1978 Cecil Kirk’s Testimony Notes on The Kennedy Assassination

A Historic Archive: Kirk’s Testimony on Lee Harvey Oswald Photographs

An Unprecedented Collection

This remarkable archive, housed in a three-ring binder, offers a profound glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history. It features a 41-page set of photocopies, meticulously annotated with penciled corrections and emendations by Kirk himself. These documents are from his testimony before the House Select Committee on Assassinations in 1978, where he addressed the authenticity of the controversial photographs of Lee Harvey Oswald. These images, showing Oswald in his backyard holding the rifle allegedly used to assassinate President John F. Kennedy, have been the subject of intense scrutiny and debate.

Photographic Evidence and Testimony

The archive includes an 8” x 10” composite photo that details two of the disputed photographs, providing a visual context to Kirk’s testimony. Additionally, a typed statement on the House Select Committee on Assassinations letterhead concerning the negative adds an official dimension to the collection. This is complemented by a period 8” x 10” photo of a Dallas detective holding the Oswald rifle, alongside another 8” x 10” photo of the same rifle taken in 1978. These images serve as crucial pieces of evidence in understanding the narrative surrounding the assassination.

Unique Candid Photographs

Adding to the archive’s allure are two candid 3.5” x 5” color photographs from the 1978 hearings. One captures Kirk delivering his testimony regarding the rifle photo, while the other features former Texas Governor John G. Connally, who was present at the same hearings. These candid shots offer a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the proceedings, providing a personal touch to the historical documentation.

Condition and Significance

• Historical Importance: Documents a critical investigation into the assassination of President Kennedy.
• Authenticity and Detail: Includes original annotations by Kirk, offering insights into his thought process.
• Visual Documentation: Features photographs that are central to the investigation’s narrative.
• Personal Touch: Candid images from the hearings add depth and context to the archive.

This archive is not just a collection of documents and photographs; it is a window into a momentous event that shaped American history. The meticulous annotations and the inclusion of both official and candid photographs make it an invaluable resource for historians and collectors alike. As we continue to explore the depths of sports and historical memorabilia, such collections remind us of the enduring impact of pivotal moments and the artifacts that preserve them. For those interested in exploring more about historical memorabilia, Grey Flannel Auctions offers a wide array of sports memorabilia auctions and consignment opportunities for unique historical items.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.