Living History with Vivian Castleberry

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza presented an interview with Vivian Castleberry as a Living History education program for Haggard Middle School (Texas), Pulaski Academy (Arkansas) and West Ouachita High School (Louisiana). Castleberry was the Women's News editor at The Dallas Times Herald in 1963. She spoke with Museum Associate Curator Stephen Fagin about her experience the day of the assassination. Castleberry was waiting at the Trade Mart to cover Jackie Kennedy's visit to the city when she learned that shots were fired at President Kennedy's motorcade. This presentation took place at the Museum on April 18, 2008. To see related films, photos, documents and oral histories from The Sixth Floor Museum's collection, visit our online collections database (emuseum.jfk.org). Or make a research appointment to explore the books, DVDs and other materials available in the Museum's Reading Room (www.jfk.org/go/reading-room).

[@brober]

"His hair was red in the sunlight and he looked right at me." Haunting

[@sjmurley]

Just saw this. Your quote reprise was the heart of this interview. Haunting, poignant, and a stunning eternal mother daughter moment.

[@mizzkplaz]

Incredible interview.

[@debbietalbert959]

What a delightful woman! It’s been a joy listening to her recount her precious memories. A beautiful spirit and a lot of wisdom and she looks incredible still!

[@dennisddd8243]

What a sweet sweet woman, she easily could have been my mother. The Southern drawl and be loved in her story. Text me back to my mom. Southern women make the best Mama's. Behind every good Southern man was a strong Southern woman.

[@swannoir]

Great interview/story. I especially appreciate the photos taken that night in the Dallas streets.

[@janetphillips2875]

The real Nightmare on Elm Street

[@marilynadams349]

This you need to your grand kids and great grand kids!

[@Bbendfender]

What a great interview..

[@toddjones5795]

What a sweet lady!

[@prant8998]

Great!

[@marilynadams349]

I need to look up Vivian as she was much admired by my mother.

[@davidmoorecatdaddy6994]

I feel so sorry for ms castleberry ( r.i.p.) And her daughter .

[@grfIII]

One of the best I have seen on here. A side note about Johnson carrying out JFK's policies is Viet Nam. Viet Nam changed every thing. But I stilled enjoyed this interview.

[@sjmurley]

Just saw this. I have seen many of these oral histories. I agree one of the most poignant.

[@janetphillips2875]

Mrs. Castleberry: You never know what people are thinking or feeling, but you never layer on what people are thinking or feeling, but here's what I think.... Later: .... I have read the Warren Report on what they think happened

[@robertbdesmond]

Sad that people still think Oswald acted alone...

[@jgunther3398]

It's a damn shame the sound is so bad on this channel. TV studio techniques are not a mystery. The voices are understandable but always grating and hard to listen to.

[@PANCHOVILLAMATO]

LBJ was forced to follow most of JFK'S policies, except Viet Nam.

[@mikehood3424]

Oswald never fired a shot that day...... She should be sued by the Oswald daughters. Ruby was set up too.

[@brandtbecker1810]

Boring interview. Hate the idea of 2,400 steak dinners wasted. I'd have taken something with me at least.

[@toddjones5795]

If you had been there I bet you wouldn't have even thought about a steak.

[@janetphillips2875]

​@@toddjones5795one of the cops said that the chefs offered them steaks to take home. Its on the interview with Boyd and some old codgers that wasnt well known to the day.

[@marilynadams349]

I need to look up Vivian as she was much admired by my mother.