Sixty-two years have passed since the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy, an event that continues to resonate in Dallas. On November 22, 1963, Kennedy was fatally shot while traveling through downtown Dallas following a breakfast in Fort Worth. His motorcade passed the Texas School Book Depository at 12:30 p.m. when he was struck by bullets from a sniper’s rifle. Just over an hour later, he was pronounced dead at Parkland Hospital.
Investigations and Legacy
Government inquiries later determined that Lee Harvey Oswald fired the fatal shots from a sixth-floor window of the Texas School Book Depository. This event remains vivid in the memories of those who lived through it, but as time passes, that number is dwindling.
Discover JFK’s Legacy on Anniversary
As the 62nd anniversary of Kennedy’s assassination approaches, here are several ways to explore his legacy:
- The National Archives: Located in Washington, D.C., this institution houses over 6 million pages of documents, photographs, and other media connected to the assassination. Recently, more declassified documents were released following a directive from former President Donald Trump.
- Visiting Dealey Plaza: Dealey Plaza retains much of its original character. Visitors can see the Grassy Knoll and two X’s that mark the bullet impact sites on Elm Street. The Texas School Book Depository has been transformed into the Sixth Floor Museum, which showcases JFK’s life and legacy.
- Dallas Public Library: The J. Erik Jonsson Central Library provides extensive resources on the Kennedy assassination. Patrons can access a searchable archive online that includes photographs and oral histories. Physical materials are available by appointment to ensure the preservation of original documents.
- Texas Theatre Screenings: The Texas Theatre, where Oswald was captured, is commemorating this anniversary by showing films that were screened on the day of Kennedy’s assassination—“War is Hell” at 1:20 p.m. and “Cry of Battle” at 2:45 p.m. Tickets are priced at 90 cents.
- JFK Presidential Library: The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston holds a vast array of items related to JFK’s life. It also features an “Ask an Archivist” option for online inquiries.
The remembrance of JFK is not only about his tragic end but also about the impact he had on American history and culture. As we observe this significant anniversary, various resources allow continued exploration of his legacy, preserving the memory of the 35th president.
