On a recent early Monday morning, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza welcomed a significant addition to its archives: over 15,000 images donated by renowned Dallas Times Herald photographer Bob Jackson.
This donation represents one of the most substantial contributions the museum has ever received, marking a pivotal moment in its mission to portray a more comprehensive history of Dallas beyond the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Curator Stephen Fagin showcased a selection of Jackson’s black-and-white photographs, capturing various moments from Dallas’s past in the 1960s and 70s, including scenes of desegregation, local celebrities, and everyday life.
Among the most notable images in Jackson’s collection is one featuring a tense moment from the aftermath of the assassination. On November 24, 1963, Jackson took a photograph that would become iconic—Jack Ruby firing a pistol into the gut of Lee Harvey Oswald in the basement of the Dallas Police Department.
Fagin, while examining Jackson’s archives, expressed his excitement about the negatives’ historical importance, particularly highlighting that they hold many untold stories of Dallas.
The museum’s CEO, Nicola Longford, emphasized the significance of Jackson’s collection in enriching the museum’s narrative, stating that it provides a broader context of the city during a time of profound change.
Bob Jackson himself reflected on his decision to donate his archives, emphasizing his desire for the collection to be accessible to the public rather than being sold to private collectors.
Jackson has a long-standing relationship with the Sixth Floor Museum, having contributed to its efforts in various capacities over the years. His integrity and commitment to documenting Dallas history have made him a beloved figure within the local community.
The extensive collection’s highlights include photographs from significant events such as the integration of schools in Dallas, showcasing the city’s social struggles and triumphs. Jackson described capturing the moment when three young girls looked out a school window on the day of desegregation as a turning point in his career.
His experiences on November 22, 1963, when President Kennedy was assassinated, were transformative for him. Jackson had been at Dallas Love Field capturing the president’s arrival, but he missed the historic moment in Dealey Plaza due to unfortunate timing.
However, just two days later, he captured the infamous moment of Ruby shooting Oswald, a photograph that would resonate through history. This particular photo defined Jackson’s career, earning him a Pulitzer Prize and solidifying his place in journalism history.
Longford and Fagin expressed their gratitude for Jackson’s decision to house his archives at the museum, calling it a significant step toward fulfilling the museum’s goal of telling Dallas’s complete story.
As the museum prepares to host a formal event with Jackson on November 22, the anniversary of the assassination, plans for a discussion entitled “Dallas: Through the Lens of Bob Jackson” have been finalized. This event will focus on the diverse stories captured in Jackson’s portfolio rather than solely fixating on the notorious shot.
Jackson’s contributions underscore a desire to reflect a multifaceted history of Dallas and not just the moment of tragedy that overshadowed it. Through his eyes, the museum aspires to tell a richer narrative, encompassing voices and moments that have shaped the city over the decades.
In his reflection on his career, Jackson expressed both pride and a sense of loss over missed opportunities to document moments in Dallas’s history.
“I’ve thought back over the years about the time when I could have taken pictures of Dallas for something like that, a history of Dallas, and I didn’t do it,” he shared, demonstrating his deep connection to the city and its evolving narrative.
As Jackson’s images are integrated into the museum’s collection, they will serve as a foundation for storytelling, bridging the past with the present, and celebrating the many facets of Dallas that have often been overlooked.
The significant donation not only honors the legacy of Bob Jackson but also solidifies the Sixth Floor Museum’s role as a central force in chronicling the rich and diverse history of Dallas.
image source from：dallasnews
