Kenneth P. O'Donnell (#8.19)

A Register of His White House Files, 1962-1963
In the John F. Kennedy Library
National Archives and Records Administration

Administrative Information
Biographical Note
Collection Overview
Series Description


Administrative Information

Abstract
White House Staff Files, 1962-1963
Assistant to the President (1961-65); Appointment secretary to the President (1961-63); Special Assistant to the President (1961-65). Correspondence [fragment].

Access
Open.

Usage Restrictions
According to the letter of transfer 1965, copyright of these materials has been assigned to the United States.

Provenance
Files of Kenneth P. O'Donnell, Special Assistant to the President, were donated to the John F. Kennedy Library in 1965 as part of the papers of John F. Kennedy.

Extent
About 50 pages (5 linear inches ; 0.5 cubic foot).

Withdrawn Items
This material first became available for research use in 1981. In compliance with the terms of the deed of gift by which the John F. Kennedy papers are administered, 2 items were removed and placed under seal because they contain information of a personal or confidential nature which could be used to injure, embarrass or harass living persons or because they are security classified.  Document withdrawal sheets have been inserted in the file where items have been removed. The Library will review this closed material upon request for the purpose of opening items which no longer require restriction.

A description of each classified document is contained on the withdrawal sheet replacing it in the file. A descriptive list of all classified documents contained in these files is available on request. Certain classified documents can be declassified by the Library under the authority of Executive Order 11652 or by the agencies of origin in response to a request for review submitted by the researcher.

Date Opened
1981.

Processed by
Megan Floyd Desnoyers

Encoded by
James M. Roth

Revisions
Finding aid updated in May 2002 by James M. Roth.

Related Collections
O'Donnell, Kenneth--Oral History Interview
Presidential Assistants, Sound Recordings, 1965-1967--Audiovisual Archives.

The White House Files of Kenneth "Kenny" O'Donnell (1924-1977)

Biographical Note
As Special Assistant to the President, Kenneth P. O'Donnell served as President Kennedy's appointments secretary, troubleshooter and political right hand.

Collection Overview
The Presidential papers of John F. Kennedy consist of several major bodies of research material. The White House Central Subject File is the principal White House file. The White House Name File contains copies of most incoming correspondence arranged alphabetically by name of correspondent and is cross-referenced to the Subject File. The Chronological File contains copies of documents prepared for the President's signature and is also cross-referenced to the Subject File. The Social File contains the records of the White House Social Office and includes the correspondence of the First Lady. The President's Office File contains the papers maintained by the President's personal secretary for his use. The National Security File contains the records of the staff of the special assistant to the President for national security affairs.

In addition, in what were called in the White House "storage" or "overflow" files are found various miscellaneous materials and the records of the offices of most members of the President's staff. The files described in this finding aid constitute one of the series of White House staff files included in the Presidential papers of John F. Kennedy.

Fragment of the White House staff files of Kenneth P. O'Donnell includes scattered letters and memoranda from the period of October 1962 to November 1963.  These few documents are only a stray group of items from O'Donnell's files.  They appear to be a file of things O'Donnell wanted to get to, but didn't; perhaps a "hold" file. The Kennedy Library received them in an overflow storage file in a folder labeled "O'Donnell."  Although these records are only fragments, researchers may find some of the notes on local state politics useful.


Series Description

Series 1. Correspondence, 1962-1963.
About 50 items.
Arrangement: chronological.

Miscellaneous correspondence for Kenneth O'Donnell from friends and official associates about legislation, elections and political climate, and concerns of the Kennedy administration and members of Congress.