About the JFK Library
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to the memory of our nation's thirty-fifth president and to all those who through the art of politics seek a new and better world.Located on a ten-acre park, overlooking the sea that he loved and the city that launched him to greatness, the Library stands as a vibrant tribute to the life and times of John F. Kennedy.
Come tour our Museum which portrays the life, leadership, and legacy of President Kennedy, conveys his enthusiasm for politics and public service, and illustrates the nature of the office of the President.
Students and scholars can also arrange to conduct research using our collection of historical materials chronicling mid-20th century politics and the life and administration of John F. Kennedy.
JFK LibraryMission
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.Our Values:
- We value the study of history; facilitate the craftsmanship of those who interpret the past; and offer opportunities for the public to engage with us and the Library's holdings through our reference room, exhibits and programs.
- We seek to be a trusted and authoritative source of information about John F. Kennedy and our related collections.
- We work collaboratively to build an inclusive, supportive, and productive professional community.
- We serve our local, national, and global communities.
- We build partnerships with the Kennedy Library Foundation and with other key stakeholders.
- We serve the public as we wish to be served -- with pride, respect, and courtesy.
- We sustain the Library through creative business enterprises.
- We strive to be at the forefront of our fields through creativity, innovation, and hard work.
We achieve our mission and live out our values by pursuing the following key priorities:
- Maintain the safety and preservation of the collections, our building, and the people who work and visit here.
- Provide access to our historical materials and to our museum and programming:
- to researchers in the reference room and through the website and digital archives;
- to museum visitors through our exhibits, store, and facility rentals;
- to students, teachers, and the general public through our educational programs.
- Serve as the nation's memorial to President Kennedy -- sharing the story of his life, times, and legacy.
Fast Facts
Architect: I.M. Pei & Partners, New York, New York. The general contractor was Turner Construction Co. of Boston.
Building Statistics: Originally 115,000 square feet, the Library attained its current size of 164,000 square feet with the addition of the Stephen E. Smith Center in 1991, and the archival/museum storage block in 2012. The building is a 9-story, white precast concrete tower joined to a glass-enclosed pavilion and flanked by the Smith Center with adjoining storage area on one side and the lobby and museum theater area on the other. The tower building is 125 feet high, and the floor of the pavilion is 80 feet by 80 feet square, while the glasswork rises to 115 feet.
Exhibits Designed By: Original exhibits, Chermayeff & Geismar Associates, December 1976; 1993 redesign by Kennedy & Associates (no relation).
First Plans for Establishing the Library in Cambridge: Press release from the Office of the White House Press Secretary, November 10, 1961.
Flag: Dimensions: 45' x 26'
Groundbreaking: June 12, 1977
Irish Exhibit Song: "The Shores of Amerikay," by Sean O'Shea.
Moon Rocks (displayed): The rock displayed came from the Apollo 15 trip and was collected by Col. David R. Scott on August 7, 1971. It is mare basalt, weighs 160 grams and is thought to be approximately 3 billion years old.
Quotation, Theater Lobby: "This library is dedicated to the memory of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 35th President of the United States of America, and to all those who through the art of politics seek a new and better world."
Thanks JFK Library!
