Unveiling the Legacy: The Goodwins’ Stories through Speeches
When Dick and Doris Kearns Goodwin decided to find a home for their vast collection of papers, including 300 boxes of speeches, notes, and research, they chose the Briscoe Center for American History in Austin. Situated just across a courtyard from the LBJ Presidential Library on the University of Texas at Austin campus, the center holds a special significance for the Goodwins, who both worked for and knew President Lyndon B. Johnson intimately during and after his presidency.
Legacy Preserved: A Tale of Speeches and History
The 300 boxes of papers found their new home at the Briscoe Center, where Dick and Doris embarked on a journey to document their lives as a speechwriter and presidential historian, respectively. Their collaboration resulted in a book that chronicles their unique experiences. Now, visitors can explore this rich archive through an exhibit aptly named “History and Fate.”
Exploring Key Moments in History Through Speeches
The exhibit takes its name from a significant speech that Dick Goodwin crafted with President Johnson after the events in Selma, highlighting the intersection of history and fate. This speech, delivered before a joint session of Congress, ultimately paved the way for the Voting Rights Act. Doris Kearns Goodwin reflects on the power of pivotal moments in history, emphasizing the impact of the Alabama state troopers’ actions on the nation’s conscience.
A Personal Connection: The Heart of the Collection
For Dick Goodwin, the process of going through the boxes that now form the collection at the Briscoe Center held profound significance. Even in the face of illness, he approached each day with excitement, seeing the work as a way to stay connected to his passion. Doris recalls how their shared endeavor became a source of hope and vitality during his final days, underscoring the deep emotional ties that bound them to this project.
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