Deaths on January 20

Harry J. Middleton, American writer and library director (b. 1921)

A Distinguished Legacy: Harry Joseph Middleton Jr.

Harry Joseph Middleton Jr., born on October 24, 1921, and passing on January 20, 2017, was a highly accomplished American figure whose diverse career encompassed journalism, authorship, and significant leadership within the sphere of historical preservation. His professional journey was marked by a deep commitment to public service and the meticulous stewardship of American history, particularly concerning the legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Presidential Service: Shaping the Message of a Nation

From 1967 to 1969, a period of immense social and political upheaval in the United States, Middleton served with distinction as a Presidential speechwriter and staff assistant for President Lyndon B. Johnson. In this crucial role, he was instrumental in crafting the powerful rhetoric that articulated the administration's stances on pivotal issues. This included articulating the complex realities of the Vietnam War, championing the transformative initiatives of the Great Society, and advocating for landmark civil rights legislation that profoundly reshaped American society. Middleton's keen understanding of policy, coupled with his journalistic precision, enabled him to translate complex presidential objectives into resonant public addresses, ensuring clarity and impact during a challenging era for the nation.

Stewardship of History: Directing the LBJ Library and Museum

Middleton's dedication to preserving presidential history continued and deepened with his appointment as director of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum. He held this prestigious position from 1971 until 2002, an extraordinary tenure spanning over three decades. Under his visionary leadership, the LBJ Library, located on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, evolved into a premier institution for historical research and public education. As part of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) system, presidential libraries like the LBJ Library serve as vital repositories for historical documents and artifacts related to a president's life and administration.

During Middleton's directorship, the library became an invaluable resource, housing over 45 million pages of historical documents, numerous artifacts, and an extensive audiovisual collection related to President Johnson's life and the turbulent 1960s. He oversaw the acquisition of significant collections and tirelessly worked to ensure the accessibility of these invaluable resources to scholars, students, and the general public, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of one of America's most transformative presidencies. It is notable that the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum was the first presidential library to be fully established and opened to the public while the President himself was still alive.

Guiding the Legacy: Leadership of the LBJ Foundation

Further demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the Johnson legacy, Harry Middleton also assumed the leadership of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation, serving as its director from 1993 until 2004. The Foundation operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, promoting educational programs, and encouraging research that illuminates the history of the United States, particularly during the Johnson administration. Under Middleton's astute guidance, the Foundation played a critical role in fundraising, supporting exhibits, and fostering initiatives that extended the educational reach and impact of the library, ensuring the continued preservation and public understanding of President Johnson's monumental contributions to American society.

Frequently Asked Questions about Harry Joseph Middleton Jr.

Who was Harry Joseph Middleton Jr.?

Harry Joseph Middleton Jr. was an American journalist, author, and esteemed library director, widely recognized for his significant public service roles as a presidential speechwriter for Lyndon B. Johnson and a long-serving director of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

What was Harry Middleton's role during Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency?

From 1967 to 1969, Harry Middleton served as a Presidential speechwriter and staff assistant for President Lyndon B. Johnson, helping to articulate the administration's positions on critical issues such as the Vietnam War, civil rights, and the Great Society programs.

How long did Harry Middleton serve as director of the LBJ Library and Museum?

Harry Middleton held the directorship of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum for an impressive 31 years, from 1971 until 2002, during which he oversaw its growth into a major historical and research institution.

What was the purpose of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation under Middleton's leadership?

Under Harry Middleton's directorship from 1993 to 2004, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation focused on supporting the LBJ Library and Museum, promoting educational initiatives, and fostering research related to President Johnson's presidency and broader American history.