The Oral Histories Archive
The Museum's oral history collection includes interviews with law enforcement professionals from all walks of life; several of whom were involved in high-profile cases or events.
The National Law Enforcement Museum’s oral history collection is meant as a repository for preserving the first-hand accounts of American law enforcement professionals. Many of these interviews cover a significant event in history ranging from John F. Kennedy’s assassination, the Air Florida Flight 90 crash and rescue, the September 11th attacks, to the Beltway Sniper. Each story is told by those who spent their lives and careers serving in the profession, thereby providing listeners with a front-row seat to the evolution of American law enforcement.
Former Detective James R. Leavelle
Retired Dallas (TX) Police Homicide Detective James Leavelle sat down with the National Law Enforcement Museum in 2018 for an Oral History, describing his experience with the events that took place following President John F. Kennedy's assassination in Dallas and the murder of suspected gunman Lee Harvey Oswald in November 1963. Det. Leavelle was famously handcuffed to Oswald when Jack Ruby shot him.
Former New York (NY) Police Commissioner Ray Kelly
This two-hour interview is with former New York (NY) Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, who served two terms (September 1, 1994-January 1, 1994) and (January 1, 2002-December 31, 2013). It covers his life from early childhood in Manhattan, his time in Vietnam as a First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, his rise through the ranks of the NYPD, his work as Director of the International Police Monitors in Haiti (1994-1995), his work as Commissioner of the U.S. Customs and Enforcement Service (1998-2001), and years in the private sector. Highlights of the interview include firsthand recollections of the Crown Heights riots in August 1991, World Trade Center bombing on February 26, 1993, various thwarted terrorist attacks on the city of New York, the 9/11 attacks, and the Stop and Frisk trial and controversy.
Former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill
In this interview with the National Law Enforcement Museum, former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill covers his early childhood, his time in the army, joining the Secret Service, and his career serving under Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford. Highlights of the interview include his firsthand account of the assassination of President Kennedy, protecting Mrs. Kennedy the year after the assassination, and subsequently his account of finally healing from the PTSD he had carried with him for decades after the assassination.
Museum Public Programs
MORE THAN FIFTY PROGRAMS
Explore the Museum's archive of public programs, conversations, and webinars from over the years.
Explore the Museum's archive of public programs, conversations, and webinars from over the years.
The Oral Histories Collection
FULL-LENGTH INTERVIEWS AND CLIPS
View the Museum's entire collection on our YouTube channel.
View the Museum's entire collection on our YouTube channel.
Collection Highlights
AVAILABLE FOR RESEARCH AND STUDY
The Museum's collection is accessible for research and study by appointment. Click below to request more information.
The Museum's collection is accessible for research and study by appointment. Click below to request more information.