Jacqueline Kennedy approached the White House restoration as a scholarly pursuit, with a goal of sharing our nation’s history. JFK Library Foundation Executive Director Rachel Flor shares how Mrs. Kennedy transformed the White House for generations to come. Listen: jfklibrary.org/jfk35restoration

On November 4, 1952, Representative John F. Kennedy beat out the incumbent Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. to become Senator for Massachusetts. In the lead up to #ElectionDay, JFK campaigned with his family around the state. See these photos, recently added to our website: www.jfklibrary.org/search?searc...

Former JFK Library Director Tom Putnam pays tribute to Ernest Hemingway's last surviving son, Patrick, who passed away last month at the age of 97. https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2025/10/30/ernest-hemingway-patrick-hemingway-pen-hemingway-award-tom-putnam

We're wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween, full of treats and no tricks! Halloween in the White House: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1963-10-31-d#?image_identifier=JFKWHP-ST-C372-6-63

Nominations for the 2026 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award are now open! Help us celebrate courage in leadership by submitting a nominee worth honoring: https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/profile-in-courage-award/submit-a-nomination

Everyone loves to trick or treat- even a first lady! JFK’s sister Jean Kennedy Smith reveals how Jacqueline Kennedy convinced her to “go undercover” with the kids in Washington, DC one Halloween.

On November 2 at 2:00, join us for the 49th annual PEN/Hemingway Award celebration at the Campus Center at UMass Boston. Seán Hemingway, Ernest Hemingway’s grandson, honors 2025 PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel finalists and winner Michael Deagler, author of Early Sobrieties.

October 27, 1962, known as Black Saturday, was the most dangerous day of the Cuban Missile Crisis. 🧵:

“When power corrupts, poetry cleanses." On October 26, 1963, JFK spoke about the importance of the role of an artist in society at the dedication of the Frost Library at Amherst College. https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkpof-047-041#?image_identifier=JFKPOF-047-041-p0002

“I’m not worried about the future. We need to talk about right now...We had 7 million people last weekend. How do we tap into that?” Karine Jean-Pierre joined us to discuss about her time in the White House and how we can move beyond partisanship to build a country that truly works for its people.

On October 22, 1962, President Kennedy went on television to speak to the nation and revealed the evidence of Soviet missiles in Cuba. He also announced the establishment of a naval quarantine around the island until the Soviet Union agreed to dismantle the missile sites.

As first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy undertook a restoration of the White House, to show the evolving history of the people who had lived and worked there, calling the work “a question of scholarship.” Read more about the White House Restoration: jfklibrary.org/whrestoration

Enter the Profile in Courage Essay Contest™ for a chance to win a cash prize: 🏆 1st: $10,000 + trip to Boston 🥈 2nd: $3,000 🥉 3 Finalists: $1,000 each 🎖 15 Honorable Mentions Learn more: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest

The JFK Library is the primary repository of Ernest Hemingway's papers and now has a major digital project spotlighting his life and works at jfklibrary.org/hemingway. Join us this Thursday for an exploration of this project: www.jfklibrary.org/visit-museum...

Today we celebrate the 46th anniversary of the dedication of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum! On October 20, 1979, the JFK Library was dedicated by members of the Kennedy family and President Carter. Photos of its construction and dedication: www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-...

On October 16, 1962, JFK learned of Soviet nuclear missile sites being built in Cuba, kicking off the Cuban Missile Crisis. Over the next 13 days and beyond, JFK and his advisors would work to get the missiles out and avoid starting a nuclear war.

Enter the Profile Courage Essay Contest™ with confidence using our student resources: 💡 Essay tips ❓ FAQs answered 🥇 Examples of winning essays 📖 Writing resources 👉https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest

In 1962, JFK met with members of the American Indian Chicago Conference, who had created the Declaration of Indian Purpose the year before. More photos: htthttps://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1962-08-15-c#?image_identifier=JFKWHP-ST-C28-3-62 #IndigenousPeoplesDay

Happy birthday to Eleanor Roosevelt, born #otd on October 11, 1884! In addition to her work for equal rights and peace, she chaired JFK's Commission on the Status of Women, created in late 1961.

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.

🐾 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.

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.

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

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:

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

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.

“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.

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

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.

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

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...

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

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.

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.

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

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...

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.

#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

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.

September 12: a date with some meaning for John F. Kennedy September 12, 1953: JFK marries Jacqueline Bouvier in Newport, Rhode Island. film: DPS-17 (excerpt)

#OTD on September 11, 1962, Jacqueline Kennedy unveiled the architectural design for the National Cultural Center. Planning for the Center had begun during the Eisenhower administration and was championed by the Kennedys, who believed that the arts were “our contribution to the human spirit.”

🖖 Happy 59th anniversary #StarTrek! Four years before he played Spock on tv, Leonard Nimoy and his wife Sandra wrote to JFK asking for a safer planet.

Happy anniversary to @boston.gov, founded 395 years ago #otd on September 7, 1630! As a “city on a hill,” its leaders have left marks on the city over the years. Hear about some of Boston’s notable mayors, including JFK’s grandfather John “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald: www.jfklibrary.org/about-us/soc...

September 10: join us for a free K-9 frisbee show with Mike Piazza & his Flying High Dogs at 6:00 p.m. The Museum will be open 5:30 - 8:00 p.m, with bonus pet-inspired activities as part of our Presidential Pets exhibit. Details: https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/forums/flying-high-dogs

Remembering Patrick Hemingway, last surviving son of Ernest Hemingway, who passed away at age 97 on September 3. With his wife Carol, he was the guiding force for the Hemingway Collection at the JFK Library and championed the importance of literature in our lives.

Way before the 24-hour news cycle, the nightly news was 15 minutes long. #OTD on September 2, 1963, CBS News doubled that time to 30 minutes. This longer format was inaugurated with an interview between Walter Cronkite and JFK over Labor Day weekend

On January 17, 1962, President Kennedy signed Executive Order 10988 “Task Force on Employee-Management Relations in the Federal Service” which allowed federal employees to unionize for the first time (though it did not let them strike). www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer... #LaborDay

After the March on Washington, its leaders met with President Kennedy in White House. They discussed the march itself, civil rights legislation, and the need for action to ensure equality. Listen to excerpts of their meeting: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJFxPZDjIFr3_VhBQ7eiOdrW8qD_CZ07U

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place an#otd on August 28, 1963. Organized by leading civil rights, religious, and labor groups, it culminated with Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

Ah back to school season - an exciting time for some, and a time for dread for others. Can you read a young JFK’s handwriting to see how he felt about heading into his senior year of high school? https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/kfc-053-001#?image_identifier=KFC-053-001-p0033