This dedicated webpage serves as a comprehensive resource for the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection, a vast archive managed by the National Archives. Created in direct response to Executive Order 14176, issued on January 23, 2025, this collection offers an unprecedented level of access to historical documents related to one of the 20th century’s most pivotal events: the John Kennedy Assassination.
President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14176, formally titled “Declassification of Records Concerning the Assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” underscoring a commitment to transparency by mandating the release of all remaining records related to these significant assassinations.
Comprising over six million pages, the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection is a rich repository of primary source materials. It includes not only documents but also photographs, motion pictures, sound recordings, and physical artifacts directly connected to the investigation and historical context surrounding the John Kennedy assassination.
This online portal is designed to provide streamlined access to already declassified materials and will continue to be updated as further documents from the Collection are processed and released to the public.
Executive Order 14176 and the Push for Transparency
President Trump’s Executive Order on JFK Assassination Records
Executive Order 14176, officially titled “Declassification of Records Concerning the Assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” directly addresses the need for public access to information surrounding the John Kennedy assassination. Signed in 2025, the order explicitly states, “it is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay.” This decisive action reflects a governmental commitment to making these historically significant documents available to the American public and researchers worldwide.
The National Archives’ Central Role in the JFK Records Release
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), as the official custodian of the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection, plays a vital and indispensable role in fulfilling the mandate of Executive Order 14176. Charged with the preservation and accessibility of these crucial historical documents, the National Archives is dedicated to making the entire JFK Assassination Records Collection available online, ensuring maximum reach and convenience for interested individuals.
It is important to note that while the National Archives facilitates access and processing, it does not possess the authority to declassify records. Instead, NARA collaborates closely with various partner agencies across the Executive Branch to implement declassification decisions made by the President and other relevant government bodies, ensuring a smooth and efficient release process.
How the National Archives is Providing Access to JFK Assassination Records
The National Archives is actively prepared to receive and process ongoing declassification decisions concerning the John Kennedy assassination records. As these decisions are made and documents are digitized for online accessibility, the National Archives is committed to promptly posting these records on this dedicated webpage. This commitment to a rolling release ensures that the public receives access to the information as quickly as possible.
Accessing JFK Assassination Records: What’s Already Available
It’s important to recognize that the vast majority of the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection is already declassified and accessible to the public. Out of the collection’s more than six million pages of materials related to the John Kennedy assassination, a substantial portion has already been made available, either for in-person examination or through online platforms.
In a significant effort to enhance accessibility, the National Archives initiated a comprehensive project in 2023 to digitize all remaining records within the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection. This digitization effort has been further prioritized following the issuance of Executive Order 14176, demonstrating the commitment to making these records readily available online.
For records that are not yet digitized, the National Archives at College Park offers in-person research opportunities. Individuals interested in conducting on-site research can find detailed guidance and resources on the National Archives’ “Plan Your Research Visit” webpage, ensuring a productive and informative visit.
Explore Previous Releases of JFK Assassination Records
For those seeking to track the progression of record releases, the National Archives provides a categorized listing of previous releases, offering a historical overview of the declassification process. Detailed information, including agency postponement documentation related to these releases, is also available for those seeking a deeper understanding of the release timelines.
2023 Record Release
2022 Record Release
2021 Record Release
2017-2018 Record Release
Finding JFK Assassination Records Online Today
The National Archives is continuously adding digitized records from the Collection to its online resources, ensuring an expanding database of materials related to the John Kennedy assassination readily accessible from anywhere in the world.
To discover the most up-to-date listing of digitized JFK Assassination Records Collection materials currently available, please visit “What is Currently Available Online“. This page provides a direct link to the National Archives Catalog, where you can directly search and explore the digitized records.
Frequently Asked Questions and Further Resources
To assist researchers and the public in navigating the wealth of information within the JFK Assassination Records Collection, the National Archives has compiled a set of frequently asked questions and additional resources.
Frequently Asked Questions about JFK Records
Press Releases Related to JFK Records
Contribute to the JFK Assassination Records Transcription Mission
For those interested in actively contributing to the accessibility of these historical records, the National Archives invites participation in the JFK Assassination Records Transcription Mission. Volunteers can sign up through the Citizen Archivist Missions page to transcribe digitized documents. Every transcribed word significantly enhances the searchability and overall accessibility of these vital records concerning the John Kennedy assassination for researchers and the public.
Contact the National Archives for JFK Records Inquiries
For specific inquiries related to the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection, the National Archives provides dedicated contact channels.
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.
