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Dallas Times Herald newspaper from the day after the assassination
Dallas Times Herald newspaper from the day after the assassination

Dallas Times Herald newspaper from the day after the assassination

Object number1989.114.0195
Date11/23/1963
ClassificationsNewspapers & Magazines
ObjectNewspaper
Credit LineJohn E. Sissom Collection/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
MediumNewsprint
Dimensions22 13/16 x 15 3/16 in. (57.9 x 38.5 cm)
Collections
  • "On Assignment: Dallas Times Herald 1963"
  • All Online Objects
DescriptionFinal edition of the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, published on November 23, 1963. The front-page headline reads, "LBJ Asks Divine Help / Murder Charge Lodged," followed by subheadings "Mumbling Denial, ex-Marine Held In JFK's Death," "Day of Prayer," "Let Us Search Our Hearts," "Connally Learns of JFK's Death," "Johnson Takes Reigns, Pledges 'Do My Best'" and "President's Body Lying in Repose." The photograph on the front page was taken by Dallas Times Herald staff photographer Eamon Kennedy, showing young Kathey Atkinson crying outside of Parkland Memorial Hospital on November 22, 1963. The front-page articles summarize the aftermath of the assassination, with details on Parkland Memorial Hospital, an announcement for a day or prayer, key evidence in the ongoing investigation, Governor John Connally's recovery at Parkland, Lyndon B. Johnson's succession, and funeral plans in Washington, D.C.
Curatorial Commentary
This object is featured in the Museum's special exhibit, "On Assignment: Dallas Times Herald 1963," which opened on April 29, 2026.

The famous photograph of Dallas schoolgirl Kathey Atkinson in tearful prayer at Parkland Memorial Hospital was captured by Dallas Times Herald staff photographer Eamon Kennedy. The Museum's Dallas Times Herald Collection (1989.100) includes the original negative: Image of schoolgirl Kathey Atkinson reacting to news of the president's death – Works – The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. After Atkinson was identified as the crying girl at Parkland, she received some media attention. As a part of this publicity, Dallas Times Herald chief photographer John Mazziotta took a photograph of Kathey holding a copy of this newspaper alongside photographer Eamon Kennedy: Image of Kathey Atkinson with Dallas Times Herald photographer Eamon Kennedy – Works – The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.  

Atkinson, who passed away in 2013, recorded an oral history with the Museum in 2011: Kathey Atkinson Oral History – Works – The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. - Stephen Fagin, Curator

A native of Ireland, Eamon Kennedy was a staff photographer at the Dallas Times Herald in 1963. On the weekend of the Kennedy assassination, he captured images at Dallas Love Field, Parkland Memorial Hospital, the Texas Theatre in Oak Cliff and Dallas police headquarters. He later covered the 1964 Jack Ruby trial and the Warren Commission's visit to Dallas.

As a longtime friend of the Museum, he recorded several oral history interviews and programs. His interview from May 2014 can be viewed on the Museum’s online collection database here: Eamon Kennedy Oral History – Works – The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.

Other objects related to Mr. Kennedy, including several of his images, may be found here: Thesaurus – Vocabularies – The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. - Riley Harris, Collections Cataloger