Jack Roland Murphy, who also went by "Murf the Surf,"
was sentenced to three years in jail for stealing 24 gems
from the American Museum of Natural History.

Two men broke into the American Museum of Natural History
in New York City and made off with millions of dollars in gems
on this day in history, Oct. 29, 1964.

The theft was the largest jewel heist in U.S. history.

Among the 24 gems stolen by Allan Dale Kuhn, 26, and Jack
Roland Murphy (also known as "Murf the Surf"), 27, were the
Star of India, a 563.35 carat sapphire; the DeLong Star Ruby,
a 100.32 carat ruby; and the Midnight Star, a black sapphire
weighing 116 carats. 

Kuhn and Murphy were eventually captured and arrested —
and tried for the jewel heist. 

The Star of India, left, and the DeLong Star Ruby, center,
at the Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals inside the
American Museum of Natural History in New York. The
two were among the 24 gems stolen in the heist.

The Statue of Liberty, a gift of friendship from the people of
France to the people of the United States,was dedicated in
New York Harbor by President Grover Cleveland (below).

Actress Julia Fiona Roberts was born in Smyrna,
Georgia. She’s 57 years young today.

1990                               2000