Jack Valenti Oral History
When I joined the Museum in 2000, Jack Valenti was already on the institution's oral history "wish list." When we learned that he was visiting Southern Methodist University as part of the 2004 Tate Lecture Series, we immediately reached out to his office to arrange this interview. Mr. Valenti was curious and somewhat reluctant to revisit Dealey Plaza for the first time since November 22, 1963.
We recorded this oral history after a tour of the sixth floor, and he had very kind words about the Museum in his concluding remarks.
Well, I think the Museum is splendidly done. It’s really gracefully and elegantly designed, and I can see how people would want to visit this place because—other than two wars—the most horrific event of the 20th century took place here. And as I see it, you know, all these memories come flooding back. As I said, every minute of this day is indelibly imprisoned in my mind. So, it was, for me, something unique to see where I had been. I’ve never been back here to Dealey Plaza in forty years, and so you’re kind of overwhelmed by it. But I was taken by the fact that here on this rainy day during the week, so many people are here. I find that fascinating that this is happening.
Mr. Valenti passed away on April 26, 2007. -- Stephen Fagin, Curator
