Redoutable, its first ballistic missile nuclear-powered submarine, in the presence of General de Gaulle at the Cherbourg naval shipyard.
1910

Oceanographic museum

In 1910, in Monaco, the world's largest oceanographic museum was opened. The grandiose façade of the museum overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. 
1882

The Knights of Columbus Established

In 1882, the Knights of Columbus, the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization, was established. Founded by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut, it provides charitable services, promotes Catholic education, and advocates for Catholic values.
1912

Robert Scott Makes Final Diary Entry

In 1912, British explorer Robert Falcon Scott made his final diary entry during his ill-fated Antarctic expedition. Stranded in a blizzard, Scott and his team perished shortly after, having reached the South Pole but unable to return.
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