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Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-AUG-01
In this interview Heckscher discusses John F. Kennedy [JFK] and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis as an “inspiration to cultural life”; Heckscher’s involvement in government affairs prior to becoming a Special Consultant to the President; the invitation of 168 artists to JFK’s 1961 inauguration and its impact; how Heckscher came to work for the White House; discussing Heckscher’s position with Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.; the reasoning behind the creation of the new position of Special Consultant on the Arts and the favorable public reaction to it; enlarging the definition of “The Arts,” especially regarding architecture; Arthur Goldberg; the establishment of the Freedom Medal; creating the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts through executive order; personal impressions of JFK; setting up Heckscher’s office and staff; how Heckscher was meant to advise JFK and what his position entailed; the Cultural Center [Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts]; conversations with JFK; Mrs. Kennedy’s expansive work for the arts; the arts as part of national policy; working with other White House staff members and other Departments; designing special postage stamps; what the President’s role in the arts should be; and the Fine Arts Commission, among other issues.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-230-002
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s remarks to the Business and Special Gifts Committee of the National Cultural Center (later known as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts) in the White House State Dining Room. In his speech President Kennedy explains the necessity to promote American arts and culture, noting that the proposed Center will unite the nation’s citizens, encourage artistic growth, and serve as a symbol of American culture to international visitors.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. White House Staff Files of Timothy 'Ted' Reardon
JFKWHSFTR-008-009
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. White House Staff Files of Timothy 'Ted' Reardon
JFKWHSFTR-008-008
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. White House Staff Files of Timothy 'Ted' Reardon
JFKWHSFTR-008-007
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. White House Staff Files of Timothy 'Ted' Reardon
JFKWHSFTR-008-006
Textual folder
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis Personal Papers
JBKOPP-SF063-009
This file contains letters from Jacqueline Kennedy to Roger L. Stevens, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, regarding administration, committees, and cultural activities of the Kennedy Center.
Textual folder
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis Personal Papers
JBKOPP-SF053-010
This file contains correspondence, memoranda, articles, and press releases regarding the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Topics include gifts of chandeliers, marble, and a Stradivarius violin; and lists of potential members for the Board of Trustees.
Textual folder
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis Personal Papers
JBKOPP-SF053-009
This file contains correspondence, memoranda, and news articles regarding the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Topics include the design and geographic location of the building, members of the Board of Trustees, and press releases concerning a commission by the Center for a new work by composer Leonard Bernstein to be performed at the Center's opening. Contains five photographic prints.
Photograph folder
White House Photographs
JFKWHP-1963-08-19-A
AR39
Photograph folder
White House Photographs
JFKWHP-1962-06-22-D
AR23, KN18
Photograph folder
White House Photographs
JFKWHP-1962-09-11-A
ST13
Photograph folder
White House Photographs
JFKWHP-1962-11-29-C
AR29
Textual folder
Arthur M. Schlesinger Personal Papers
AMSPP-P05-024
Textual folder
Arthur M. Schlesinger Personal Papers
AMSPP-P05-021
Textual folder
Arthur M. Schlesinger Personal Papers
AMSPP-P05-012
Textual folder
Arthur M. Schlesinger Personal Papers
AMSPP-P04-026
Textual folder
Arthur M. Schlesinger Personal Papers
AMSPP-P04-024
Textual folder
Arthur M. Schlesinger Personal Papers
AMSPP-P04-023
Textual folder
Jarold Kieffer Personal Papers
JKPP-008-001
Textual folder
Jarold Kieffer Personal Papers
JKPP-007-014
Textual folder
William Walton Personal Papers
WWPP-003-015
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. White House Staff Files of August Heckscher
JFKWHSFAH-028-008
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. White House Staff Files of August Heckscher
JFKWHSFAH-028-007
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. White House Staff Files of August Heckscher
JFKWHSFAH-028-004