A Review of the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
The sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas has been burned into America’s psyche as the site from where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired the shots that killed President John F. Kennedy. Today, the site has become a museum that pays tribute to the legacy of JFK and one of Dallas’ most popular tourist attractions.
The Depository sits on the north end of Dealey Plaza, the “gateway” to downtown Dallas. Situated at the corner of Elm and Houston Streets on the western end of downtown, it is easily accessible to tourists staying in downtown hotels. Since some of the streets running through Dealey Plaza run one-way, directions are important to find the Museum entrance. Those driving in should take Interstate 35 and take the Continental exit, head east to Houston Street, and make a right on Houston to Elm. The parking entrance is just off of Elm behind the grassy knoll. Those coming from the south across the Trinity River should take Ft. Worth Avenue, which becomes Commerce just before the famed “Triple Underpass.” You can then enter Dealey Plaza from either Main Street or Commerce Street (both streets run through Dealey Plaza). The Plaza remains largely the same as it did that day in 1963, but don’t spend too much time gawking as you drive through; you’ll need to pass Houston Street and the historic “Old Red” Brick Courthouse, and then make a left at Market Street. Make another left onto Elm and head back towards Dealey Plaza. Parking and the entrance to the Museum is just off of Elm, behind the grassy knoll.
Admission to the Sixth Floor Museum is $10 for adults and $9 for children 6-18. Audio tours are recommended but cost extra. The Sixth Floor Museum actually encompasses the sixth and seventh floors of the Depository. The seventh features rotating exhibits and should not be missed. The sixth floor takes visitors on a tour of the Presidency of JFK, highlighting the major political events and social issues of the time, up until the trip to Dallas. At that point, visitors can see the sniper’s perch recreated just as it was on November 22, 1963. The sniper’s perch is closed off to patrons, but you can see the original window from the perch, displayed separately. Videos and news footage from that day are presented, but actual footage of the assassination is not shown in the Museum, out of respect for the Kennedy family and younger patrons. The tour then covers the aftermath, as the nation mourned and then began to move on. Information about the investigation is presented, including the model of Dealey Plaza constructed by the FBI for the Warren Commission. Information for both the “single assassin” and “conspiracy” theories are presented, to allow the patron to decide. The tour ends with a touching tribute to the legacy of JFK. Visitors can then welcome to record their memories of JFK and the assassination in a remembrance book to be placed in the Museum archives for future generations to study. The Museum has received worldwide acclaim for its sensitive and yet factual approach to one of America’s darkest days.
Visitors can then visit the gift shop, which is not to be missed, on the first floor and full of books about JFK and the events in Dallas, as well as countless gifts and other items. Just outside the Depository, a walk through Dealey Plaza is a must, to fully appreciate the events of that day. Visitors are urged to stay on the sidewalks, and avoid crossing the grassy areas or walking in the streets, since they are still widely used by downtown workers.
The Museum is open every day except Christmas. More information about the Museum can be found at www.JFK.org.
