Robert F. Kennedy 1964 TLS Re: JFK Library Oral History Project

TLS, 1p, measuring 8.5" x 11", dated December 16, 1964, Boston, MA. Letter on JFK Library letterhead from Robert F. Kennedy, the Corporation's acting president, and addressed to Democratic National Committee member and former Deputy Postmaster General H.W. Brawley. Signed simply as "Bob" at conclusion in blue ballpoint pen. Within, RFK thanks Brawley for his participation in an upcoming oral history project sponsored by the library for the purpose of future historical research on the Kennedy administration. Also on the Library's board during this time was then-President Lyndon B. Johnson as honorary chairmen, as well as Jacqueline and Edward M. Kennedy as co-vice presidents. Letter exhibits indentation and light soiling on upper left edge from paper clip, with minor toning and expected flattened folds to rest. Overall, very good with important connections to JFK's legacy.

In full:
"I want to express my deep personal appreciation for your willingness to give time and thought from your busy schedule for the oral history interviews for the John F. Kennedy Library.
We are seeking to get these interviews completed in the next month, and I hope you will be able to push ahead on them.
The project is a pioneering one that should provide invaluable insights for later historians, and I hope you will be full and frank in your comments.
Again, my thanks for your participation in the project."

As RFK predicts in this letter, Bill Brawley's interview was conducted on December 29, 1964 by journalist and fellow Democratic National Committee member Samuel C. Brighton. Before this point, Brawley had previously served as National Coordinator on Lyndon B. Johnson's vice presidential campaign in 1960 and, in 1961, was appointed Deputy Postmaster by John F. Kennedy. A bulk of the interview subsequently discusses the 1960 campaign, the postal rate increase during the Kennedy administration, and the process of raising wages for government employees, among other issues. Toward the end, Brighton asks Brawley's personal views on Kennedy as a president, and briefly discusses RFK's role in the Civil Rights Act passed earlier that year. A full transcript of this interview can be found on the John F. Kennedy Library's website, or in PDF format through this link.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!