In April 1959, Fidel Castro visited the USA to try to win over critics of the Cuban revolution.

During a two-week stay, he addressed newspaper editors, Ivy League universities and large crowds.

Fidel Castro even met the then US vice-president, Richard Nixon.

Witness speaks to Ed Shaw, an art curator who heard Castro speak and lined up to shake his hand.

Picture: Fidel Castro addressing US newspaper editors in Washington. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)