EXPLORE THE ARCHIVES:
BEST OF THE REST
Embedded Files
The millions of documents, telephone recordings, and film clips within the LBJ Library archives offer a complete and uncensored account of Lyndon B. Johnson's political and personal life—“with the bark off."
Notes on Thurgood Marshall Appointment (June 1967)
President Johnson wrote these notes about nominating Solicitor General Thurgood Marshall to a seat on the Supreme Court Marshall would become the first African-American Supreme Court Justice.
Did you know? The great-grandson of slaves, Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall served 24 years on the highest court of the United States. He consistently challenged discrimination based on race or sex, opposed the death penalty, and supported the rights of criminal defendants. He retired in 1991.
Thurgood Marshall and President Johnson, June 13, 1967
LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto [A4278-22]
LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto [A4278-22]
Notes on Memo from Jack Valenti (April 26, 1965)
The president replies to a memo from Special Assistant Jack Valenti about the Secret Service requesting more space in the Executive Office Building in the White House.
Did you know? In his published memoirs, former agent Gerald Blaine writes that he almost accidentally shot President Johnson the night after the assassination of President Kennedy. Johnson had walked outside alone “for a breath of air” when he startled the jumpy agent.
Jack Valenti at work, January 12, 1966
LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto [A1733-26A]
LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto [A1733-26A]
Letter from John Wayne (December 28, 1965)
In this letter to President Johnson, actor John Wayne presents a solution to get the American people to support the unpopular Vietnam War. He suggests a film to inspire patriotism.
Did you know? John Wayne asked for cooperation from the Defense Department in making the film. Special Assistant Jack Valenti told the president, “Wayne’s politics are wrong, but if he makes this film he will be helping us.” The administration agreed to the film after many script changes. “The Green Berets” was released in 1968 and became a box-office success.
Phone call with Darrell Royal (January 1, 1964)
President Johnson congratulates Darrell Royal, the head coach of the University of Texas football team, and his wife Edith Royal, on the team’s 1963 National Championship title after winning the Cotton Bowl.
Did you know? Lyndon Johnson wanted to encourage lasting fitness for all Americans. During his presidency, he directed the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports to supervise the National Youth Sports Program for disadvantaged youth.
LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto [W10-5]
Notes from Cuban Missile Crisis Meeting (October 23, 1962)
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vice President Johnson attended a meeting with President Kennedy and his administration to discuss their plan of action. These are Johnson’s notes from that meeting.
Did you know? The day before this meeting, President Kennedy ordered a naval blockade to be placed around Cuba. The blockade was to prevent the Soviet military from bringing arms and supplies to the island. Less than a year later, relations between the United States and the Soviet Union became more stable. The superpowers signed the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in July of 1963.
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