With a brilliant example of his presidential penmanship, John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) made official this executive appointment. Dated November 14, 1961, the document declares Carl Haverlin a member of the Advisory Committee on Arts for the National Cultural Center. (Haverlin was a former vice president of the Mutual Broadcasting System who began his BMI career as director of station relations, and ultimately becoming president in 1947.) Kennedy’s flowing, black fountain pen signature appears at bottom right, and the document was countersigned by Secretary of State Dean Rusk. The embossed paper seal remains intact, as the certificate exhibits fine condition (lightly trimmed edges). In 1958 President Eisenhower signed the National Cultural Center Act, which established a privately funded and self-sustaining facility that emphasized both classical and contemporary arts. Upon JFK’s untimely death, the facility was renamed the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
