Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the US Senate

08/31/2026

This month, Boston city residents with a Boston Family Days pass will receive free admission to the Institute on Sunday, September 6th and Sunday, September 13.

Learn about the history and current workings of the Senate and American government through fun and interactive exhibits for the whole family, including the world’s only full-scale replica of the United States Senate Chamber. And on September 13th, join us for a special activity - using Senator Kennedy’s love of painting as inspiration, sketch your own seaside creations!

08/27/2026

It’s election year! Join us this weekend to draw your own policy poster for a cause that inspires you. Use your creativity to make a bold statement and inspire others through art.

08/20/2026

What cause inspires you? Visit this weekend to create a custom campaign button that celebrates what you care about most and wear it proudly for all to see!

08/15/2026

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11th, join the Kennedy Institute to reflect on Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s unique role in leading the Commonwealth’s response.

Hear firsthand from former staff and Massachusetts family members on how the Senator’s efforts supported affected families, mobilized assistance, and helped navigate unprecedented challenges, creating a legacy of service and leadership.

Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/25-years-later-remembering-september-11th-tickets-1997751362102?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

08/13/2026

What does a warm welcome look like to you? This weekend, inspired by the Statue of Liberty, you’re invited to create your own symbol of welcome using various collage materials.

08/07/2026

The STUDENTS FIRST Act of 2026 is intended to begin, not conclude, a broader national conversation about in . In the months ahead, Day of AI, AASA, MIT Raise and the Institute will work with the Student Senators as well as school leaders to share and examine the policy framework through webinars, workshops, public discussions, and in-person school visits. AASA will also share the STUDENTS FIRST Act of 2026 with its network of more than 10,000 school leaders nationwide.

“Students are not asking schools to ignore AI, nor are they asking schools to adopt AI without limits,” said EMKI Chief Education Officer Sarah Yezzi. “They want clear, fair rules that protect privacy, preserve the ability to think, and ensure this transformative technology supports and enhances human relationships. In fact, the collaborative, human relationships these students developed during the Youth AI Festival allowed them to work together across geographic and ideological differences to offer real solutions for this complex issue of AI use in schools.”

Hats off to our EMKI staffers, who helped to frame these important discussions that the student senators used to create this bill!

08/06/2026

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”

Inspired by Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm’s words, you are invited to visit Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, from 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM, and design your own chair that celebrates what you bring to the table.

08/04/2026

Calling all Bostonians! City residents with a Boston Family Days pass will receive free admission to the Institute this Sunday, August 9th.

Learn about the history and current workings of the Senate and American government through fun and interactive exhibits for the whole family, including the world’s only full-scale replica of the United States Senate Chamber!

07/31/2026

“Over the course of one frantic, late-July weekend, 98 teens representing all 50 states put their busy lives on hold to try to do something remarkable.

The students, most of them high school juniors and seniors, gathered in a precise replica of the U.S. Senate chamber and attempted what the real, adult Congress has largely failed to do: draft and pass "legislation" to help the nation's K-12 schools navigate the questions and chaos created by artificial intelligence.”

Congratulations to the student senators, education leaders, Day of AI, AASA, MIT Raise, and in particular our own EMKI staff for employing our civic educational simulation framework that shepherded The Students First Act into the world - onward!

Should students be allowed to use AI on assignments? What about on tests? Who should teach AI literacy? About 100 teenagers got together to try to decide.

07/28/2026

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate will be closed July 30 through August 2 for a private event. We apologize for any inconvenience. We look forward to welcoming the public back to the Institute on Tuesday, August 4th from 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM.