The collections in the library's audiovisual archives are the result of donations by government agencies, newspapers, television networks, private organizations, and thousands of individuals. Different in form from textual documents, these materials are a rich and important documentary resource for studying John F. Kennedy's life and administration. The core of the audiovisual archives comprises photographs, films, and sound recordings made by White House personnel from 1961 through 1963. The library also holds significant collections that document the activities and careers of Robert F. Kennedy, other members of the Kennedy family, their friends, associates, and contemporaries.
The following pages list and briefly describe the library's audiovisual archives. Detailed finding aids are available in the audiovisual research room. Those who wish more information about audiovisual holdings and duplication services, or those who wish to make an appointment to use the audiovisual research facilities (strongly recommended) can write or call 617-514-1622.
Still Photographs . 1863-1984. ca. 400,000 items.
Motion Picture Film . 1910-83, 7,550,000 feet.
Sound Recordings . 1910-85. ca. 11,000 reels.
Presidential Recordings (pdf) (Tape list and prices)
Presidential Recordings: Log and Status of Telephone Recordings (html) (April 9, 2002)
List of Meeting Tapes and Telephone Conversations Available for Purchase (pdf) (April 10, 2002)
Visit our Picture Gallery to view some of the library's photographic holdings.
Visit our White House Photographs Gallery to view a selection of images from the White House Photograph Collection.
Visit the Ernest Hemingway Photograph Galleries to enter galleries of selected images from the Ernest Hemingway Photograph Collection