John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

08/13/2021

The Cold War in Berlin | JFK Library

60 years ago today: The Soviet Union began building the Berlin Wall on August 13, 1961, dividing the city between East and West.

Nearly two years later, JFK would visit the wall on his trip to Germany.

More on Cold War in Berlin:
https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/jfk-in-history/the-cold-war-in-berlin

In the early morning hours of August 13, 1961, the people of Berlin were awakened by the rumbling of heavy machinery barreling down their street toward the line that divided the eastern and western parts of the city. Groggy citizens looked on as work details began digging holes and jack hammering si...

08/11/2021

Sixty years ago this month, President Kennedy established Cape Cod National Seashore, protecting nearly 40 miles of shoreland to "preserve the natural and historic values...of Cape Cod."

Revisit his environmental legacy in an episode of #JFK35: https://www.jfklibrary.org/about-us/social-media-apps/jfk35-podcast/saving-our-shorelines

📷: JFK at S. 857, authorizing establishment of Cape Cod National Seashore Park

Sixty years ago this month, President Kennedy established Cape Cod National Seashore, protecting nearly 40 miles of shoreland to "preserve the natural and historic values...of Cape Cod."

Revisit his environmental legacy in an episode of #JFK35: https://www.jfklibrary.org/about-us/social-media-apps/jfk35-podcast/saving-our-shorelines

📷: JFK at S. 857, authorizing establishment of Cape Cod National Seashore Park

08/10/2021

#OTD on August 10, 1962: President Kennedy landed in a rainy Brunswick, Maine to spend the weekend.

Upon arriving, he said: “I'm glad to come to Maine also, not only because Maine was once part of Massachusetts, but also as a New Englander I feel a strong sense of satisfaction in coming back here...I am glad to be in Maine. Whether it rains or shines I am privileged to be with you.”

#OTD on August 10, 1962: President Kennedy landed in a rainy Brunswick, Maine to spend the weekend.

Upon arriving, he said: “I'm glad to come to Maine also, not only because Maine was once part of Massachusetts, but also as a New Englander I feel a strong sense of satisfaction in coming back here...I am glad to be in Maine. Whether it rains or shines I am privileged to be with you.”

08/09/2021

Now that the Olympics are over, here’s your athletic inspiration: JFK as Mr. America.

Artist Stephan Swiatek was inspired by a PSA printed in Esquire magazine that showed President Kennedy as Mr. America, and portrayed participation in his physical fitness program as an aid in the fight against the spread of Communism.

Swiatek finished this carving after President Kennedy’s death, and wrote to Mrs. Kennedy that “Am sure that with the President's sense of humor he wouldn't have been offended."

📷: MO 74.555

Now that the Olympics are over, here’s your athletic inspiration: JFK as Mr. America.

Artist Stephan Swiatek was inspired by a PSA printed in Esquire magazine that showed President Kennedy as Mr. America, and portrayed participation in his physical fitness program as an aid in the fight against the spread of Communism.

Swiatek finished this carving after President Kennedy’s death, and wrote to Mrs. Kennedy that “Am sure that with the President's sense of humor he wouldn't have been offended."

📷: MO 74.555

08/07/2021

Today we celebrate the creation of the Purple Heart, established by George Washington on August 7, 1782, and commemorate those who have been injured or killed in combat.

📷: JFK's Navy Marine Corps Medal and Purple Heart, awarded for his service in WWII.

#PurpleHeartDay

Today we celebrate the creation of the Purple Heart, established by George Washington on August 7, 1782, and commemorate those who have been injured or killed in combat.

📷: JFK's Navy Marine Corps Medal and Purple Heart, awarded for his service in WWII.

#PurpleHeartDay

08/04/2021

Since 1924, deaf athletes have met every four years to compete in the Deaflympics (formerly known as the International Games for the Deaf).

In 1962, President Kennedy met with members of the 1961 US team, including Chair of the Games Jerald Jordan, Mary Lynch (long jump), Nancy Mahoney (swimming), John Miller (basketball), and William Ramborger (javelin and triple jump). Rep. ​​Homer Thornberry (far right), whose parents were deaf, served as the group’s interpreter.

More on the Deaflympics and experiences of members of the deaf community in the 1960s: https://jfk.blogs.archives.gov/2018/04/13/national-deaf-history-month-exploring-the-record-of-advocacy/

Since 1924, deaf athletes have met every four years to compete in the Deaflympics (formerly known as the International Games for the Deaf).

In 1962, President Kennedy met with members of the 1961 US team, including Chair of the Games Jerald Jordan, Mary Lynch (long jump), Nancy Mahoney (swimming), John Miller (basketball), and William Ramborger (javelin and triple jump). Rep. ​​Homer Thornberry (far right), whose parents were deaf, served as the group’s interpreter.

More on the Deaflympics and experiences of members of the deaf community in the 1960s: https://jfk.blogs.archives.gov/2018/04/13/national-deaf-history-month-exploring-the-record-of-advocacy/

08/03/2021

Starting August 10, the JFK Library research room will reopen for textual archival research by appointment only, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

View details on requesting an appointment: https://www.jfklibrary.org/archives/plan-a-research-visit

08/02/2021

John F. Kennedy and PT 109 | JFK Library

Late in the night of August 1, 1943, a Japanese destroyer struck and destroyed the boat commanded by Lt. John F. Kennedy, PT 109.

Find out what happened next: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/jfk-in-history/john-f-kennedy-and-pt-109

John F. Kennedy joined the US Navy in 1941 and was stationed in the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific during World War II. Commanding the Patrol Torpedo Craft (PT) PT 109, Lieutenant Kennedy and his crew participated in early Allied war campaigns. On August 2, 1943, PT 109 was struck by the Japan...

07/30/2021

We’re in a sporty frame of mind thanks to the #Olympics! Can you spot JFK in this photo of his Harvard swim team?

The future president was on the team for two years, and a coach recalled in an 1960 interview that JFK was “a good swimmer, but not an outstanding one.”

📷: PC16

We’re in a sporty frame of mind thanks to the #Olympics! Can you spot JFK in this photo of his Harvard swim team?

The future president was on the team for two years, and a coach recalled in an 1960 interview that JFK was “a good swimmer, but not an outstanding one.”

📷: PC16

07/29/2021

Serving up a scoop of ice cream as July aka #NationalIceCreamMonth ends!

🍨🍦 What’s your favorite flavor?

📽: JFK Jr. hands JFK an ice cream cone on the Honey Fitz, excerpt of PPP-40

07/28/2021

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was born #otd on July 28, 1929 in Southampton, New York.

More on her life and legacy: https://jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/life-of-jacqueline-b-kennedy
Photos of her time as FLOTUS: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/media-galleries/first-lady-jacqueline-kennedy

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was born #otd on July 28, 1929 in Southampton, New York.

More on her life and legacy: https://jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/life-of-jacqueline-b-kennedy
Photos of her time as FLOTUS: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/media-galleries/first-lady-jacqueline-kennedy

07/27/2021

This week in 1963, the US and USSR agreed to ban nuclear testing in the atmosphere, space, and underwater.

In an address to the nation, President Kennedy stated that a limited test ban "is safer by far for the United States than an unlimited nuclear arms race."

📽️: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/TNC/TNC-384/TNC-384

This week in 1963, the US and USSR agreed to ban nuclear testing in the atmosphere, space, and underwater.

In an address to the nation, President Kennedy stated that a limited test ban "is safer by far for the United States than an unlimited nuclear arms race."

📽️: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/TNC/TNC-384/TNC-384

07/25/2021

At 10:00 pm on July 25, 1961, President Kennedy addressed the nation on the brewing crisis in Berlin, discussing the Soviet threat to West Berlin and the possibility of nuclear war. #otd

More on the Cold War in Berlin: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/jfk-in-history/the-cold-war-in-berlin

At 10:00 pm on July 25, 1961, President Kennedy addressed the nation on the brewing crisis in Berlin, discussing the Soviet threat to West Berlin and the possibility of nuclear war. #otd

More on the Cold War in Berlin: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/jfk-in-history/the-cold-war-in-berlin

07/24/2021

Carry On

John Lewis lived a life of extraordinary courage, leadership, and commitment to civil rights, for which he was given a special Profile in Courage Award. Now the late civil rights icon shares his memories, beliefs, and advice for a new generation in the book, Carry On.

https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/john-lewis/carry-on/9781538707128/

A brilliant and empowering collection of final reflections and words of wisdom from venerable civil rights champion, the late Congressman John Lewis at the e...

07/23/2021

"Kennedy on Telstar: Europe Sees News Conference" (IFP-86D)

Telstar 1 - the world's first active communication satellite - transmitted the first live transatlantic broadcast #otd in 1962. Airing in the US on ABC, CBS, and NBC; in Canada on CBC; and in Europe on the Eurovision network, one of JFK's live press conferences was part of that transmission.

07/22/2021

"The long established and much respected tradition of the Olympic Games exerts a powerful influence upon the character of men and nations."

Though JFK was not in office during any Olympic games, he helped place the bid for Detroit to host the 1968 Olympics. More on the bid and JFK’s involvement: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/JFKPOF/110/JFKPOF-110-007?image_identifier=JFKPOF-110-007-p0003

"The long established and much respected tradition of the Olympic Games exerts a powerful influence upon the character of men and nations."

Though JFK was not in office during any Olympic games, he helped place the bid for Detroit to host the 1968 Olympics. More on the bid and JFK’s involvement: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/JFKPOF/110/JFKPOF-110-007?image_identifier=JFKPOF-110-007-p0003

07/21/2021

Happy birthday to Ernest Hemingway, born #otd on July 21, 1899 in Oak Park, Illinois!

This past spring, the Ken Burns documentary ​​#HemingwayPBS premiered, featuring manuscripts and images from the Ernest Hemingway Collection at the JFK Library. But how did a presidential library wind up with the papers of one of twentieth-century America’s most famous writers?

Learn how: https://jfk.blogs.archives.gov/2018/07/20/jfk-hemingway/

Happy birthday to Ernest Hemingway, born #otd on July 21, 1899 in Oak Park, Illinois!

This past spring, the Ken Burns documentary ​​#HemingwayPBS premiered, featuring manuscripts and images from the Ernest Hemingway Collection at the JFK Library. But how did a presidential library wind up with the papers of one of twentieth-century America’s most famous writers?

Learn how: https://jfk.blogs.archives.gov/2018/07/20/jfk-hemingway/

07/20/2021

Apollo 11 Astronaut Michael Collins on JFK35

In honor of the 52nd anniversary of the Moon landing, revisit our #JFK35 podcast episode with Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins, who talked to us about President Kennedy's moonshot and his flight to the Moon.

Full episode: https://www.jfklibrary.org/about-us/social-media-apps/jfk35-podcast/season-25-apollo-11-at-50/michael-collins

07/19/2021

Gloria Richardson, fiery civil rights activist in Maryland showdown, dies at 99

We remember Gloria Richardson, civil rights leader and activist in Maryland in the early 1960s, who passed away at age 99 in her home last week.

Richardson co-founded the Cambridge Movement, which sought to improve the lives of Black people in the Second Ward of Cambridge and was a precursor to the Black Power movement.

To challenge segregation and Jim Crow laws, CNAC used boycotts, sit ins, and demonstrations, which increasingly got violent. Having this conflict so close to Washington, DC was an embarrassment to the Kennedy administration, and many Black leaders from Cambridge, including Gloria Richardson, and the local government met with Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy to negotiate the Treaty of Cambridge.

More on her life: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/gloria-richardson-dead/2021/07/16/efff2b7e-2253-11e5-84d5-eb37ee8eaa61_story.html

Fearless and uncompromising, she led sometimes-violent protests in the 1960s on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Ebony magazine dubbed her ‘the lady general of civil rights.’

07/17/2021

Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid revolutionary and South Africa’s first Black head of state, was born #otd on July 18, 1918.

Four months after his release from prison in 1990, Mandela visited the JFK Library, where he was welcomed by the Kennedy family.

[image: Nelson Mandela speaks at a microphone outside the JFK Library while members of the Kennedy family, including Edward M. Kennedy, Eunice Shriver, and Jacqueline Onassis, stand behind him.

Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid revolutionary and South Africa’s first Black head of state, was born #otd on July 18, 1918.

Four months after his release from prison in 1990, Mandela visited the JFK Library, where he was welcomed by the Kennedy family.

[image: Nelson Mandela speaks at a microphone outside the JFK Library while members of the Kennedy family, including Edward M. Kennedy, Eunice Shriver, and Jacqueline Onassis, stand behind him.

07/16/2021

🎵 Come sail away, come sail away 🎵

Sail into the weekend with today's puzzle featuring JFK, Mrs. Kennedy and friends aboard his beloved sailboat, Victura.

🧩️: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/jfkl-from-home/jfkl-from-home-puzzles/summertime-sailing

[image: The Victura sails on Lewis Bay. President and Mrs. Kennedy sit at the stern of the boat, and other unidentified adults and children are also in the boat.]

🎵 Come sail away, come sail away 🎵

Sail into the weekend with today's puzzle featuring JFK, Mrs. Kennedy and friends aboard his beloved sailboat, Victura.

🧩️: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/jfkl-from-home/jfkl-from-home-puzzles/summertime-sailing

[image: The Victura sails on Lewis Bay. President and Mrs. Kennedy sit at the stern of the boat, and other unidentified adults and children are also in the boat.]

07/14/2021

84 years ago this summer, JFK went on a 2.5 month tour of Europe with his friend Lem Billings. The two visited historic sites, observed the political climate of a continent on the eve of war, and got into some trouble along the way.

More on their trip: https://jfk.blogs.archives.gov/2017/10/18/jack-and-lems-excellent-european-adventure-summer-1937/

[image: Page of scrapbook with photos of JFK and a dachshund puppy, smaller photos of JFK and Lem making faces, and a copy of Rembrandt's painting "The Night Watch."]

84 years ago this summer, JFK went on a 2.5 month tour of Europe with his friend Lem Billings. The two visited historic sites, observed the political climate of a continent on the eve of war, and got into some trouble along the way.

More on their trip: https://jfk.blogs.archives.gov/2017/10/18/jack-and-lems-excellent-european-adventure-summer-1937/

[image: Page of scrapbook with photos of JFK and a dachshund puppy, smaller photos of JFK and Lem making faces, and a copy of Rembrandt's painting "The Night Watch."]

07/12/2021

59 years ago this week: St. Louis Cardinals player "Stan the Man" Musial and his family visited JFK in the Oval Office after the 1962 All Star Game. The game was played at DC Stadium (now RFK Stadium), and President Kennedy had thrown out the first pitch.

📷: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/JFKWHP/1962/Month%2007/Day%2011/JFKWHP-1962-07-11-D

59 years ago this week: St. Louis Cardinals player "Stan the Man" Musial and his family visited JFK in the Oval Office after the 1962 All Star Game. The game was played at DC Stadium (now RFK Stadium), and President Kennedy had thrown out the first pitch.

📷: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/JFKWHP/1962/Month%2007/Day%2011/JFKWHP-1962-07-11-D

07/10/2021

#Eunice100: Eunice Shriver on adversity

Today we celebrate the centennial of Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s birth. Born in 1921 in Brookline, MA, she founded @SpecialOlympics and had a global impact on empowering those with intellectual disabilities and fostering competitiveness and athleticism.

At a tribute to her life and work in 2007, Eunice Shriver spoke about the closeness she had with her family, her passion for working with people with intellectual disabilities, as well being lucky in the adversity she faced in her life. #Eunice100

https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/forums/past-forums/transcripts/a-tribute-to-eunice-kennedy-shriver