RFK Conducts Oral History Project for JFK Library, ca. 1964

TLS, 2p, measuring 8" x 10.5", dated March 23, 1964, Washington, D.C. A two page correspondence from Robert F. Kennedy on Office of the Attorney General letterhead outlining the terms and conditions of a new oral history project conducted by the John F. Kennedy Library. This letter, likely sent to other potential candidates for interview, is addressed to H. W. "Bill" Brawley, a member of the Democratic National Committee and former Deputy Postmaster General during the Kennedy administration. Signed "Bob" at conclusion in black pen, both pages exhibit minor indentations on upper left edge from paper clip, with minor toning and expected creasing to rest. Else, very good with interesting contents!

In part:
"You are obviously one of the persons who ought to be interviewed in order to get a full record of the Administration, its policies, and its achievements. I emphasize the fact that the interview will receive exactly the same treatment in the Library as any personal papers deposited-- that is, the man who agrees to an interview can decide on security classifications, if any are necessary, as well as make any stipulations he desires about access to the transcripts. The interviews will be seen by no one except the interviewer and the transcriber without your permission; and a copy of the transcript will be deposited in your possession…."

After agreeing to the terms put forward here, 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 discussed 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.

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