Dick and Doris Kearns Goodwin, renowned figures in the world of presidential history, recently entrusted 300 boxes of their papers to the Briscoe Center for American History in Austin. Both individuals had close ties to President Lyndon B. Johnson, having worked with him during and after his time in office. The decision to house their papers at the Briscoe Center, located near the LBJ Presidential Library, was a fitting choice given the Goodwins’ deep connection to Johnson.
In addition to donating their papers, Dick and Doris Kearns Goodwin also collaborated on a book detailing their experiences as a speechwriter and presidential historian. This collaboration ultimately led to the creation of an exhibit at the Briscoe Center titled “History and Fate.” The exhibit takes its name from a significant speech that Dick Goodwin worked on with President Johnson following the events in Selma. In this speech, Johnson spoke about the intersection of history and fate, particularly in relation to the Voting Rights Act.
The impact of historical moments, such as the events in Selma, was not lost on Johnson or those around him. The Goodwins’ archive, now on display at the Briscoe Center, offers a unique glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into crafting such pivotal speeches. Dick Goodwin’s involvement as a speechwriter extended beyond his time with Johnson, as he later worked with Senator Robert Kennedy. One notable speech delivered by Kennedy in Cape Town, South Africa, became known as the “ripples of hope” speech, a phrase that now graces Kennedy’s grave.
For Dick Goodwin, the process of going through the boxes of papers that would eventually make up the collection at the Briscoe Center held special significance. Even in the face of illness, he remained dedicated to the project, viewing it as a source of inspiration and vitality. The writing of the book and the exploration of the remaining boxes became a meaningful endeavor for both Dick and Doris Kearns Goodwin, underscoring the importance of preserving and sharing these historical documents.
The exhibit, “History and Fate: The Goodwins and the 1960s,” offers visitors a glimpse into a transformative period in American history through the eyes of two individuals deeply entrenched in the political landscape of the time. By delving into the speeches, notes, and research materials housed at the Briscoe Center, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the thought processes and motivations behind key historical moments.
For those interested in exploring the legacy of the Goodwins and their impact on the 1960s, the exhibit will be on display at the Briscoe Center for American History in Austin until July 25, 2025. This rare opportunity to engage with firsthand accounts and primary sources offers a unique perspective on a pivotal era in American history.
