Miiko Taka (right) was a Nisei actress whose family was forcibly removed by the US government during WWII to an internment camp. Her most famous role is an Hana-ogi in the 1957 film Sayonara, starring Marlon Brando. #AAPIHM https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1961-02-28-b

#OTD, 1962: The Kennedys hosted the President & First Lady of the Ivory Coast, Félix and Marie-Thérèse Houphouët-Boigny, at the White House. Their invitation to visit was a gesture of friendship to an emerging African democracy. https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1962-05-22-f

Remembering Barney Frank, who served in Congress for nearly 5 decades and championed LGBTQ rights and Wall Street reform. In 2015, he spoke at the JFK Library about his life and career and the state of US politics in the lead up to the 2016 election. www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-a...

Jerome Powell, the 16th Chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve, will receive the JFK Profile in Courage Award on May 31 in recognition of his steadfast defense of the Federal Reserve’s independence and his commitment to the nation’s economic stability. (1/4)

John F. Kennedy, the 2nd Catholic to run for president, faced vocal opposition to his candidacy based on his religion. To address this, he spoke to a group of Protestant ministers about the importance of the separation of Church and State and freedom of religion.

Jacqueline Kennedy wanted the JFK Library to be a “vital center of education and exchange and thought, which will grow and change with the times.” This #InternationalMuseumDay, we thank everyone who has visited us to make that vision a reality!

#OTD in 1963: JFK gave the commencement address at Vanderbilt University, where he stressed the importance of education and public service, saying "of those to whom much is given, much is required." Listen: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/JFKWHA/1963/JFKWHA-185-001/JFKWHA-185-001

Many Americans sent JFK letters offering advice on what to do for all the problems facing the US. For #DrawingDay, here's a letter from a student who proposed a unique solution to Cold War tensions and the threat of nuclear war: turn all weapons into music!

#OTD in 1961, JFK arrived in Canada on his 1st international trip as president, where he gave remarks in English and French (and noted that his wife Jacqueline could speak foreign languages much better than him!). https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/usg-01-09

Diane Nash, civil rights activist and one of the founders of SNCC, was born #otd in 1938. In 1961, she wrote to JFK asking to meet about the #FreedomRides. 📄: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhsfhw-005-003#?image_identifier=JFKWHSFHW-005-003-p0007

🌕 By 1970: We choose to go to the Moon 🏞️ By 2030: We choose to look for solutions to fix our climate The Earthshot Innovation Challenge: Northeast U.S. Edition offers up to $100K in grant funding to climate innovators who are fixing the world's climate by cutting out carbon.

Wishing a happy birthday to #StevieWonder, born #otd on May 13, 1950! In 1990, Wonder visited the JFK Library with Nelson Mandela during the South African leader’s trip to Boston. #MusicSky

Congratulations to Giya Agarwal, our 2026 Profile in Courage Essay Contest winner! Giya’s essay on Michigan State Senator N. Lorraine Beebe explores her support of expanded abortion rights in the 1960s despite risks to her career and personal safety. Her essay: jfklibrary.org/2026WinningEssay

Last weekend, families filled the JFK Library for a joyful celebration of #AAPIHeritageMonth! Visitors enjoyed an exciting lion dance and kung fu performance by Wah Lum Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy, then got creative with hands-on activities — including designing their own lion dance heads.

From Armed Forces Day, May 16, through September 7, the JFK Library is one of many museums to offer free admission to active duty military personnel and their families this summer as part of #BlueStarMuseums. Learn more: https://www.arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums

#DYK: President Kennedy's mother Rose collected signatures of notable people! For #MothersDay, read about what happened when she asked Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in the lead up to the Cuban Missile Crisis: https://jfk.blogs.archives.gov/2021/05/06/rose-kennedy-khrushchev-autograph/

The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists met with JFK in the Rose Garden, on May 9, 1963. After looking at their work, he noted that his hair is "much less than you have it." https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1963-05-09-b#?image_identifier=JFKWHP-ST-C156-2-63

The 33rd president, Harry S. Truman was born #otd on May 8, 1884. In 1961, JFK called HST to wish him a happy 77th. The phone call was recorded at the White House and is part of the historical record preserved in the archives at the JFK Library! #HistorySky #ArchivesSky

In a last night's forum, historian Michael Auslin with @wgbh.org's Arun Rath explore how leaders like Frederick Douglass and Elizabeth Cady Stanton invoked the Declaration of Independence to demand full rights as Americans. "The Declaration is a message of unity, and one we should try to recover"

Need something #free to do this weekend? Join us for a performance of "Lion Dance and Kung Fu Traditions Come Alive!" and maker activities related to creative traditions in honor #AAPIHeritageMonth!

🌕 By 1970: We choose to go to the Moon 🌊 By 2030: We choose to repair and preserve our oceans for future generations The Earthshot Innovation Challenge: Northeast U.S. Edition offers up to $100K in grant funding to climate innovators who are repairing & preserving our oceans for future generations.

On May 5, 1961, astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American to go into space, in a mission that lasted just over 15 minutes. President and Mrs. Kennedy, Vice President Johnson and other WH staffers watched his flight in the White House #otd.

Join us live on Sunday May 31 for the JFK Profile in Courage Awards. Our honorees include Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and the people of the Twin Cities of MN. Be part of this incredible night. 👉 Sign up for updates: https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/jfk-profile-in-courage-award

On May 3, 1961, President Kennedy received an honorary degree from George Washington University. Afterward, he spoke about the importance of educational institutions in a free democratic society. https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1961-05-03-a#?image_identifier=JFKWHP-AR6560-A

The Federal Woman’s Awards recognized women who made outstanding contributions in their field while working for the federal government. #OTD on May 2, 1963, the winners met JFK in the Oval Office. https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1963-05-02-d

May 1 is #LeiDay in Hawaii, which celebrates the artistry and aloha spirit behind the lei! In 1963, JFK was welcomed with many leis as he traveled around the state for a short visit. https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1963-06-08-b#?image_identifier=JFKWHP-ST-C206-39-63

🌕 By 1970: We choose to go to the Moon 🌁 By 2030: We choose to look for solutions to clean our air The Earthshot Innovation Challenge: Northeast U.S. Edition offers up to $100K in grant funding to climate innovators who are ensuring that everyone breathes clean, healthy air.

"I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered together at the White House, with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone." - John F. Kennedy, remarks honoring Nobel Prize winners, April 29, 1962

Last Sunday, Seán Hemingway, Ernest Hemingway’s grandson, presented Virginia Evans with the 2026 PEN/Hemingway Award for her debut novel The Correspondent. The event was hosted at the JFK Presidential Library. Watch the entire award ceremony at: https://youtube.com/live/1O2z8BHm1uc

Sending birthday wishes to #CarolBurnett, born #otd on April 26, 1933! In 1962, she visited JFK in the White House with Richard Adler, Danny Kaye, and Judy Garland. https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1962-11-28-b#?image_identifier=JFKWHP-ST-505-12-62

"Describe your perfect date." "I'd have to say April 25th, because it's not too hot, not too cold. All you need is a light jacket." April 25, 1961: JFK, LBJ, and President of Indonesia Ahmed Sukarno met at the White House (It was 80 degrees out). #MissCongeniality

Four community leaders from Minnesota will accept the JFK Profile in Courage Award award on behalf of the people of the Twin Cities. They reflect the broad coalition of communities that came together during the surge, and the many actions residents took to support their neighbors.

Celebrate #AAPIHeritageMonth on May 9 in a performance by Wah Lum Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy Performance Troupe of lion dance and kung fu. Admission is free 10 am- 2 pm. www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-with-lion-dance-and-kung-fu-traditions-come-alive-tickets-1986078569465?aff=Bluesky

🌕 By 1970: We choose to go to the Moon 🍃 By 2030: We choose to look for solutions to protect and restore nature The Earthshot Innovation Challenge: Northeast U.S. Edition offers up to $100K in grant funding to climate innovators who are ensuring that the natural world is growing on our planet.

May 5: join us for a free discussion with award-winning historian Michael Auslin on his new book, National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America. The book charts the many lives of a document that captures the soul of America and has united generations around its defiant ideals.

Queen Elizabeth II was born 100 years #otd on April 21, 1926. President and Mrs. Kennedy visited her and Prince Phillip during their European trip in 1961. (Photo id: PX96-33-60) www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer...

Happy 114th, #FenwayPark! JFK's grandfather and mayor of Boston, John "Honey Fitz" Fitzgerald (waving hat), threw out the first pitch at the first game on April 20, 1912.

Boston students + 2 guests can visit these cultural spots for free April 20-24 for a special week of Boston Family Days! 🖼️ @icaboston.bsky.social 🏇 @paulreverehouse.bsky.social 🌊 USS Constitution Museum 🔬 @museumofscience.bsky.social 🎨 Museum of African American History 🚀 @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social

Paws and you’ll miss it: we’re in the last seven days of Presidential Pets! Come to the JFK Library to see the animals that acted as workers, trend-setters, diplomats, or political tools in the White House before the exhibit closes on April 26. jfklibrary.org/PresidentialPets

The Bay of Pigs invasion began #otd on April 17, 1961 on the southeast coast of Cuba. JFK authorized the invasion, led by Cuban exiles, in order to overthrow the Castro regime and establish a non-communist government that would be friendly to the US. jfklibrary.org/BayOfPigs

From April 20-26, celebrate #MASpaceWeek at the JFK Library! We’ll have fun and educational activities for learners of all ages, including: 🚀 Pop-up displays 🚀 Hands-on activities 🚀 Film screenings and live music performances 🚀 Panel discussions with space experts jfklibrary.org/MASpaceWeek2026

#OTD in 1947, #JackieRobinson became the first Black baseball player to play in the MLB. 14 years later, he wrote to JFK about the work still needed to be done in the area of civil rights. jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/JFKWHSFHW/008/JFKWHSFHW-008-016

Last month, Scouts and their families visited the JFK Library and learned about the job of the president and participated in activities that showed President Kennedy’s values of services, civics, and leadership. Photographs by Reba Saldanha for the JFK Library Foundation

April 26: join us for the 50th Annual PEN/Hemingway Award Ceremony at the JFK Library. Seán Hemingway, Ernest Hemingway’s grandson, honors 2026 PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel winner Virginia Evans, author of The Correspondent. Award-winning author Alice McDermott delivers the keynote address.

#OTD on April 12, 1961, Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the 1st human to go into space. President Kennedy wrote to congratulate Soviet Chairman Nikita Khrushchev in this telegram. https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhcfchron-002-004#?image_identifier=JFKWHCFCHRON-002-004-p0071

We can’t go too long with a pet-related holiday, and as it turns out, today is #NationalPetDay! Find out which presidents had animals by their sides in the special exhibit Presidential Pets, closing on April 26. https://www.jfklibrary.org/visit-museum/exhibits/special-exhibits/presidential-pets

The successful return of the #Artemis crew reminds of our favorite genre of JFK: trying to talk to astronauts who have just splashed down! After #NASA astronaut Scott Carpenter had been recovered his orbital flight, JFK had *some* difficulty in calling him due to the technology of the day.

“… and return [them] safely to earth.” Congratulations to the #Artemis crew and everyone at NASA for a successful mission - now onto the Moon! https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/tnc-200-2

When #NASA Astronaut Scott Carpenter had safely been recovered after his orbital flight in May 1962, JFK received this note during a meeting letting him know that he was safe.

The first and second Sunday of each month, young people and families in Boston can visit all of these cultural institutions for free: @boschildmuseum.bsky.social Franklin Park Zoo Institute of Contemporary Art Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social MassArt Art Museum