"Memories From Dealey Plaza" Program

Pierce Allman passed away on November 25, 2022. He was a longtime friend of The Sixth Floor Museum. Less than two weeks prior to the opening of the exhibit in February 1989, Pierce provided narration for an audio tour that guided visitors through the sixth floor of the former Depository building. More than twenty years later, Pierce returned to voice all new narration for an updated and enhanced audio tour. His rich and distinctive voice ultimately guided millions of visitors through their experience at The Sixth Floor Museum for more than three decades.

Pierce also participated in a number of programs at the Museum over the years, including this 2014 Living History: Living History with Pierce Allman - YouTube and this lively conversation alongside his friend and fellow journalist Hugh Aynesworth in 2016: A Conversation with Hugh Aynesworth and Pierce Allman - YouTube. -- Stephen Fagin, Curator

Although all of these panelists participated in multiple oral history recordings at The Sixth Floor Museum over the years, this was the only time that they came together as a group for an eyewitness panel discussion.

Pierce Allman recorded an oral history in 1995 (Pierce Allman Oral History – Works – The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (jfk.org)). He also participated in five Museum programs between 2006 and 2016, including this 2014 Living History public program: Living History with Pierce Allman (youtube.com). He passed away on November 29, 2022.

Rickey Chism, alongside his late mother, Marvin Faye Chism, recorded an oral history in 2012 (Marvin Faye and Rickey Chism Oral History – Works – The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (jfk.org)). On his own, Rickey also participated in three Museum programs, including this 2013 eyewitness panel discussion: JFK Assassination 50th Anniversary Media Open House - Eyewitness Panel (youtube.com).

Bill and Gayle Newman recorded oral histories in 1993 (Bill and Gayle Newman Oral History – Works – The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (jfk.org)) and 2003 (Kennedy Assassination: Bill and Gayle Newman, Part 1 | C-SPAN.org). Together, separately, and even alongside their two sons, the Newmans have participated in a dozen Museum programs over the years, including this 2013 panel discussion with the entire family: Living History with The Newmans (youtube.com). - Stephen Fagin, Curator