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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.
Textual folder
United States General Services Administration Records
USGSA-MF15-003
This folder contains two memorandums regarding the National Cultural Center (later renamed the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts) in Washington, D.C.
Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-MAL-01
In this interview Lasker discusses her work lobbying for different health and medical programs such as a presidential commission on strokes; her encounters with John F. Kennedy [JFK], both in the White House and socially; her friendship with Adlai E. Stevenson and his experience during the 1960 presidential campaigns; and her work on the National Cultural Center Board which she suggested be renamed as a memorial for JFK, among other issues.
Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-RLS-01
This interview focuses on John F. Kennedy (JFK)’s interest in the cultural legacy of the U.S., Stevens’ role in planning and fundraising for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and Stevens’ admiration for JFK, among other issues.
Collection
AMSPP
Papers 1939-1969. Historian, government official, Special Assistant to the President for Latin American Affairs (1961-63); author, A Thousand Days (1965). Correspondence, reports, speeches, subject files, news clippings, research materials, book drafts, writings, diaries, White House files.
Textual folder
United States General Services Administration Records
USGSA-MF14-008
This folder contains material pertaining to the United States National Cultural Center (later renamed the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts) in Washington, D.C. It includes a draft memorandum of understanding between the trustees of the National Cultural Center and the General Services Administration regarding design and construction of the building, and a copy of Public Law 88-260.