Spotlight on History
A Year of Governors: John McKeithen
2019 is the Year of Governors on the LDMA! Before the gubernatorial election in October, we’ll be highlighting a different Louisiana governor on the 15th of every month.
This month, we’re continuing our series with Governor John McKeithen (1918-1999). McKeithen, a native of Caldwell Parish, served as Louisiana’s 49th Governor from 1964-1972. The LDMA contains clips of press conferences from McKeithen’s two gubernatorial terms, as well as multiple interviews with him reminiscing about his time in office. Here a few of the highlights:
Press Conference on Organized Crime (1967)
In this clip, see Governor McKeithen’s reaction to a Life Magazine report alleging the presence of organized crime in state government.
Press Conference on Vietnam De-escalation (1968)
In this clip, see Governor McKeithen’s response to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Address to the Nation on the De-escalation of the conflict in Vietnam.
Superdome Model (ca. 1968)
In this silent clip, see Governor McKeithen and other officials view a model of the Superdome in New Orleans.
Louisiana Legends (1982)
See Gus Weill, who served as Governor McKeithen’s executive secretary from 1964-1968, interview his former boss about his life and career in politics.
Gospel Singing Day (1982)
In this story from Louisiana: The State We’re In, see Governor Dave Treen & former Governors Jimmie Davis, Robert Kennon, and John McKeithen participate in the Gospel Singing Day at the Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge.
Oral History Interview (1993)
View part 1 and part 2 of a video oral history interview conducted by the Louisiana State Archives.
Louisiana’s Old State Capitol: The Grand Opening (1994)
See Governor McKeithen hold court in this Louisiana Governor’s Symposium along with former Governors Dave Treen and Buddy Roemer.
A Taste of Louisiana with Chef John Folse & Company (1994)
Watch Governor McKeithen join Chef John Folse in the kitchen for a conversation about his career in politics.
To see more videos of Governor John McKeithen, click here.
Join us on May 15th to learn more about the life and career of Edwin Edwards.