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The J. Edgar Center for Law Enforcement is located at The Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite Freemasons at 1733 Sixteenth Street Northwest, Washington, D.C.
The exhibit room on the second floor contains Mr. Hooverâs original desk and office chair that he used during his career as the Director of the FBI. Also displayed are photos, memorabilia, political cartoons, and artwork depicting many of the major personal and professional highlights of Mr. Hooverâs career. The room is open for public viewing during regular weekly business hours. It is closed on the weekends.
The Center maintains The J. Edgar Hoover Center Research Room at the Supreme Council for the use by law enforcement professionals, scholars, journalists and researchers interested in learning more about Mr. Hoover's career and the role he played in shaping the history of twentieth century America. Our holdings include rare letters, voice recordings, artwork, original political cartoons, Mr. Hooverâs personal library, thousands of photographs from Mr. Hooverâs life, including his family, friends, business, show business, politicians and many other categories.
The Center is also the repository for the original Morris Childs Papers. Mr. Childs was a senior member of the American Communist Party for three decades until his expulsion in the late 1940s. He volunteered to assist the FBI in the early 1950s against the party, eventually becoming the U.S. governmentâs most important source against the Soviet Unionâs highest leadership. His fascinating story was depicted a few years ago by John Barron in the book ãSolo.ä It is a remarkable tale of courage, integrity and patriotism by a simple man repeatedly facing great danger ö all in service of his country.
Mr. Childs had great respect for Mr. Hoover and what he had accomplished in life. Following the death of Eva Childs, the widow of Morris, his papers were entrusted to the Center for safekeeping and for use by scholars interested in learning more about the history of American communism.
Access to both the Hoover Collection and Childs Papers can be arranged by individual appointment only. Please telephone 202-232-3579 for further information. |
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