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The building on the water's edge, with its light-filled atrium, was designed by architect I.M. Pei and opened in 1979.
The building on the water's edge, with its light-filled atrium, was designed by architect I.M. Pei and opened in 1979.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

In contrast to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, my visit to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum was more restrained and contemplative.

The JFK Library has obviously put a lot of thought into its purpose and how best to carry it out. Here is the mission statement from the website.

MISSION

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum preserves and provides access to historical materials related to President Kennedy and his times — and engages with citizens of all ages and nationalities through JFK’s life story and the ideals he championed.

The museum exhibits that the visitor is invited to consider align well with this stated mission. The permanent exhibits cover the young JFK, the 1960 presidential election, JFK’s inauguration, the Peace Corps, the space program, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, brother Robert Kennedy’s Attorney General Office, the Oval Office, and more. There is no Marilyn Monroe.

Aren't these dresses from the campaign trail swell??
Aren’t these dresses from the campaign trail swell??

 

"If I were 21, I'd vote for KENNEDY" -- artifacts from the campaign.
“If I were 21, I’d vote for KENNEDY” — artifacts from the campaign.

The museum featured a film of Senator John F. Kennedy accepting his party’s nomination for president at the 1960 Democratic National Convention, which was very moving to hear. I was strongly reminded of my experience of Barack Obama’s nomination at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado, which I was very lucky to attend. It was a peak American moment for me, a very emotional time, filled with hope.

The museum deals very sensitively with JFK’s assassination on November 22, 1963, by way of a darkened corridor … which is followed by a display on JFK’s legacy.

Hope springs eternal.

JFK's sailboat Victura, outside the museum.
JFK’s sailboat Victura, outside the museum.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is museum no. 22 in my #100museums challenge (see 100 Museums Challenge).