Kennedy assassination letter is being sold
A rare letter signed by former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover discussing the aftermath of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination is set to go up for auction at Julien’s Auctions. The letter, dated November 9, 1964, offers insight into the FBI’s role in the investigation and Hoover’s perspective on the events that shook the nation in 1963.
The auction, titled “Spotlight on History & Technology,” will take place on February 27-28, 2025, and features a collection of three signed letters from Hoover. The documents are expected to fetch between $300 and $500, presenting collectors with an opportunity to own a piece of American history.
Why It Matters
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy remains one of the most scrutinized events in U.S. history. Official reports concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, but the case has sparked numerous conspiracy theories and debates. Hoover’s letters provide a firsthand glimpse into the FBI’s response to the tragedy and its subsequent investigation.
For collectors and historians, the documents offer more than just an autograph; they serve as primary sources that reflect the internal communications of one of the most powerful law enforcement agencies during a critical moment in history.
What To Know
The signed letters, including the one addressing the Kennedy assassination, are part of a broader collection of historical memorabilia available at Julien’s Auctions. The auction house, known for its high-profile sales of pop culture and political artifacts, expects significant interest in these items due to their historical significance.
The lot, officially titled “John F. Kennedy | J. Edgar Hoover Signed 1964 Assassination Letter and Other Signed Letters (3),” has a starting bid of $25. With estimates ranging up to $500, the relatively accessible price makes it a notable opportunity for collectors.
Bettmann / Contributor/Getty Images
What People Are Saying
In a description for the item, Julien’s Auction said, “Three original typed letters signed by FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover, including one dated November 9, 1964, in which he thanks Leo J. Gauthier, chief creator of crime scene exhibits for the FBI, for his work preparing numerous visual aids for the President’s Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy.
“Gauthier notably created the scale model of Dealey Plaza, site of Kennedy’s assassination, which is now on display at The Sixth Floor Museum in the former Texas School Books Depository building in Dallas.”
What’s Next
The auction will be held online and in-person at Julien’s Auctions, with live bidding expected to draw history enthusiasts and collectors alike. Given the enduring fascination with the Kennedy assassination and Hoover’s controversial role in American law enforcement history, the final sale price could surpass initial estimates.