Visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

As a space enthusiast, I wanted to visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. I wanted to learn more about the leader who sent us on a trajectory to the moon. I loved learning about America’s 35th President. From his time as a boy to his years leading the greatest country on Earth.

Here’s what you and your kids can expect to learn on your visit to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

The Coconut Husk in the Theater Lobby

After checking in at the admissions desk, head to the Theater Lobby where you can learn about the early years of John F. Kennedy. I discovered two things I hadn’t known before.

First, he fought in World War II on PT-109 (a boat in the Pacific). Following the destruction of his boat, he wrote a message on a coconut husk and gave it to a local. Kennedy and his crew were later rescued as a result of his message on the coconut husk, which sat on his desk in the Oval Office during his presidency.

Second, he wrote a thesis during his college years that was later published into a book: Why England Slept. I am intrigued by the book and think my self-proclaimed genius teenager may also be interested in reading it.

There are two theaters in the Kennedy Presidential Library playing short videos about John F. Kennedy, so when the doors open, take a seat and enjoy the film.

Walk the Campaign Trail to Inauguration

The museum tour starts with the campaign trail for the eventual 35th president of the United States. It all begins with the convention, full of campaign signs and even the red and white striped dress with blue Kennedy belt. It’s cool to look at memorabilia from the 1960s – like vinyl records, radios and advertisements. In one display, there’s a typewriter (you may need to explain to your kids what a typewriter is).

Numerous videos are playing throughout the campaign trail. Like the Kennedy-Nixon debate, and the inauguration of President Kennedy. The artifacts and timeline in the museum lend itself to a gentle stroll, learning about the weeks leading up to the Nov. 8, 1960 election where JFK officially earned his title of President.

John F. Kennedy in the White House

After listening to the inauguration speech, enter into a replica of the White House corridor. I was in shorts and a T-shirt and felt a little under dressed for a visit to the White House. Along the corridor, there are various breakout rooms that highlight a part of President Kennedy’s tenure. My favorite, of course, was the Freedom 7 capsule. It carried the first American into space – Alan Shepard – in 1961. A small TV screen played the speech JFK gave about the decision to go to the moon – which is my all-time favorite quote.

“We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard…”

Other areas along the corridor highlight the Peace Corps, the 1963 Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, the Office of the Attorney General, and civil rights. Take the time to read about the artifacts and history contained in these exhibits at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

The First Lady and the Kennedy Family

Take a quick peak into the Oval Office, which is filled with the furnishings President Kennedy had in the actual Oval Office. Then learn more about First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. The exhibit covers not only her early years, but the efforts she led as First Lady.

According to many of the displays, she made contributions to the field of historic preservation, as well as her innovations in coordinating entertainment in the White House.

And don’t miss the iconic red dress she wore, which is on display, among numerous other artifacts.

President Kennedy’s Legacy

President John F Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. The tragedy is shared in the museum through Walter Cronkite’s announcement on CBS News and there are scenes captured from the President’s funeral on display.

As the main gallery exhibits conclude, you can see various iconic elements of President Kennedy’s legacy. This includes an exhibit to the advancements made in space exploration, a piece of the Berlin Wall, and numerous quotes that still resonate in today’s world.

“A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on.” – John F. Kennedy

The Pavilion, Cafe and Store at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

The John K. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum has space at the end of the primary tour for special exhibits. The one currently in place is 100 artifacts marking milestones and mementos of President Kennedy. It includes a tattered U.S. flag from his time in the military, a model of his PT-109 boat, the umbilical disconnect from John Glenn’s Friendship 7 spacecraft, a top hat, tie collection and so much more. Be sure to take time to learn from whatever special exhibit is there before heading to the Pavilion.

The Pavilion offers visitors a moment to reflect on what they just learned about. The ground to ceiling windows offer a great view across the harbor to the city of Boston. Don’t miss the Profiles in Courage Award, which is given annual to someone who exemplifies political courage. Hanging from the rafters above is a large American flag. Again, it’s a great room to reflect on the life and leadership of John F. Kennedy, and what it means to be an American.

Take the stairs or elevators up to the main floor. If you’re hungry, stop in the cafe to grab a bite to eat. If you want to purchase a souvenir or two, visit the store. There are books, shirts, pencils and many other items you can bring home with you.

The Details

Address: Columbia Point, Boston, Massachusetts.

Parking: The museum itself has adequate parking near the entrance of the museum. There is no cost for parking in this lot.

Cost: Adults are $14; Seniors and students with ID are $12; Teens (13-17) are $10, along with US Armed Forces veterans. Children 12 and under are free.

Hours: The museum is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. It closes at 2 p.m. on the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve day. The last introductory film runs at 3:55 p.m.

Website: https://www.jfklibrary.org/

Phone: (617) 514-1600

Staying in the Boston area for a while? Discover other activities for the whole family in my Massachusetts page.

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