{"id":73429,"date":"2023-09-12T09:52:08","date_gmt":"2023-09-12T15:52:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spacecenter.org\/?p=73429"},"modified":"2023-10-19T13:06:14","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T19:06:14","slug":"jfk-lectern-restored","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spacecenter.org\/jfk-lectern-restored\/","title":{"rendered":"Iconic Lectern from John F. Kennedy’s Moon-Shot Speech Confirmed Authentic and Restored for Public Display at Space Center Houston\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The newly restored John F. Kennedy lectern sits at Space Center Houston\u2019s Starship Gallery exhibit where visitors can learn more about the artifact and the significance the president\u2019s speech had on human spaceflight exploration. (Space Center Houston\/Aaron Rodriguez).<\/em> <\/em><\/strong> <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

HOUSTON<\/strong> \u2014 In a remarkable turn of events, Space Center Houston highlights an important figure behind human spaceflight with the conclusive authentication of the famed lectern<\/a> from which John F. Kennedy delivered his historic moon-shot speech. Following earlier doubts raised by a Dallas-based historian, the lectern’s authenticity has been thoroughly investigated and confirmed, putting an end to the debate surrounding this significant artifact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earlier this year, a news story cast doubt on the authenticity of the lectern on display at Space Center Houston. The story, driven by claims from historian Farris Rookstool, generated attention, and curiosity. Subsequently, Space Center Houston took proactive measures to ensure the accuracy of historical representation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The curator team at Space Center Houston, led by Curator and Director of Collections Paul Spana, embarked on a diligent investigation, collaborating with esteemed institutions including the Kennedy Library and Rice University. Additionally, they enlisted the expertise of Steve Pine, a renowned furniture conservation expert from Pine Art Conservation. Mr. Pine received the lectern on April 17, 2023, for a comprehensive examination aimed at determining its origins and history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steve Pine’s extensive analysis culminated in a detailed report confirming that the lectern in question was indeed the iconic podium from which John F. Kennedy delivered his momentous moon-shot speech. President Kennedy also used the lectern to deliver a speech at the Sam Houston Coliseum on November 21, 1963, just one night before the tragic events of November 22, 1963. Notably, reference images provided undeniable proof that the lectern had also graced the presence of other historical figures, including President Eisenhower, Former President Carter and Vice President Johnson, underscoring its unique historical significance.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The restoration process not only preserves the lectern’s historical integrity but also affords Space Center Houston the opportunity to present the true story of this remarkable artifact. Space Center Houston is displaying the restored lectern to celebrate the 61st<\/sup> anniversary of President Kennedy\u2019s moonshot speech at Rice University and 30th anniversary of the lectern\u2019s original unveiling at the visitor center for NASA Johnson Space Center. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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