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Image of presidential limousine turning onto Main Street in downtown Dallas
Image of presidential limousine turning onto Main Street in downtown Dallas

Image of presidential limousine turning onto Main Street in downtown Dallas

Object number1989.100.0009.0001
Date11/22/1963
ClassificationsPhotographs
Photographer Darryl Heikes
ObjectNegative (b&w)
Credit LineDarryl Heikes, photographer, Dallas Times Herald Collection/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
MediumFilm
Dimensions15/16 x 1 7/16 in. (2.4 x 3.6 cm)
Collections
DescriptionOriginal 35mm black and white negative taken by Dallas Times Herald and United Press International newspaper photographer Darryl Heikes showing the presidential motorcade turning from Harwood street onto Main street in downtown Dallas. Secret Service Agent Clint Hill, assigned to Jacqueline Kennedy, occasionally rode on the rear bumper of the president's car, as seen in this image, when the crowds grew heavy.
Curatorial Commentary
This extraordinary image is perhaps the most famous photograph of the Kennedy motorcade not taken in Dealey Plaza.  According to his 2008 oral history with the Museum, photographer Darryl Heikes had noticed the large "All The Way With JFK" sign before the motorcade's arrival at the intersection and, in order to get the best photograph possible, asked the person holding the sign to make sure it was clearly visible when the limousine passed by.  - Stephen Fagin, Curator
This photograph shows how vulnerable the president was when riding in an open car.  At the time, the Secret Service relied on the public thinking - erroneously - that agents were checking and guarding against people in open windows, on fire escapes and atop buildings.  Security is far different today, of course, and one of the first things that changed minutes after this picture wastaken was open limousine touring by presidents. - Gary Mack, Curator