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Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-AUG-01
In this interview Heckscher discusses John F. Kennedy [JFK] and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis as an “inspiration to cultural life”; Heckscher’s involvement in government affairs prior to becoming a Special Consultant to the President; the invitation of 168 artists to JFK’s 1961 inauguration and its impact; how Heckscher came to work for the White House; discussing Heckscher’s position with Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.; the reasoning behind the creation of the new position of Special Consultant on the Arts and the favorable public reaction to it; enlarging the definition of “The Arts,” especially regarding architecture; Arthur Goldberg; the establishment of the Freedom Medal; creating the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts through executive order; personal impressions of JFK; setting up Heckscher’s office and staff; how Heckscher was meant to advise JFK and what his position entailed; the Cultural Center [Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts]; conversations with JFK; Mrs. Kennedy’s expansive work for the arts; the arts as part of national policy; working with other White House staff members and other Departments; designing special postage stamps; what the President’s role in the arts should be; and the Fine Arts Commission, among other issues.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-TPH-08A
Dictation Belt 8A contains four sound recordings. Item 8A.1 is a telephone conversation held on February 28, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and George Meany. They discuss arrangements for a White House reception for labor leaders. Item 8A.2 is a telephone conversation held on February 28, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Senator James Howard Edmondson of Oklahoma. They discuss a proposed merger of American Airlines and Eastern Air Lines, its potential effects on other airlines and the state of Oklahoma, and Delos W. Rentzel’s thoughts on the matter. The recording begins in mid-conversation. Note: James Howard Edmondson was previously identified as "Ed Edmondson" in some John F. Kennedy Library documents. Item 8A.3 is a telephone conversation held on March 2, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Theodore W. Kheel. They discuss the status of negotiations concerning the New York newspapers strike and the positions held by Dorothy Schiff and other parties. The recording begins in mid-sentence. Item 8A.4 is a telephone conversation held on March 2, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara. They discuss reconnaissance flights over Cuba and statements attributed to Senator Barry M. Goldwater of Arizona. They also discuss a press item about a proposed nuclear naval force and Soviet surveillance of naval vessels. The recording begins in mid-conversation and ends abruptly. The recording of this conversation continues on Dictation Belt 8B.1.Transcript included. Each item listed above is also available individually as an excerpt derived from this full-length digitized recording. See Related Records for more information.