In response to Executive Order 14176, a significant step has been taken to ensure transparency regarding one of the most pivotal events in American history. Signed on January 23, 2025, Executive Order 14176, titled “Declassification of Records Concerning the Assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” has paved the way for greater public access to the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection.
This extensive collection, known as the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection, comprises over six million pages of diverse materials. Within this archive, researchers and the public alike can find records, photographs, motion pictures, sound recordings, and artifacts related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy. This dedicated webpage serves as a central hub, currently hosting documents already released and acting as the future platform for newly declassified materials from the Collection.
Executive Order 14176 and the National Archives’ Commitment
Understanding Executive Order 14176
Executive Order 14176, officially titled Executive Order 14176, Declassification of Records Concerning the Assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., underscores the importance of transparency. Signed by President Donald J. Trump, the order explicitly states, “it is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay.” This directive highlights the government’s commitment to providing the American public with comprehensive access to these historical documents.
The National Archives: Custodian and Facilitator
The National Archives plays a crucial role as the custodian of the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection. In this capacity, the Archives is instrumental in fulfilling the mandate of Executive Order 14176, ensuring these vital historical records are accessible to the American people. A key commitment is to make all records within the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection available online, facilitating convenient and widespread access.
It is important to note that while the National Archives manages and provides access to these records, the authority to declassify them rests with the originating agencies. The National Archives is actively collaborating with partner agencies across the Executive Branch to implement the President’s declassification determinations and subsequent release of materials.
Streamlining Public Access to John F. Kennedy Assassination Records
The National Archives is prepared to efficiently process and disseminate declassification decisions from both the President and other United States Government agencies. As these decisions are made and records are digitized, the National Archives is committed to promptly posting them online. This dedicated webpage serves as the primary location for these releases, with records being added on a rolling basis to ensure timely public access to the John F. Kennedy assassination records.
Extensive Collection: Most Records Already Publicly Accessible
The President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection is substantial, encompassing over six million pages directly related to the assassination. Significantly, the vast majority of this collection has already undergone declassification and is currently accessible to the public. These records can be accessed both in-person and online, reflecting years of efforts to make this historical information available.
Recognizing the importance of digital accessibility, the National Archives initiated a major project in 2023 to digitize all records within the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection. These digitization efforts are ongoing and have been further prioritized following the issuance of Executive Order 14176, demonstrating a continued commitment to enhancing online access.
For those seeking to conduct in-person research, records not yet digitized are available for viewing at the National Archives at College Park. Detailed information about planning a research visit can be found on the Plan Your Research Visit webpage, providing guidance for those wishing to explore the archives directly.
Previous Releases of John F. Kennedy Assassination Records
To demonstrate the ongoing commitment to transparency, the National Archives has facilitated several previous releases of John F. Kennedy assassination records. Recent releases are listed below, with further details available in the agency postponement documentation.
2023 Release
2022 Release
2021 Release
2017-2018 Release
Discovering What’s Currently Available Online
The National Archives is actively digitizing records from the Collection and making them accessible online as the process progresses. For an up-to-date inventory of the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection currently available, please visit What is Currently Available Online. This page provides a direct link to the National Archives Catalog, where you can explore the digitized records.
Frequently Asked Questions and Further Resources
For additional information and guidance, the National Archives offers a range of resources to assist researchers and the public in navigating the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Press Releases
Participate in the JFK Assassination Records Transcription Mission
Contribute to making these historical records even more accessible by participating in the JFK Assassination Records Transcription Mission. Many records from the Collection are ready for transcription, and your efforts can significantly enhance their searchability and accessibility. To learn more and sign up, please visit the Citizen Archivist Missions page. Every transcribed word plays a vital role in unlocking the information within these important documents related to John F. Kennedy.
Contact Us for Inquiries
For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the National Archives using the details provided below.
Reference Inquiries
Email: [email protected]
Media Inquiries
Email: [email protected]
Image Credit: Detail of portrait of John F. Kennedy, White House Historical Association/White House Collection. Used with permission.
