Murphy Martin Oral History

Object number2001.001.0006

Date06/22/2001

ClassificationsOral Histories

Oral history interview subject Murphy Martin

Oral history interviewer Bob Porter

Oral history interviewer Stephen Fagin

ObjectOral history

Credit LineOral History Collection/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

MediumHi-8 videotape

Dimensions178 Minutes

Terms

Collections

DescriptionVideotaped oral history interview with Murphy Martin. A former radio and television newsman for WFAA in Dallas, Mr. Martin was a news anchor for ABC Television in New York at the time of the Kennedy assassination. He flew to Dallas that weekend to cover the Oswald funeral. In 1964, he supervised ABC's coverage of the Jack Ruby trial. Over the years, he interviewed many key participants and developed a close friendship with Oswald's brother, Robert. Interview conducted at Mr. Martin's home on June 22, 2001 by Bob Porter with Stephen Fagin. The interview is two hours and fifty-eight minutes long.

Curatorial Commentary

Mr. Martin passed away on July 3, 2008. In addition to this 2001 oral history, Mr. Martin moderated a museum panel discussion to mark the 40th anniversary of the Jack Ruby trial verdict on March 14, 2004. He also participated in an oral history recorded with his wife, Joyce Martin, on November 18, 2004.

Mr. Martin's autobiography, Front Row Seat (2003), covers the Kennedy assassination and other aspects of his diverse career, including his work as the voice of the Dallas Cowboys football team, president of the United We Stand organization, and media chief of the Ross Perot presidential campaign in 1992. - Stephen Fagin, Curator