Public Programs

Using historic footage and photographs, the Museum celebrates Presidents Day with a look at John F. Kennedy on the campaign trail in Texas from 1956-1960.

To commemorate Presidents Day, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is collaborating with SMU’s Tower Center for a discussion titled The Vital South and Presidential Elections, 1960 – 2012. In 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected to the White House in one of the closest contests in American electoral history. The South was instrumental in this victory. Kennedy won the popular vote in seven states of the former Confederacy, including Texas. In this program, Professors Earl Black and Merle Black, brothers and authors of several books on Southern politics, will discuss how Southern politics have changed since 1960 and the growing importance of the South in presidential elections and national politics. The discussion will be moderated by Dennis Simon, Professor of Political Science at Southern Methodist University.

Program is free but reservations are required. Please RSVP by February 13, 2012 to 214.747.6660 ext. 6623 or email rsvp@jfk.org.

A nurse at Parkland Hospital in 1963, Phyllis Hall was an observer and participant in Trauma Room One during the treatment of President Kennedy.

For the 6th straight year, CSI Family Day gives guests the chance to examine a mock crime scene, perform forensic analysis at evidence stations and solve a hypothetical crime. It’s a fun and engaging way to learn about modern investigative techniques and the real-life challenges to solving crime. Free with paid admission to the Museum, CSI Family Day is presented in partnership with the University of North Texas Forensic Science Club.

Download CSI Family Day Flyer

Discover how educators at history museums and archives convey the complex stories of the American presidents with students of all ages in this panel conversation with staff from The Sixth Floor Museum, LBJ Library and Museum, George W. Bush Presidential Library and National Archives and Records Administration Fort Worth.

The FBI and Secret Service conducted an extensive study of the Kennedy assassination in May of 1964 as part of the official Warren Commission investigation. This program uses historic films and photographs of their two-day efforts in Dallas to examine what the FBI and Secret Service were trying to learn.

The only full-time Tarrant County deputy sheriff in 1963, Fisher was on horseback outside the Hotel Texas on the morning of the assassination. President Kennedy was filmed and photographed with Fisher and his horse, Snuffy.

This presentation uses archival footage, documents and photographs to shine light on some of the more persistent myths about the Kennedy assassination.

Learn about some of the treasures in the Museum’s library collection and find out the best ways to access them in this interactive “how to” session. Bring your questions!

See rare photos of Dallas’ 1964 desegregation protests, oral histories with members of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee and civil rights training materials in this program that sheds light on the Museum’s collections of civil rights material.

Learn more about the Museum’s fascinating collection of Kennedy-related home movies and the people who filmed them. Then, test out some of the hands-on cameras that form part of our education collection.

The closest civilian eyewitnesses to President Kennedy at the time of the fatal shot, the Newmans were on the north side of Dealey Plaza and shielded their small children after the shots were fired. They were then interviewed on live television approximately fifteen minutes after the assassination.

The Museum launched a digital database to help researchers and students learn more about the Kennedy assassination. Find out which images, films and oral histories have comprised the “greatest hits” and learn hints for accessing them yourself.