JFK Living History with Eugene Boone

 

As the last Living History program for 2014, The Sixth Floor Museum hosted Eugene Boone, former deputy sheriff. Boone described walking through the sixth floor in the Texas School Book Depository, searching around the stack of books with battery-powered flashlights for "anything that didn't belong." Between two stacks of books in a crevice, that's where he found the rifle used to shoot the President.

Mr. Boone was the youngest Deputy Sheriff that worked in the Dallas Sheriff’s office in 1962 and was recognized as “Rookie of the Year.”   The conversation with Mr. Boone was hosted by Museum Associate curator, Stephen Fagin.  Caleb and other members of the Museum’s Youth Advisory Committee served as docents for the event.

Prior to joining the Sherriff’s Department, Mr. Boone worked at the Dallas Times Herald and had contact with Jack Ruby.  In the conversation Mr. Boone said his impression of Jack Ruby was that Ruby killed Oswald to drum up business for his club.  He thought Ms. Ruby felt no one would convict him for killing Oswald because ‘everyone wanted to do it.’ 

If you are in the area and have the opportunity to check out the Museum's Living History series, please do!  It is amazing to hear these first hand stories from those who witnessed history!  Caleb has loved serving for the past five years on the Youth Advisory Committee.  So many fascinating stories! 

Lord, I have heard of your fame;
    I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.
Repeat them in our day,
    in our time make them known;
    in wrath remember mercy.

Habakkuk 3:2