John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

01/21/2021

Look who we found waiting for us to reopen today!

01/21/2021

Members of President Kennedy's cabinet are sworn in by Chief Justice Earl Warren, #otd in 1961.

In his remarks, #JFKSaid: “I also want to congratulate and express my appreciation to the members of the Cabinet who have been sworn today… As a citizen, I think we are fortunate to have them all. As President of the United States, I find it heartening, and therefore it is a great pleasure for me to welcome them as part of the official family.”

01/20/2021

Sixty years ago in his inaugural address, President Kennedy asked Americans what they could do for their country and this call to service still resonates today. But how did this speech come together? Watch and learn what influenced the history-making Inaugural address.

Watch the entire speech at https://youtu.be/d6sGMV60Xc4

01/19/2021

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum's cover photo

01/18/2021

John Lewis on Martin Luther King at the March on Washington

"Martin Luther King Jr. educated, inspired-- and in doing so, he liberated not just a people, but an entire nation. And our nation is better and we are a better people because of the March on Washington."

In honor of the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington in 2013, Congressman John Lewis delivered the keynote, highlighting his experience as a speaker at the March and his relationship with Martin Luther King Jr.

01/17/2021

In President Kennedy’s inaugural address, he asked Americans what they could do for their country, inspiring a generation to public service. The new administration has invited people to take some time on January 18 to serve their communities.

Learn more: https://bideninaugural.org/day-of-service/

01/16/2021

Our latest puzzle features President Kennedy delivering his inaugural address. While you solve the puzzle, see if you can spot Kennedy administration members, past and future presidents, and members of the Kennedy family!

🧩: https://jigex.com/DVAa

01/15/2021

In 2013, we were honored to recognize Gabby Giffords with the Profile in Courage Award. If you don’t know her story, it’s an important one: following the tragic shooting that ended her Congressional career, Gabby has fearlessly advocated for policy reforms aimed at reducing gun violence. Her dedication to safety and peace is a true #ProfileInCourage.

We’re currently collecting nominations for our 2021 Profile in Courage Award. If you know a leader like Gabby, honor them and their political courage by submitting a nomination today: http://www.profileincourageaward.org

01/14/2021

The day before the Inauguration, President-elect Kennedy met with President Eisenhower and his cabinet at the White House. Their talks were divided between issues of State, Defense, and the Treasury.

The day after the Inauguration, JFK sent Eisenhower a thank you letter for his help during the transition, adding that "your generous assistance has made this one of the most effective transitions in the history of our Republic."

01/14/2021

HOME | JFK Library Gift Shop

We’re having an Inauguration Day Sale in our museum store now through January 24! Save 15% on everything in stock with the code NEW15, and get free shipping on orders over $50.

https://store.jfklibrary.org

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum Online Store offers a distinctive selection of gift items including prints, posters, clothing and accessories, books, jewelry and more.

01/13/2021

The New Administration: Opportunities and Challenges

Panelists including Lisa Lerer, reporter at The New York Times, and Julian Zelizer, professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University and CNN Political Analyst, discuss opportunities and challenges for the incoming administration, as well as reflect on the significance of the Biden-Harris victory in the 2020 elections. NBC News correspondent Harry Smith moderates.

01/12/2021

The deadline to submit an essay to our Profile in Courage Essay Contest is just 3 days away. This year’s high school winner will receive a 1st place prize of $10,000 for college.

So don’t forget -- share your story of courage by January 15: http://JFKLibrary.org/essay

01/11/2021

President Kennedy delivered his 1962 State of the Union Address #otd from the House of Representatives Chamber in the Capitol. In his speech, he discussed domestic and international issues, including pollution, education, civil rights, health care, Cold War diplomacy, the spread of communism, and the importance of international organizations like the UN and NATO.

Listen to the address (begins at 0:20): https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/JFKWHA/1962/JFKWHA-066/JFKWHA-066

01/09/2021

60 years ago #OTD January 9, President-elect Kennedy addressed the Massachusetts Legislature before going to Washington, DC for his inauguration. In his "City upon a Hill" speech, he spoke of the challenges ahead including the importance of serving the public good above all else.

View the full speech: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/historic-speeches/the-city-upon-a-hill-speech

01/08/2021

Whether it’s a mayor, local councilperson, state attorney general, or U.S. senator, we can all recall a moment where an elected official put the greater good above all else. Honor the leader who comes to mind for being a #ProfileInCourage: profileincourageaward.org

01/08/2021

President and Mrs. Kennedy welcomed the Mona Lisa to the National Gallery in Washington, DC #OTD in 1963. This was made possible by a special loan to the President of the United States and the American people by the government of the French Republic in December 1962.

More than 700,000 people saw it at the National Gallery of Art and more than a million others viewed it at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

See more photos from the opening: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/JFKWHP/1963/Month%2001/Day%2008/JFKWHP-1963-01-08-C

01/07/2021

There is just one week left to submit an essay to our Profile in Courage Essay Contest! Winning essays can receive 15 different scholarship prizes, including $10,000. Don’t forget to share your story of political courage by our January 15 deadline. → http://JFKLibrary.org/essay

01/05/2021

Happy #NationalBirdDay! 🐦 In 1961, Mrs. Kennedy commissioned a Cape Cod woodcarver to create this tern as a gift for JFK. He displayed this and two other carved shorebirds in the Oval Office.

Can you find the tern in the background of this famous photo of President Kennedy and his children?

01/04/2021

You made it through the first Monday of the year! Treat yourself with this puzzle of JFK sharing a laugh with his press secretary Pierre Salinger.

🧩: jigex.com/weNG pic.twitter.com/r9fohlu7Xp

01/04/2021

The deadline to submit an essay to our Profile in Courage Essay Contest is quickly approaching! If you are a high school student, make sure to share an inspiring story of political courage before our January 15 deadline: http://JFKLibrary.org/essay

12/31/2020

2020 was one for the history books. Watch our year in review.

12/31/2020

At the close of 1961, JFK sent Soviet leaders Khrushchev and Brezhnev a #NewYears telegram, hoping for that "the coming year will strengthen the foundations of world peace."

12/30/2020

Running away from 2020 into 2021 like...

📷 A young girl runs in the East Wing Corridor during a birthday party for Caroline and John Jr.

12/25/2020

In 1962, President Kennedy and his family spent Christmas in Palm Beach, Florida. Wherever you are and however you’re celebrating this year, we’re wishing you a safe and happy holiday!

12/24/2020

"The stockings were hung by the chimney with care..."

See more photos from the Kennedy family's Christmas here: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/JFKWHP/1962/Month%2012/Day%2025/JFKWHP-1962-12-25-A

12/24/2020

Political courage: when a leader makes a choice for the greater good -- not for political interest or gain.

This year, our Profile in Courage Essay contest challenges students to submit an essay about the time a brave leader inspired them. 1st place prize? $10,000 for college.

Submit your essay at www.jfklibrary.org/essay

12/23/2020

Archivists did some sleuthing and found hidden holiday gifts in photos from the Kennedy White House. 🎁 See what else they found: https://archiveblog.jfklibrary.org/2015/12/christmasmiracle/

12/22/2020

This day in 1961, Ethel Kennedy, wife of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and JFK’s sister-in-law, hosted a Christmas party for local children at the White House. They sang carols, ate in the State Dining Room, and got a visit from Santa!

https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/JFKWHP/1961/Month%2012/Day%2022/JFKWHP-1961-12-22-E

12/22/2020

As we approach the end of 2020, it's important to uplift stories of political courage and set the tone for the year to come.

Take action by nominating a leader you admire for our 2021 JFK #ProfileinCourage Award today: http://bit.ly/submit-a-nomination

12/18/2020

It’s Cold (War) Outside: JFK, Santa, and “Tsar Bomba”

How did a White House statement on the Soviet's detonation of a nuclear bomb lead to JFK writing to a little girl about Santa Claus? Read on to find out.
https://jfk.blogs.archives.gov/2017/12/21/its-cold-war-outside/

In 1961, JFK reassured a young writer to the White House that Santa Claus was still coming to town.

12/17/2020

A holiday message from the JFK Library in 2020

We always look to President Kennedy to light the way—even in the darkest days. We hope that his message of peace and hope bring you renewed faith and energy going into 2021.

12/16/2020

🍎 Calling all high school students 🍎

Do you know a leader who did what was right, over what was popular? We want to hear about it. Submit a story to our Profile in Courage Contest today. You could win $10,000 for college!

Learn more at: http://www.jfklibrary.org/essay

12/15/2020

This day in 1961: President and Mrs. Kennedy leave Washington, DC for a trip to South America. They first land in Puerto Rico and meet with Governor Luis Muñoz Marín and First Lady Inés Mendoza.

Photos of their arrival: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/JFKWHP/1961/Month%2012/Day%2015/JFKWHP-1961-12-15-D

12/12/2020

Nearly 20 years ago, we awarded Congressman John Lewis with an unprecedented #ProfileinCourage Award for Lifetime Achievement for his extraordinary courage, leadership and commitment to civil rights. We miss him and hope our leaders follow in his footsteps.

Congressman Lewis paved the way for so many and inspires elected officials today. Highlighting his courage, learning from his wisdom, and striving to emulate his dedication to protecting human rights is one of the best ways our country can continue to fight for change.

Inspired by a lawmaker who fights for the greater good? Join us in honoring courage and calling for the best from our elected officials by nominating a leader for our 2021 JFK Profile in Courage Award. http://bit.ly/submit-a-nomination

12/09/2020

Tell us about a leader with integrity.

Submit an essay to our Profile in Courage Essay Contest! All high school students who share a story of political courage have the chance to win $10,000 for college.

Submit at: http://www.jfklibrary.org/essay