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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 8h

Remembering the life of Joan Kennedy, first wife of Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Her love of classical music, support of the arts, and advocacy for mental health and addiction treatment are part of a remarkable legacy. We at the JFK Library Foundation send condolences to her family and loved ones.

Joan Kennedy (seated in center) shakes hands with a young student (left, seated on the lap of an unidentified man) during a visit to a fitness class, as part of a tour of classes in the Boston Public Schools system. December 1965.

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 2d

🐾 September was a paw-fect month at the JFK Library!

We kicked things off with Mike Piazza and his high-flying dogs putting on an aerial show, and capped it off with our first-ever Presidential Pets Party — complete with service dogs in training, maker activities, and an adoption drive.

A dog catches a frisbee in mid-air at the lawn of the JFK Library, with onlookers in the background.

A child proudly displaying a colorful animal mask project in a room decorated with artistic paper masks.

A dog catches a frisbee at the lawn of the JFK Library, with a group of onlookers watching and smiling in the background, and the Boston skyline in the distance.

A child smiles at the camera, holding up a white dog bandana with the name "Oscar" written on it.

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 2d

Among the letters written to President Kennedy in the JFK Library's archives, many are from young people who believed their voices could make a difference.

JFK Library Education Director Suzi Fonda reflects on how these letters still resonate with students and inspire new generations today.

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 5d

Help your students write with courage! ✍️

Sign up for a FREE poster + teaching resources to bring the Profile in Courage Essay Contest to your classroom:

https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest/teacher-information-and-curriculum-ideas/teacher-mailing-list

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 6d

We’re pleased to partner with @wgbh.org for the inaugural Ralph Lowell Lecture on October 9, 2025. Join us online or in person at GBH Studios to hear political philosopher Michael Sandel on his updated book, "Democracy's Discontent."

More about this free event:

Ralph Lowell Annual Lecture - Democracy’s Discontent: Why are we so polarized and what can we do about it?

GBH invites you to attend the inaugural Ralph Lowell Annual Lecture, honoring the legacy of GBH founder Ralph Lowell, whose life’s work was devoted to educate and inform the public, inspiring in each…

www.wgbh.org

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 7d

Remembering President Jimmy Carter on what would have been his 101st birthday, and his legacy of peace and public service.

He dedicated the JFK Library in 1979, and visited us twice for #JFKForums in the 2010s.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJFxPZDjIFr2gRY6CPJH_EVEWFQ0ZL3tq

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 7d

During the federal government shutdown, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, including the Research Room is closed. The staff of the JFK Library Foundation will continue to update our social media pages from offsite.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum Government Shutdown Notice: Museum and Research Room closed.

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 9d

“Without debate, without criticism, no Administration and no country can succeed — and no republic can survive.”

In a 1961 address to American newspaper publishers, JFK recognized the press as the only business protected by the U.S. Constitution under the First Amendment.

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 9d

Whether you drink your coffee out of a mug or to go cup, we’re wishing you a perfectly brewed #NationalCoffeeDay!

https://jfk.artifacts.archives.gov/search/coffee/objects

Glazed white ceramic mug, with "John F. Kennedy" written in black over the presidential seal on one side. The President used this mug to hold his glasses and comb.

White paper coffee cup printed in red on both sides "Coffee with Kennedy" from JFK's 1952 Senate campaign.

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 12d

Historian @drpenieljoseph.bsky.social says coalition-building is as vital to the fight for civil rights today as it was in 1963.
At a #JFKForum, he reflects on President Kennedy’s June 11 Address on Civil Rights as a call for Americans across the nation to join together in pursuit of racial justice.

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 13d

In 1963, James Baldwin, MLK Jr., and a generation of activists reshaped the fight for freedom. Historian Peniel Joseph discuss his new book "Freedom Season" and how 1963 shaped JFK’s approach to civil rights with Harvard's Brandon Terry.

View the livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/4HVMYQmeeuc

Brandon Terry (left) and Peniel Joseph (right) seated on stage engaging in a conversation at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Their chairs are positioned near a blue backdrop with multiple logos of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. There's also a table between them with books on display.

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 15d

This Saturday, September 27, join us from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm for a Presidential Pets Party! We’ll have pet-themed activities, including tours of the Presidential Pets special exhibit, service animal demos, and hands-on activities.

Find out more: www.jfklibrary.org/visit-museum...

Presidential Pets Party- September 27, 2025 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. We love your pets but only service animals allowed!

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 16d

In 1963, James Baldwin, MLK Jr., and a generation of activists reshaped the fight for freedom.

Join historian Peniel Joseph to discuss his new book Freedom Season and how 1963 shaped JFK’s approach to civil rights.

RSVP at: https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/forums/freedom-season

Promotional banner for a Kennedy Library Forum titled 'Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America's Civil Rights Revolution', featuring an image of Peniel E. Joseph smiling, set for September 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET.

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 21d

The American Constitution was signed #otd on September 17, 1787 in Philadelphia. 175 years later, JFK spoke to a group of students about how the Constitution was written in different conditions in which they lived now, and how it was important for people to work to make the Constitution work.

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 22d

Today we remember Robert Redford for his substantive work in front of and behind the camera and steadfast advocacy for the environment and other causes. In 2014, Redford spoke at a #JFKForum on his career, friendship with Paul Newman, and protecting the planet for the future.

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 22d

High school students, we want to hear from you:

Enter the Profile in Courage Essay Contest for a chance to win up to $10,000!

Open now through Jan 12, 2026 ⏰

👉 Learn more: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 22d

The Civil Rights division of JFK’s Justice Dept tracked voting rights violations on this map. Each pin represents a case they were investigating, and each color represents a different type of violation.

#NationalVoterRegistrationDay

rediscovering-black-history.blogs.archives.gov/2016/04/12/w...

Map of the southern United States with red, yellow, blue, green, and purple pushpins in towns and counties where the Department of Justice was investigating voting rights violations. The pins are predominantly in Mississippi and Alabama.

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 23d

Another constituent wrote to JFK: "I voted for you. I have supported your policies. But I cannot understand or rationalize your inaction in regard to the murder of children."

More mail to the president after the bombing: jfklibraryfdn.tumblr.com/post/1504443...

Dear President:
The bombing in Birmingham on Sunday, the 15th of September, which resulted in the slaughter of Negro children praying for brotherly love is the most disgusting and outrageous insult to the American flag, to the American citizen.
It must be clear to you that the police forces in Alabama will not protect the Negro -- not even the children. Why do the twenty or so bombings within the past eight years remain unsolved in Birmingham?
I voted for you. I have supported your policies. But I cannot understand or rationalize your inaction in regard to the murder of children.
There will be more slayings in the Southern trouble spots unless -- you send federal troops or marshals.

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 23d

After the bombing, an 11 year old asked JFK why Governor George Wallace "can get away with things that anyone else can't?" and "You are the President, can't you do something?"

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 23d

After the bombing, Martin Luther King Jr. asked for an "immediate conference" with President Kennedy and other civil rights leaders. He and other civil rights leaders met with JFK on September 19.

www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer...

Dear Mr. President, due to tragedy that occurred in Birmingham yesterday and the extreme tension that grips the city and the state, the undersigned and myself feel the need for an immediate conference with you. Would hope that because of the urgency of the situation that you could meet with us either Tuesday, September 17 or Wednesday, September 18. We would appreciate hearing from you...

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 23d

On September 15, 1963, KKK members planted bombs in the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL that injured 22 people and killed four girls: Addie Mae Collins, Carol Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley.

Card with photograph of Carol Denise McNair and the text:
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher McNair and families express our sincere thanks to you for your kind expressions of sympathies, flowers, letters, cards, phone calls, etc. over the tragic loss of our daughter. May God give you courage to continue to speak out against injustices to mankind.

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 24d

#DYK: taking notes by hand helps you retain information better over typing! Put that theory into practice in our JFK journal featuring eight of his most famous and inspiring quotes.

https://store.jfklibrary.org/products/journal-john-f-kennedy

Cover of journal featuring 8 JFK quotes and a photograph of President Kennedy.

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 26d

Did you know Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress was crafted- twice- by designer Ann Lowe? JFK Library Director Alan Price shares why this dress is more than fashion- it’s history.

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 26d

JFK and the space program: www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-...

The Long Range Plan: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, January 1962.

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JFK Library Foundation @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social · 26d

September 12, 1962: JFK urges the US to “choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” in a speech at Rice University.

film: USG-15-29 (excerpt)

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