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JFK
President John F. Kennedy's assassination is an unforgettable part of Dallas' history.Nearly 54 years later, scholars and enthusiasts alike are still processing details from that fateful drive through Dealey Plaza now that the remaining investigation files have been unsealed. For the 50th anniversary in 2013, KERA produced special stories and reports from the commemoration:The 50th: Remembering John F. Kennedy was KERA's live, two-hour special covering the official commemoration event at Dealey Plaza in Dallas on Nov. 22, 2013. Hosted by Krys Boyd and Shelley Kofler, the special includes reports from KERA reporters before the ceremony begins. Listen to the special here.Bells tolled across the city, and the event featured historian David McCullough, who read from Kennedy’s presidential speeches; Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings; religious leaders; the U.S. Naval Academy Men’s Glee Club; and a moment of silence. Read highlights from the event from KERA's live blog from that day.Throughout the month, KERA posted an online series called 22 Days In November, which takes a closer look at that fateful day, what it meant to the country and how it affected Dallas.We shared stories and memories in a series called “JFK Voices.” Explore our archives below.

JFK’s Rocking Chair To Be Auctioned In Dallas In November

Heritage Auctions
A rocking chair used by President John F. Kennedy in the White House will be auctioned in Dallas next month.

A rocking chair used by President John F. Kennedy in the White House is on display in New York City -- and it will be auctioned in Dallas in November.

The chair is part of a collection of Kennedy memorabilia that Heritage Auctions will offer Nov. 23. The display, which also features items including two flags from the Oval Office, went up Thursday at the auction house's New York City location, where it will remain through Oct. 30.

The collection was amassed by Dean William Rudoy, a psychologist from New Mexico. He says that since this year marks the 50th anniversary of Kennedy's assassination, it seemed like the right time to sell the items to the next generation of collectors.

As an 11-year-old, Rudoy volunteered on Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign and later worked on Robert F. Kennedy's presidential campaign.

Dallas-based Heritage says the chair sat in his White House bedroom. Heritage says that one of Kennedy’s doctors suggested that he use a rocking chair to help ease his back pain. Over the years, he bought or was given about 14 similar chairs to use in several locations, including the Oval Office, on Air Force One and in a hotel suite.

Several of JFK's rocking chairs have appeared on the auction market, and have proven lucrative, Heritage reports. At the 1996 New York Auction of Jacqueline Kennedy's possessions, two Kennedy rockers were sold, one for $442,500, and one for $453,500.

In a 1998 auction, the rocker from Kennedy's suite at the Carlisle Hotel fetched $332,500.

Heritage says that the chair is desirable because it was used by Kennedy in his private White House bedroom.

“[It] gives it a closer personal connection to JFK than many of the other Kennedy rockers,” Heritage states on its website.

Eric Aasen is KERA’s managing editor. He helps lead the station's news department, including radio and digital reporters, producers and newscasters. He also oversees keranews.org, the station’s news website, and manages the station's digital news projects. He reports and writes stories for the website and contributes pieces to KERA radio. He's discussed breaking news live on various public radio programs, including The Takeaway, Here & Now and Texas Standard, as well as radio and TV programs in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.