The 1968 Exhibit

In 1968, the death toll in the Vietnam War reached a new high. Riots and demonstrations were held across the country, Apollo 8 orbited the moon, and the nation was transformed by the tragic assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert Kennedy.  It was in 1968, too, that Hair opened on Broadway, Laugh-In debuted on television, and Johnny Cash gave his famous performance at Folsom Prison.

The 1968 Exhibit this pivotal American year to life through photographs, artifacts, vintage pop culture items and interactives organized in 7,000 square feet of space in the Bullock Museum's Herzstein Hall.

Highlights of the exhibition included the iconic purple jacket worn by rock legend Jimi Hendrix, Mr. Rogers's sweater and sneakers, vintage album covers and musical equipment, and a talking Mrs. Beasley doll. Vietnam-era artifacts, such as a full-size Huey helicopter, a draft notice, helmets, and other gear brought home the reality of war. A program from Dr. King's funeral service and a camera used to photograph Kennedy the night he was shot testified to the great national  losses of that year.

Three interactive lounges focused on the music, design, movies, and television that shaped a generation. Visitors cast votes in the '68 presidential election, listened to music by '60s rock icons, and challenged friends to a trivia quiz about music and TV of the time.

Media sponsor for The 1968 Exhibit: KUT/KUTX

Support for the Bullock Museum's exhibitions and education programs provided by the Texas State History Museum Foundation.