Sixth Floor Museum

Posted on: Mar 21, 2013        In: Out and About        With: No comments

We lived in Dallas County many many years, and had never visited the Sixth Floor Museum – a museum that chronicles the life, the assassination and the legacy of President John F. Kennedy.  Often we mentioned wanting to visit the museum, but perhaps we were a little hesitant to go to an infamous place – A place associated with President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.  A place that was the site of one of the saddest days in American history.  A place that represented a time of profound grief for our nation.  A place that scarred Dallas.

That changed last week.  While eating at the West End, Number One son mentioned that the Sixth Floor Museum was nearby. (He knew I had been wanting to visit the museum.)   What a great opportunity.  Thus we set off to find the Sixth Floor Museum.

Within a few minutes, we were at the Sixth Floor Museum (click here to go to the museum website).  The museum is located in Dealey Plaza on Elm Street.  Oh, my.  The line for entrance into the museum was long- very long.  Perhaps the long line was due to parents and students having spring break, but it also appeared that many of the people waiting in line were out-of-towners in Dallas for conventions.

Outside the entrance to the museum are black and white photographs of President John F. Kennedy.  Photography is  not permitted inside the museum, but inside the museum there are many more photographs, films, audio reports, and artifacts chronicling  the life, the assassination, and the legacy of JFK.  With your paid admission you receive an audio guide which is very informative.  It was a little hard to try to read the information associated with each exhibit and also listen to the audio tour at the same time – I could not multi-task.

This is the sixth floor window of the School Book Depository Building.  (The building has seven floors.)  It is the square window in the corner on the right.  In the museum, they have recreated the  “sniper’s perch” area behind this window.  To me it was a chilling sight.  You are able to imagine the motorcade passing by this window.

Did Lee Harvey Oswald act alone on November 22, 1963?  The museum presents the major theories, and these different theories are interesting.  I would like to spend more time in this area when I go back.

Dealey plaza is beautiful.

In the heart of this modern city, we learn of our past. I like it.  I love it.  The Old Red Courthouse that chronicles the history of Dallas is also nearby.  Both of these museums are recommended.

Blessings to you and yours,

You can take the Dart Light Rail (Red Line) to the West End or Union Station and easily walk to Dealey Plaza to visit the museums.  Plus the West End with all its restaurants is right there also.  I did not realize how convenient going to this area could be. You do not have to worry about parking.