Harry J. Middleton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry J. Middleton
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| Born |
Harry Joseph Middleton Jr.
October 24, 1921 |
| Died | January 20, 2017 (aged 95) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education |
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| Occupation | Presidential speechwriter, author, library director |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) |
Miriam Middleton
(m. 1949; |
| Children | Four |
Harry Joseph Middleton Jr. (born October 24, 1921 – died January 20, 2017) was an American writer and library leader. He was a speechwriter for President Lyndon B. Johnson from 1967 to 1969. Later, Middleton became the director of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum. He led the library from 1971 until 2002. He also guided the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation from 1993 to 2004.
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Harry Middleton's Early Life and Education
Harry Middleton was born in Centerville, Iowa, on October 24, 1921. He studied at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, from 1941 to 1943. After that, he joined the U.S. Army. He served in World War II and later as an officer in the Korean War.
He finished his college education at Louisiana State University. There, he earned a degree in Journalism. As a professional writer, Middleton worked for the Associated Press. He was also a news editor for Architectural Forum. His articles and stories appeared in many popular magazines. These included Reader's Digest, Sports Illustrated, and Life.
Working with President Johnson
In 1966, Harry Middleton was working on a special report. President Lyndon B. Johnson met him and was impressed. President Johnson then hired Middleton as a speechwriter. From January 1967 to January 1969, Middleton worked at the White House. He wrote speeches for the President. He also helped draft messages to Congress about new laws.
After Richard Nixon became President in 1969, Middleton went with Johnson to the LBJ Ranch in Texas. He worked as a special assistant to the former President. From 1969 to 1970, he helped Johnson write two books. These books were The Choices We Face and The Vantage Point.
Leading the LBJ Library
In 1970, Johnson asked Middleton to become the director of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum. This library is often called the LBJ Library. It is located on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin. The University of Texas donated the land and buildings for the library. The National Archives and Records Administration helps run it.
The LBJ Library opened on May 22, 1971. Harry Middleton was in charge for 31 years. He retired from this role in 2002. He also served as the Executive Director of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation from 1993 to 2004.
Even though Middleton was not a trained archivist, Johnson trusted him. Johnson believed Middleton was a very capable writer. Historian Michael Beschloss called Middleton "the Joe DiMaggio of Presidential Library directors." Former President Gerald Ford praised Middleton's leadership. He said Middleton helped set new standards for the Presidential library system.
Opening Historical Records
In 1971, Johnson asked Middleton to work with Walt Rostow. They prepared a plan to get President Nixon to release secret foreign policy documents. These documents included information about the Vietnam War. Johnson wanted them released faster. Sadly, Johnson died before he could meet with Nixon.
However, under Middleton's leadership, the LBJ Library became known for its openness. It released hundreds of thousands of pages of historical documents. This helped people learn more about the past.
In 1993, Middleton made an important decision. He decided to release recordings of Johnson's phone calls. Johnson had said these recordings should be sealed for 50 years after his death. That would have been the year 2023. But Middleton talked with Johnson's wife, Lady Bird Johnson. She told him he could decide.
These phone calls were secretly recorded. They cover many topics, like foreign policy and the Vietnam War. They also include discussions about laws, civil rights, and politics. Because of Middleton's decision, 642 hours of these calls are now available to the public. This helped people understand Johnson's skills as a leader much better.
Harry Middleton's Later Life
In 1994, Lady Bird Johnson created the Harry Middleton Lectureship. This honored Middleton's career and loyalty. It also helped students at the University of Texas and the Austin community learn more. Famous speakers have given these lectures. They include former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and Presidents Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.
In 2002, Lady Bird Johnson also created the Harry Middleton Fellowship. This award supports scholars who study presidential history. Each year, the LBJ Foundation gives money to help these researchers.
From 2004 to 2013, Middleton taught a class at the University of Texas. It was called "The Johnson Years." He often invited people who worked with President Johnson to speak to his students. C-SPAN even recorded his final class session in 2013.
On July 14, 2007, Middleton gave a speech at Lady Bird Johnson's funeral. He described her as "a special mix of grace and steel." Harry Middleton passed away on January 20, 2017.
Awards and Honors
In 1991, Middleton received the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive. This award is for excellent work in government programs. It recognized his leadership in expanding the LBJ Library's activities. He did this even when government funds were limited. He achieved this by working well with the Lyndon B. Johnson Foundation.
Middleton also received the Anti-Defamation League's Torch of Liberty Award. The University of Texas also gave him a Presidential Citation.
