Meet the finalists for the 2025 Earthshot Innovation Challenge: Northeast U.S. Edition:

In January and February the JFK Library will be closed on Wednesdays, except for February 18 during February vacation week. The Museum is open the other 6 days of the week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Plan your visit: https://www.jfklibrary.org/visit-museum/visit/plan-your-trip

Families, join us on December 30 for a free performance with Trend N Motion's Animal Dance Kingdom! Get young ones excited about nature with fun animal facts with engaging moments to dance like animals. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-animal-dance-kingdom-tickets-1977504232392?aff=Bluesky

High school students -: Start the new year off strong: Write about an elected official who took a courageous stand — and compete for a chance to win $10,000! https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest

On December 16, 1962, President Kennedy sat down for a first of its kind interview. Journalists from the three television networks interviewed JFK in the Oval Office on the past two years of the Kennedy presidency. Audio of the interview: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwha-153

In 2019, Nancy Pelosi received the Profile in Courage Award for a lifetime of fearless leadership, overcoming historic opposition to expand health care to millions. Who should be awarded next? https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/profile-in-courage-award/submit-a-nomination

On December 15, 1961, President and Mrs. Kennedy left the White House for a trip to Puerto Rico. After they arrived, JFK met with Luis Muñoz Marín, governor of Puerto Rico and other Latin American advisors. jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1961-12-15-d

Happy Hanukkah to all of those who are celebrating! This menorah in the artifact collection in the JFK Library is inset with coral, turquoise and garnet. https://jfk.artifacts.archives.gov/objects/10143/feast-of-lights-menorah

Work holiday parties probably feel a little different when you work in the White House! In 1962, around 1,200 staff members and their families attended the White House Christmas reception, where they received a print of Edward Lehman’s watercolor painting of the refurbished Red Room.

"The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans... unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world." - John F. Kennedy #HumanRightsDay

For the 1961 holiday season, the Kennedys went with a simple card, and had 3 versions made with different messages on the inside, including an inclusive one for non-Christian recipients. https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jbkopp-sf037-008#?image_identifier=JBKOPP-SF037-008-p0027

If you’re planning a trip to the JFK Library later this month, be sure you know our holiday hours! The Museum closes early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and is closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. https://www.jfklibrary.org/visit-museum/visit/plan-your-trip

Today marks the anniversary of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, where 2,403 people were killed and which caused the U.S. to enter World War II. During his trip to Hawaii in June 1963, President Kennedy visited the USS Arizona Memorial and laid a wreath for those who perished in the attack.

In 1999, Sen. John McCain received the Profile in Courage Award for taking the bold step of addressing money in politics. Who shows that kind of courage today? Submit your nominee: https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/profile-in-courage-award/submit-a-nomination

Filed #OnThisDay in 1962 by the Kennedy White House: a “very simple question” to Jacqueline Kennedy if she think her children resemble her or her husband more, with a request “if it isn’t too much bother” to write back in English and French. www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer...

Today is #GivingTuesday, and we need your help to further our work for the rest of the year and beyond! Hear about the JFK Library and Foundation’s mission to lift up President Kennedy’s ideals of engaged citizenship and public service. Make your gift: jfklibrary.org/givingtuesday

Rep. John Lewis received the first Profile in Courage Lifetime Achievement Award for a life spent answering “the call of conscience.” Who else carries that spirit today? Submit your nominee: https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/profile-in-courage-award/submit-a-nomination

Students: Stuck on how to start your Profile in Courage Essay Contest submission? Take a peek at these past winning essays! 📚 Tips, FAQs, and more here 👉 https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest

This weekend, the JFK Library welcomed members of the Wampanoag Nation for a vibrant, interactive celebration honoring Native American Heritage Month. About 500 visitors of all ages joined dances and learned about Wampanoag history, language, and tradition.

In 1963, JFK was presented with a turkey by the National Turkey Federation and the Poultry and Egg National Board. Wearing a sign around its neck that said "Good Eating, Mr. President," the bird was spared by the president when he said, "We’ll just let this one grow."

We present 🎁: JFK Museum Store gift guides! Peruse them to pick the perfect present for all types of people in your life. Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday, get 10% off purchases with the code BLK10. https://store.jfklibrary.org/ Your purchases help support educational programming at the JFK Library.

Looking for meal ideas and recipes for your winter holiday feasts? Draw some culinary inspiration from the archives at the JFK Library and dig into these historical foods and drinks in the latest selection of Staff Picks from the Archives! jfk.blogs.archives.gov/2025/11/24/a...

These are the last lines of the last speech ever typed for President Kennedy, intended for remarks on November 22, 1963 at the Democratic State Committee in Austin, Texas. The full speech: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkpof-048-023#?image_identifier=JFKPOF-048-023-p0003

After Kennedy’s assassination, NBC newscaster Chet Huntley spoke about the “ominous and sickening popularity of hatred” in the US. A viewer wrote to him, hoping that people would learn from his message. jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/chpp-001-003#?image_identifier=CHPP-001-003-p0117

On November 22, 1963, President and Mrs. Kennedy traveled to Dallas. As they rode through the city, shots were fired, and the motorcade rushed to the nearest hospital. At 2:38 pm EST, CBS television news anchor Walter Cronkite reported the president’s death. Learn more: jfklibrary.org/November22

November 21, 1963: President and Mrs. Kennedy traveled to Texas for a 2-day visit. Though the trip was cited as nonpolitical, it also was meant to gather support for the 1964 presidential race. Their schedule: jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/gjbpp-006-015#?image_identifier=GJBPP-006-015-p0030

On the 100th anniversary of Robert F. Kennedy's birth, former MSNBC host and author Chris Matthews says there are still important lessons RFK’s legacy can teach today. Watch our JFK Library Forum with Chris Matthews and Kimberly Atkins Stohr at https://www.youtube.com/live/geigdm3ZOu4

"Everywhere immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life." -President John F. Kennedy, "A Nation of Immigrants" This week, the JFK Library proudly welcomed nearly 200 new citizens from countries all over the world to take their oath of citizenship with their families.

Real courage deserves recognition. Know someone who fits the bill? Nominate a leader today for the 2026 Profile in Courage Award: https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/profile-in-courage-award/submit-a-nomination

On November 17, 1962, JFK and President Eisenhower dedicated Dulles Airport, the first airport in the world designed for jet aircraft. Its now-iconic main terminal was designed by architect Eero Saarinen. https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1962-11-17-a

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and Museum Store will reopen to the public on Saturday, November 15, 2025. In celebration of our reopening, the Museum is excited to offer free admission to all visitors through November 30. Plan your trip: jfklibrary.org/PlanYourTrip

President Kennedy gave his 64th - and what would be his last - news conference #otd on November 14, 1963. He discussed: The arrest of an American professor in the Soviet Union The coup in Vietnam Foreign aid See more: jfklibrary.org/newsconference64

Congress has restored funding of appropriated activities. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, administered by the National Archives, is working to restore full operations as quickly as possible. Please check jfklibrary.org for updates.

On November 20, join us for a free forum with Chris Matthews on the 100th anniversary of Robert F. Kennedy’s birth, as he discusses his new book, Lessons from Bobby: Ten Reasons Robert F. Kennedy Still Matters.

“On this day of remembrance, let us pray in the name of those who have fought in this country's wars… that there will be no veterans of any further war -- not because all shall have perished but because all shall have learned to live together in peace.” - President John F. Kennedy #VeteransDay

During #WorldWarII, JFK chronicled his experience in the Pacific theater of the war, as well as news and photos of his family members who served. See the full album: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/kfc-077-001 #VeteransDay

"Democracy is not perfect, but we have never had to put a wall up to keep our people in." On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall came down, 28 years after it was built. During his short trip to West Berlin in June 1963, President Kennedy visited Checkpoint Charlie, a crossing along the Wall.

#OTD on November 8, 1960, Senator John F. Kennedy was elected president in a close race, beating Vice President Richard M. Nixon by approximately 118,550 votes. After casting his vote in Boston, JFK traveled to Hyannis Port to await the election results with his family. 📷: PX89-10

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