My name is Lora and I am interning at the Indiana University Archives for the summer. As part of my internship, I was asked to assist a patron with a reference request regarding Robert F. Kennedy’s visit to Bloomington. This was my first time using microfilm, which was a great learning experience. I examined articles from The Indiana Daily Student and The Daily Herald-Telephone to see what was published regarding his visit and his assassination a few weeks later.
Kennedy arrived in Bloomington on April 24, 1968, on a campaign tour for the Indiana primary. He was accompanied by former astronaut John Glenn and both were greeted by large crowds when they landed at the Monroe County airport. While in Bloomington, Kennedy made multiple stops, including at a local RCA manufacturing facility and the Indiana University campus, where over 4,000 people came to hear him speak. As a result of this reference request, a previously unknown recording of this important speech was uncovered in another office on campus! A really exciting new acquisition for the University Archives! (Update: This recording has been digitized and is available through Media Collections Online at https://media.dlib.indiana.edu/media_objects/j9602083w.)
In his speeches, Kennedy focused on issues such as rural development through tax incentives and decreasing America’s role as a world policeman, stating “we must make calm and discriminating judgments as to which governments can and should be helped.” Many of these comments were made within the context of America’s then involvement in Vietnam. Kennedy also called for an end to educational draft deferments, which was met with some boos from students. Despite disagreement with some of his policies, Kennedy left an impression upon many in Bloomington as a charismatic politician and large crowds greeted him wherever he traveled. Kennedy was shot by Sirhan Sirhan shortly after midnight on June 5, 1968, and upon news of his death, Bloomington residents expressed shock and sadness at the loss of a “great leader.”
8 Comments
I was 12 years old and in grade school our class got to go to the airport to meet him we all stood by the fence as he came off the plane me & my best friend were in front I had my hand out and he grabbed my hand shook it and kissed the back of it – I said I will never wash my hand again. He was a very nice looking man.
Hi, George!
As an illustration in my message, I’m telling my congregation about Bobby Kennedy’s visit this Sunday. Do you have any pictures of him you’d be willing to let me show our church? If so, I’d be delighted to see what you have! My email: steve@1on1church.com. Thank you so much!
What an experience!
I was on stage at the auditorium in Bloomington and was taking color pics for the courier tribune then..
I’ve seen mention that he spoke at the Monroe County Airport, IU, and RCA, but I’m not sure about the rest of his schedule here in town! I would suggest reaching out to the Indiana Room at the Monroe County Public Library: https://mcpl.info/indiana. They have the city papers available on microfilm – perhaps one of them covered more of his itinerary!
Did he stop at Grandview school? I have a memory of that. Thanks
Wonderful! I don’t know the status of the recording, so I recommend contacting our Photographs Curator Brad Cook (bcook at indiana dot edu). He takes care of all AV requests.
I was present at Kennedy’s speech on April 24 in the IU auditorium, and it had a major effect on my politics for the rest of my life. I’m pleased that there is a recording of the speech. Is it possible to obtain a copy?