Civil Rights Act Signing Pen
Artifact IDMO 2000.7
Object Type
Pen
Date
ca. 1964
Maker
Esterbrook Pen Company
(English, Founded 1856)
Place MadeUnited States, North America
Medium
plastic, metal
DimensionsOverall L 6 1/4 in (15.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionSteel nib pen with black plastic grip and translucent plastic handle. Written on shaft is "The President - The White House."
Historical NoteThis is one of over 75 Esterbrook fountain pens used by President Lyndon B. Johnson to sign the Civil Rights Act of 1964, bringing to fruition legislation his predecessor, President John F. Kennedy, had called for before his assassination. President Johnson urged Congress to honor Kennedy's memory by passing HR 7152, a landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discrimination in the workplace, public accommodations, public facilities, and agencies receiving federal funds; and strengthened prohibitions on school segregation and discrimination in voter registration. The sociopolitical impact of the Civil Rights Act, the most far-reaching civil rights bill in U.S. history, made it one of the most important laws passed in the 20th century. "We have talked long enough in this country about equal rights," Johnson told lawmakers. "We have talked for one hundred years or more. It is time now to write the next chapter, and to write it in the books of law."
Over 130 people attended the signing of the bill, which was broadcast nationally and boycotted by Southern congressional representatives. President Johnson gave away the pens he used to members of Congress and guests present. Among the first to receive a pen was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Charles Daly, an aid to President Johnson at this time who helped bring in the pens, was another recipient.
Additional DetailsOver 130 people attended the signing of the bill, which was broadcast nationally and boycotted by Southern congressional representatives. President Johnson gave away the pens he used to members of Congress and guests present. Among the first to receive a pen was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Charles Daly, an aid to President Johnson at this time who helped bring in the pens, was another recipient.
Custodial History NoteItem was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Libary and Museum by Charles U. Daly, Staff Assistant to President Kennedy, in 2000. Daly had received the pen from President Lyndon B. Johnson at the signing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of Charles Daly
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPost Presidential Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676966)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view