U.T.'S RANSOM CENTER PRESENTS WOODWARD AND BERNSTEIN ON WATERGATE

The University of Texas at Austin acquired the Watergate papers of Washington Post reporters Woodward and Bernstein for $5 million, an acquisition entirely supported by donors. Woodward and Bernstein were the first journalists to establish the connection between the June 17, 1972, break-in at the Democratic national headquarters in the Watergate complex and aides to President Richard M. Nixon.

To celebrate the collection, the Ransom Center hosted a public program titled “The Legacy of Watergate: Why It Still Matters.” The event, sponsored by the Austin American-Statesman, consisted of two panel discussions – each involving Woodward and Bernstein – on Friday, March 23, 2007 at The University of Texas at Austin campus.

Participants in the first panel, “Watergate and Presidential Accountability,” included Bruce Buchanan, professor of government; Francis J. Gavin, associate professor of public affairs; and Sanford Levinson, professor of law. Audio from this panel discussion can be heard online.

Panelists for “Watergate and the Media: Did the System Work?” included Roderick P. Hart, dean of the College of Communication; Richard Oppel, editor of the Austin American-Statesman; and David Oshinsky, professor of history. A recording of this panel can also be heard online.

The Ransom Center is hosting an online exhibition of some of the papers.