Ready, set, hut for the #Superbowl today! Games of touch football were a tradition for the Kennedy Family when they got together in Hyannisport. Film: DPS-17 (excerpt)

February is American Heart Month, and today is #WearRedDay! There are lots of red fashion options to choose from in the archives at the JFK Library. What are your favorite looks?

The JFK Library is THE place to be on Presidents’ Day! Join us on Monday, February 16 for our 15th annual Presidents’ Day Festival and experience presidential storytelling, hands-on maker activities, live musical performances, and more for all ages. jfklibrary.org/2026presidentsday

Hank Aaron was born #otd 1934. After he helped JFK in the Wisconsin primary, the future president sent his thanks, adding that "I hope to see you push that average up over the .300 mark now that the hot weather is here." https://bit.ly/4kpO5t9 #BlackHistoryMonth #BaseballSky

February 5, 1962: astronaut John Glenn met with President Kennedy in the Oval Office. Fifteen days later, he would be the first American to orbit the Earth. More photos: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1962-02-05-a

Did you know the zip code was implemented during JFK’s presidency? After WWII, the USPS was searching for ways to manage the increasing load of mail sent across the country. Find out about the campaign (and learn what ‘zip’ stands for!):: https://bit.ly/4rIjdGX #ThankAMailCarrierDay

Andrew Hatcher was a speechwriter for John F. Kennedy in the 1960 campaign before becoming the first Black associate press secretary in the White House. His oral history interview for the JFK Library on the 1960 campaign: www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer... #BlackHistoryMonth

Poet and pioneer of the Harlem Renaissance Langston Hughes was born #otd on February 1, 1902. In 1961, he attended a lunch for the first President of Senegal, Léopold Sédar Senghor. Senghor, a poet himself, was an admirer of Hughes' work and translated his poetry into French. #BlackHistoryMonth

As Chuck Daly, the last living member of President Kennedy’s administration, is laid to rest, learn about his service in the Korean War and lifetime of public service in this 2021 talk with the JFK Library Foundation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96CLGK568nw

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

John F. Kennedy gave his first State of the Union Address ten days after becoming president, on January 30, 1961. In his introduction, he referenced the Cold War and the ongoing struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union. #onthisday

The JFK Presidential Library and Museum will remain closed on Tuesday, January 27 due to the weekend snowstorm. The Library will reopen to the public on its next scheduled operating day on Thursday, January 29.

On January 25, 1961, John F. Kennedy became the first president to give live televised press conferences. He would go on to conduct 64 press conferences during his presidency, an average of one every 16 days.

Remembering the life and legacy of former JFK Library and JFK Library Foundation Director Charles U. Daly upon his passing. He was the last living member of President John F. Kennedy’s staff and received the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his service in the Korean War.

Don't miss out! Join us tomorrow for the Earthshot Innovation Challenge: Northeast U.S. Edition ceremony. Join us at 6:30PM at https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/forums/earthshot-innovation-challenge-northeast-us-edition-awards-ceremony

Would you like to get involved with the JFK Library in a hands-on way this year? We are recruiting volunteers for three different roles. If you enjoy history, museums, and educating others, apply today (or if you know someone who fits the bill, share this with them)! jfklibrary.org/volunteer

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the JFK Library honored the enduring voice and message of Dr. King through music, dance, and hands-on creative activities inspired by the values of civil rights and freedom for all.

Members of President Kennedy's cabinet were sworn in by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Earl Warren, #otd on January 21, 1961. See who's who here: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1961-01-21-e#?image_identifier=JFKWHP-AR6287-E

President Kennedy asked the American people what they could do for their country. His call to service continues to show us today how to meet problems with courage and purpose. Look to the past. Imagine the future. And ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO. youtu.be/FVA5M6g6Tv4

On January 20, 1961 John F. Kennedy took the oath of office to become the 35th president of the United States. He was the youngest man elected president, as well as the 1st Catholic and the 1st to be born in the 20th century.

Martin Luther King Jr. helped organize the March on Washington, where he gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. Before the march, he and other organizers weren't sure the march would be a success. #MLKDay Go behind the scenes: https://jfk.blogs.archives.gov/2020/08/27/making-the-march-on-washington/

JFK worked on this handwritten draft of his inaugural address on January 17, 1961. Can you read his handwriting to see which part this is? https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkpof-034-002#?image_identifier=JFKPOF-034-002-p0038

By the time JFK was president, the tradition of men wearing hats was going out of style, and he didn’t wear hats that often. But the hat industry thought his influence as president could help revive their trade. A letter to JFK for #NationalHatDay: www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer...

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the JFK Library! On January 19, join us for free concerts by George W. Russell Jr. and Friends and creative activities. Admission is free 10 am to 2 pm. https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/celebrate-family-programming/Soundtrack-of-MLKs-Life-20260119

A page from JFK’s reading copy for his January 11, 1962 State of the Union Address, where he made last minute edits and notes about how to deliver the speech. See the full reading copy online: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkpof-037-003#?image_identifier=JFKPOF-037-003-p0002

Last chance to enter the Profile in Courage Essay Contest! All entries must be submitted by January 12 at 11:59pm EST. Submit here: jfklibrary.org/essaycontest The Essay Contest is made possible with support from More Perfect.

Two days left to enter the Profile in Courage Essay Contest! Writing resources, contest rules, and past winning essays are available at the link in the below. Submit by January 12 for your chance to win! jfklibrary.org/essaycontest The Essay Contest is made possible with support from More Perfect.

On January 9, 1961, President-elect John F. Kennedy returned to Massachusetts to give his last formal public address before becoming the President. In the speech, he laid out the four essential qualities that he hoped would characterize his government: courage, judgment, integrity and dedication.

On January 8, 1963, President and Mrs. Kennedy, with French Minister of Culture André Malraux, welcomed the Mona Lisa to the National Gallery of Art. More than 700,000 people saw it there and more than one million viewed it at The Metropolitan Museum of Art during its time in the U.S.

January 23 at the JFK Library: Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert and former White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy explore how public–private collaboration can drive real progress on climate change in the spirit of JFK's Moonshot. Learn more: jfklibrary.org/JFKEarthshot2025

On Sunday May 4, Vice President Mike Pence received the 2025 Profile in Courage Award for putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on January 6, 2021. #ProfileinCourage

One week to go! Compete for $10,000 with a trip to Boston, plus additional prizes for finalists and honorable mentions! Essays must be 700–1,000 words, include a bibliography, and follow all contest requirements. Details: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest

As we remember Tatiana and celebrate her life, our hearts are with her family and all who loved her. Photo credit: Elizabeth Cecil

At the close of 1961, JFK sent Soviet leaders Khrushchev and Brezhnev a #NewYears telegram, hoping that "the coming year will strengthen the foundations of world peace."

Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. She will always be in our hearts. George, Edwin and Josephine Moran Ed, Caroline, Jack, Rose and Rory

High school students: Two weeks remaining! Tell us an untold story about an act of political courage for a chance at $10,000, other cash awards, & national recognition. jfklibrary.org/essaycontest The Essay Contest is made possible with support from More Perfect.

President and Mrs. Kennedy met with members of the 2506 Cuban Invasion Brigade and former Cuban President José Cardona at the Orange Bowl Stadium, #otd on December 29, 1962. https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1962-12-29-a#?image_identifier=JFKWHP-ST-C75-8-62

As UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan launched a global fight against HIV/AIDS, overcoming politics and prejudice to save millions of lives. Who else has shown courage like this? Tell us: https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/profile-in-courage-award/submit-a-nomination

In 1962, President Kennedy and his family spent Christmas in Palm Beach, Florida. If you’re celebrating the holiday today, we’re wishing you a safe and happy Christmas! https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1962-12-25-a#?image_identifier=JFKWHP-ST-C72-3-62

"It is the day when we remind ourselves that man can and must live in peace with his neighbors and that it is the peacemakers who are truly blessed." - John F. Kennedy, December 17, 1962 https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1962-12-17-d#?image_identifier=JFKWHP-AR7621-1T

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.