- John Joseph Moakley Oral History Project
The Moakley Archive Oral History project seeks to document and preserve valuable information and observations that may not be a part of the paper, photographic, and audiovisual portions of the Congressman John Joseph Moakley Papers.
Real Player must be installed on your computer to view video and listen to audio.
Program History and Collecting Policy
The interviews are used to identify or solicit observations and opinions regarding key events and issues in Congressman Moakley’s life and career. The first oral history interview occurred in 2001 when Professors Robert Allison and Joseph McEttrick interviewed Congressman Moakley.
The project continues to collect recordings of audio- and videotaped interviews with family, friends, staff, colleagues, political opponents, political leaders and his constituents. The master tapes, transcriptions and supporting documentation make up the Moakley Archive Oral History Project Collection.
Interviews done to date
Congressman Moakley and Family/Friends/Staff/Colleague Interviews
Follow links to .pdf of interview transcript
El Salvador Interviews
| Carol Pryor, 5/2003 | Edmund Crotty, 4/2003 | Fran Price, 5/2003 |
Garrity Decision Interviews
Historic Preservation Interviews
| Sean Hennessey, 9/2005 | Fred Clark, 10/2005 |
Congressman John Joseph Moakley, 4/2/2001
Congressman John Joseph Moakley, who served the Ninth District of Massachusetts from 1973 through 2001, discusses his life and political career. This interview covers what it was like to grow up in South Boston in the thirties and forties; his military service in the Navy during WWII; how he became involved in local politics in the fifties; his career as a member of the Massachusetts General Court during the fifties and sixties; his memories of Suffolk University Law School and his law practice; his late wife Evelyn; how the city of Boston has changed during his career in public office; his thoughts regarding the Boston school desegregation in the seventies; his campaigns for congressional office; his career working in Washington D.C.; his work in El Salvador as chairman of a special task force following the murder of six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper and her daughter; and his work to help improve conditions in Cuba. He ends by remembering important figures that helped shape his career and giving his own advice for future elected officials.
back to top^Congressman James P. McGovern, 8/15/2003
From his district office in Worcester, Congressman James P. McGovern, current member of the House Rules Committee from the Third District in Massachusetts, discusses working with Congressman Joe Moakley. Congressman McGovern talks about his role as legislative assistant, press secretary and legislative director between the years of 1982 and 1996; how the Moakley congressional office operated; and the important role Joe Moakley had in the Massachusetts delegation. Congressman McGovern also describes his campaigns for congressional office; recounts lessons, advice and support he received from Joe Moakley; and concludes with Joe Moakley’s legacy of public service and commitment to the people of Massachusetts.
back to top^Jeanne M. Hession, 9/10/2003
Jeanne Hession is a Suffolk University Law School alumna and its first female member of the Board of Trustees. This interview covers her attendance at Suffolk University Law School with classmate and friend Congressman Joe Moakley; her tenure as the first female class president; how Suffolk University has changed since 1956; the changing role of women in law; her friendship with Congressman Moakley; and her service on the Board of Trustees. In conclusion, Ms. Hession describes Congressman Moakley’s legacy to Suffolk University and Massachusetts.
back to top^