New Immersive Exhibition Launches at the Sixth Floor Museum
The Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas recently unveiled a new exhibition titled “On Assignment: Dallas Times Herald 1963,” providing a profound exploration into the role of journalists during a pivotal moment in American history. The exhibit commemorates the efforts of reporters from the Dallas Times Herald who were present during the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, in Dealey Plaza.
Curated by Stephen Fagin, the museum’s oral historian, and Chief Experience Officer Amanda Rutland, the exhibition took seven months to complete, presenting 130 artifacts and photographs from the weekend of the assassination. The focus is on giving a personal narrative through the experiences of reporters and photojournalists, including Keith Shelton, Darwin Payne, Vivian Castleberry, Jim Lehrer, Eamon Kennedy, and Bob Jackson.
Fagin emphasizes the importance of journalism during such historical events, noting that the accounts captured by local newspapers and broadcasters shaped the narratives that are now common knowledge. The exhibition aims to highlight the emotional toll of this work, as journalists gathered information amidst chaos, often relying on payphones to relay real-time news updates.
Visitors to “On Assignment: Dallas Times Herald 1963” can engage with interactive features, such as a mock newsroom where they can assume reporter roles, crop photos, and practice making breaking news calls. Unique artifacts include a red sailor suit worn by a girl photographed at Dallas Love Field Airport upon President Kennedy’s arrival and the notebook of reporter Keith Shelton. His notes, initially focused on observing campaign signs, dramatically shift when he records the sound of gunfire.
The exhibit further examines the impact of Kennedy’s assassination not only on the immediate public but also on its global perception. Fagin comments on how these recollections resonate even decades later, underscoring the exhibition’s value in teaching journalistic integrity and empathy.
“On Assignment: Dallas Times Herald 1963” will be on display through March 28, 2027, and is included with general museum admission. Tickets can be purchased online, with prices set at for adults, for seniors, and for youth.
The exhibition is a reminder of the profound responsibilities held by journalists and the lasting impact their work has on society.
