Spotlight: Dallas - The 6th Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Spotlight: President John F. Kennedy was assassinated while riding through Dealey Plaza in a motorcade on Nov. 22, 1963. The assassination of John F. Kennedy is probably the second most infamous murder in the history of the United States (after that of Abraham Lincoln). Numerous conspiracy theorists have tried to link the two assassinations. Hundreds of volumes have been written about the similarities and differences between these two iconic American figures, their murderers, and the assassination plots that brought about their earthly demise. In fact, so many works of literature have been dedicated to these two men that many Americans seem to have forgotten that two other U.S. presidents were also assassinated in office (James Garfield and William McKinley).
     One reason why the assassination of John F. Kennedy has had such an impact on U.S. culture is the fact that his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated only 4 1/2 years later while campaigning for the 1968 presidential election. Another, is that it remains the most recent successful assassination of a U.S. president. A third reason is that practically every president since Pres. Kennedy has also had a documented assassination attempt on his life (most notably Pres. Reagan who was actually shot, but survived).
     The 6th Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is a trove of memorabilia (photos, artifacts, video) highlighting the life and presidency of John F. Kennedy, the political climate (Civil Rights, Cold War, Space & Technology), the assassination, and the investigations that followed.

Location: The Museum is located at 411 Elm St. in Dallas.

Cost: $16/adult, $13/youth (6-18), $14/senior (65+), children 5 and under are free

Time: The museum is open from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm daily (except Mondays 12-6). Allow 1-3 hours to take the audio tour and peruse the museum and grounds.

Description: The 6th Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza was created to honor the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States of America. The audio tour takes you through various exhibits that highlight various aspects of his presidency:
     The Early 1960's outlines the social movements and political climate that characterized his presidency, while giving guests insights into his family life.
     The Trip to Texas escorts guests through the two-day five-city trip through Texas immediately preceding his assassination. It also explores the political climate in Texas at the time.
     The Corner Window (the southeast corner window on the 6th Floor of the Texas School Book Depository) has been recreated to appear as it did on Nov. 22, 1963 when it served as the sniper's perch for the assassination. Interactive touch-screens overlooking Dealey Plaza give visitors a glimpse into the past.

The X on the road marks the spot where the assassination occurred

     The Crisis Hours highlights the search for the assassin, the arrest of Lee Harvey Oswald, and his subsequent murder at the hands of local nightclub owner Jack Ruby.
     The Investigations analyzes the Warren Commission's 889-page report on the assassination which determined that there was no evidence of a conspiracy. The exhibit includes criticisms of the report including video that explores various aspects of the investigation, including acoustical evidence, photographs, forensic and ballistic tests, and other materials.
     The Legacy section includes a video tribute of John F. Kennedy, highlighting the global impact of his legacy in civil rights, space & technology, arts & culture, and volunteerism.
     The Corner Staircase has also been recreated to appear as it did in 1963. On display is an Italian made Mannlicher-Carcano rifle identical to the one found by investigators in the northwest corner of the 6th floor.
     In addition to the permanent exhibits, there are usually various special exhibits on display on other floors. Currently on display is a Photomosaics exhibit by artist Alex Guofeng Cao that from a distance appears to be giant black and white portraits of JFK and his wife Jacqueline. Upon closer inspection, the viewer notices that the portraits are a collage of thousands of smaller images.

     It is worth the time to walk around Dealey Plaza and contemplate the events that took place there. The plaza has some fountains and an obelisk, and provides views of the building itself.

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Since the museum works on a timed entry model, it is recommended that you purchase tickets online ahead of time.
- If I remember right, you aren't allowed to take pictures in the 6th Floor museum itself.
- A self-tour audio/ASL guide is available for all guests with purchase of admission. The guides are available in the following languages: English, Spanish, German, French, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese and Mandarin Chinese.
- As you leave, you are invited to write your impressions in the museum's Memory Books.

Nearby: Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture, Dallas World Aquarium, Perot Museum of Nature & Science, Reunion Tower