Letters to Jackie Reveals Never-Before-Seen Condolences Sent to Jacqueline Kennedy Following the Assassination of her Husband, President John F. Kennedy
Posted Friday, March 5, 2010
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza to host free book-signing event Thursday, March 11 with author Ellen Fitzpatrick
Within seven weeks of President John F. Kennedy’s death in 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy received nearly one million condolence letters. Two years later, the volume of messages would nearly double. Written on elegant stationery, scraps of paper, in black ink or in pencil smudged by tears, the correspondence would remain essentially untouched for the next forty-six years.
Now, noted historian and News Hour with Jim Lehrer commentator Ellen Fitzpatrick has selected approximately 250 of these letters for inclusion in Letters to Jackie, a remarkable human record that preserves the grief of a nation following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This is the first book ever to examine the collection of letters, providing a fascinating perspective on what is arguably the most devastating event in twentieth century America.
Author Ellen Fitzpatrick will be at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza for a free presentation and book signing event on March 11, 2010. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public. For reservations, call 214-747-6660 x 6623 or email programs@ jfk.org.
Letters to Jackie hits newsstands in early March and will be on sale for $26.99 plus tax during the event. To pre-order a copy, guests can email orders@jfk.org or call Kim Cline at 214-747-6660 ext. 6683.
About the Author
Ellen Fitzpatrick is a professor and scholar specializing in modern American political and intellectual history. She is the author and editor of six books and has appeared regularly on PBS’s The News Hour with Jim Lehrer. She has been interviewed as an expert on modern American political history by the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, the Boston Globe, the Washington Post, CBS’s Face the Nation, and National Public Radio. Fitzpatrick lives in Newton, Massachusetts.
The Sixth Floor Museum
Mission: Chronicles the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy; interprets and supports the Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza; and presents contemporary culture within the context of presidential history. For more information, visit www.jfk.org or call 214-747-6660.
Location: 411 Elm Street Dallas, TX 75202
Hours: Monday Noon-6pm, Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm.
Offers: Audio guides for the permanent exhibit are available in seven languages, including a youth version in English.
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