Richard Johnston Oral History

This particular interview was memorable for me as the Museum's first oral history during the COVD-19 pandemic. It was recorded four months after the Museum closed to the public and approximately two months prior to the Museum reopening with a reduced operating schedule. During this trying time, I began recording audio-only telephone interviews, starting with this oral history with Richard Johnston. The Museum's first Zoom interview was recorded a few months later in October 2020. - Stephen Fagin, Curator

The Museum's Oral History Collection includes several individuals who have discussed their birthday falling on November 22nd. In addition to Richard Johnston, November 22, 1963, was Tom Garner's 40th birthday and Bobbie Wygant's 37th birthday (Bobbie Wygant Oral History – Works – The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza). Presidential historian David Pietrusza turned fourteen on November 22, 1963. A public program featuring Pietrusza may be found here: 1960: LBJ vs. JFK vs. Nixon with David Pietrusza. Martha Ritner, interviewed in 2015, marked her twenty-fifth birthday on November 22, 1963. Diane Coady recalled an emotional twelfth birthday on November 22, 1963 in her 2009 oral history: Diane Coady Oral History – Works – The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Kaspar deLine was born on November 22, 1962, exactly one year before the assassination: Kaspar deLine Oral History – Works – The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. To date, only one oral history participant - Stacy Kelso - was actually born on Friday, November 22, 1963. - Stephen Fagin, Curator