January 5
January 5
Landslides kill 33 in California
On this day in 1982, a series of landslides near San Francisco, California, kills up to 33 people and closes the Golden Gate Bridge. In all, an amazing 18,000 different…
A Year In History: 1982
This Year in History:
1982
Discover what happened in this year with HISTORY’s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.
January 10
January 10
Dwight Clark makes The Catch
On January 10, 1982, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark makes a leaping catch in the end zone on a pass from quarterback Joe Montana with 51 seconds left…
January 13
January 13
Plane crashes into Potomac River
On January 13, 1982, an Air Florida Boeing 737‑222 plunges into the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., killing 78 people. The crash, caused by bad weather, took place only two…
January 22
January 22
Reagan links arms talks with Soviets to oppression in Poland
In a revival of the diplomacy “linkages” that were made famous by Henry Kissinger during the Nixon years, the administration of President Ronald Reagan announces that further progress on arms…
February 13
February 13
Serial killer strikes in Colorado
A 21‑year‑old woman named Mary accepts a ride from a man in the ski town of Breckenridge, Colorado, and is raped and severely beaten with a claw hammer. The attacker,…
February 17
February 17
American director, actor and drama coach Lee Strasberg dies
On this day in 1982, the American director, actor and drama coach Lee Strasberg, who popularized “Method acting” and famously mentored the legendary Marilyn Monroe, dies of a heart attack…
February 24
February 24
Reagan announces Caribbean Basin Initiative
President Ronald Reagan announces a new program of economic and military assistance to nations of the Caribbean designed to “prevent the overthrow of the governments in the region” by the…
February 24
February 24
The Great One scores 77th goal
On February 24, 1982, Wayne Gretzky scores his 77th goal, breaking a record held by Phil Esposito of 76 goals in a single season that was previously thought unbeatable by…
February 28
February 28
Getty Museum endowed
On February 28, 1982, the J. Paul Getty Museum becomes the most richly endowed museum on earth when it receives a $1.2 billion bequest left to it by the late…
March 6
March 6
Controversial writer‑philosopher Ayn Rand dies
On March 6, 1982, bestselling writer and philosopher Alice O’Connor—known mostly by her pen name, Ayn Rand—dies at age 77. Two days later, at the funeral home visitation, a floral…
March 8
March 8
United States accuses Soviets of using poison gas
The United States government issues a public statement accusing the Soviet Union of using poison gas and chemical weapons in its war against rebel forces in Afghanistan. The accusation was…
March 12
March 12
Richard Pryor releases Live on the Sunset Strip
On this day in 1982, Live on the Sunset Strip, the latest concert film recorded by the provocative comedian Richard Pryor, arrives in movie theaters. Born in 1940 in Peoria,…
March 20
March 20
Joan Jett tops the pop charts with “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”
With her smoldering looks and guitar hooks, Joan Jett had rock‑star charisma to rival any man’s. Jett burst onto the scene as a solo artist with “I Love Rock ‘n’…
March 25
March 25
Star driver Danica Patrick born
On this day in 1982, Danica Patrick, the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race, America’s top level of open‑wheel racing, is born in Beloit, Wisconsin. Patrick became involved…
March 29
March 29
Freshman Michael Jordan hits winning shot to give North Carolina NCAA title
On March 29, 1982, 19‑year‑old North Carolina freshman Michael Jordan makes a 16‑foot jump shot with 15 seconds left to give the Tar Heels a 63‑62 win over Georgetown for…
March 29
March 29
Earthquake and volcano do double damage in Mexico
The combination of an earthquake and a volcanic eruption at El Chichon in southern Mexico converts a hill into a crater, kills thousands of people and destroys acres of farmland…
March 29
March 29
Tar Heels win NCAA basketball championship
On March 29, 1982, the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels win the NCAA men’s basketball championship with a 63‑62 defeat of the Georgetown University Hoyas. It was the…
April 2
April 2
Argentina invades Falklands
On April 2, 1982, Argentina invades the Falklands Islands, a British colony since 1892 and British possession since 1833. Argentine amphibious forces rapidly overcame the small garrison of British marines…
April 4
April 4
Gretzky finishes season with 212 points
On this day in 1982, hockey sensation Wayne Gretzky of the Edmonton Oilers finishes the NHL season with 212 points, the first player in NHL history to break the 200‑point…
April 24
April 24
Jane Fonda’s first workout video released
On April 24, 1982, Oscar‑winning actress, anti‑war activist and Hollywood royalty Jane Fonda adds a new title—exercise guru—as she extends her reach into the home‑video market with the release of…
