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The Sixth Floor Museum: A Look Inside the JFK Assassination

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The Sixth Floor Museum: A Look Inside the JFK Assassination

On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. The event shocked the nation and the world, and it remains one of the most significant events in American history. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is a museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting the events surrounding the assassination.

The museum is located in the former Texas School Book Depository, the building from which Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed President Kennedy. Visitors can walk through the building and see the spot where Oswald fired the shots. The museum also features exhibits on the life of President Kennedy, the events of the assassination, and the aftermath of the shooting.

In this podcast episode, we speak with Stephen Fagin, the Curator and Oral Historian for The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Fagin discusses the museum’s mission to preserve and interpret the events surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He also shares insights into the museum’s collection and its role in commemorating the event.

The Museum’s Mission

The Sixth Floor Museum is committed to preserving the history of the assassination of President Kennedy and to educating the public about the events that led up to it, the events of the day, and the aftermath. The museum’s mission is to:

  • Preserve the historical record of the assassination
  • Educate the public about the events of the assassination
  • Promote understanding and tolerance
  • Encourage critical thinking and dialogue
  • Provide a place for reflection and remembrance

The Museum’s Collection

The museum’s collection includes a wide range of artifacts, documents, and photographs related to the assassination. Some of the most notable items in the collection include:

  • The rifle used by Lee Harvey Oswald
  • The car in which President Kennedy was riding
  • The clothes worn by President Kennedy and Governor John Connally
  • The bullet fragments recovered from the scene
  • The Zapruder film, which captured the assassination on film

The Museum’s Role in Commemorating the Event

The Sixth Floor Museum plays an important role in commemorating the assassination of President Kennedy. The museum provides a place for visitors to learn about the events of the day, to reflect on the tragedy, and to pay their respects to President Kennedy. The museum also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including lectures, film screenings, and special exhibitions.

Conclusion

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is a powerful and moving tribute to President John F. Kennedy. The museum offers visitors a chance to learn about the assassination, to reflect on the tragedy, and to pay their respects to President Kennedy. The museum is a vital part of the national conversation about the assassination, and it continues to play an important role in educating the public about this significant event in American history.

JFK Assassination