Dr. Anthony Merlino JFK Assassination Conspiracy Theory Collection (SC041)

The materials in this collection are a subset of what was originally a large personal library collected by Dr. Merlino. In addition to the material preserved here, Dr. Merlino's personal collection was comprised of several hundred books written about the Kennedy family and their associates; special editions of mass market serial publications; audio recordings of Kennedy speeches; and various commemorative items. Out of the collector's original, broad focus on Kennedy's entire life, this collection represents a narrower focus on Kennedy's assassination and its aftermath.

The material in this collection focuses on the various conspiracy theories that emerged and were circulated via small-run print publications, radio shows, lectures, and personal correspondence between researchers. The majority of this collection is comprised of newsletters, journals, and serial publications written and distributed by conspiracy theorists. Additional printed material includes maps, radio transcripts, directories, and a few pieces of correspondence with the creator. The collection also contains photographic materials, including slides and Super8 films, distributed by government organizations and conspiracy theorists. The audiocassettes in the collection are mainly recordings of commentary or interviews with conspiracy theorists as well as recordings of various meetings with Kennedy.

Users of the collection are advised that the collection contains graphic descriptions and images of the assassination.