JFK Library Foundation

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.

An archival photo of President Kennedy sitting by a typewriter featuring the JFK Library foundation logo. Caption: “Teachers: Want to help your student write a winning essay? Check out these free resources:”

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

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…

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:

Jimmy Carter, seated and seen in profile, on stage at the JFK Library

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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...

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.

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.

An image of 2019 Profile in Courage Essay Contest winner Elazar Cramer against a blue background featuring the faces of previous winning essay subjects, featuring the JFK Library Foundation logo below; caption: “The Profile in Courage Essay Contest™ is back!”

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

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.

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...

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.

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...

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?"

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...

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...

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.

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.

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

#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.

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

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

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)

What Every American Should Know: Is Catholic Control Possible In America? Many people ask "What could a Catholic President do to endanger our right to worship?" The President of the United States could change our entire way of life. America is bound by the ruling of the Supreme Court on integration or any other matter. The Supreme Court Judges as well as the Federal Judges are appointed by the President. The term of these offices is for life. Let's consider the following facts concerning the highest court in our land: Supreme Court Judges may retire at the age of 70, or at the age of 65 after 15 years of service. All of the vacancies could be filled by Catholics appointed by the President.

Anti-Catholic material collected by the 1960 Kennedy campaign: www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer...

September 12, 1960: JFK discusses his religion and the separation of Church and State in front of a group of Protestant ministers in Houston.

film: IFP-140 (excerpt)

Photograph of Jacqueline and John Kennedy outside the church where they were married on their wedding day.

Background Material: Wedding And Nuptials of Miss Jacqueline Lee Bouvier and John Fitzgerald Kennedy At St. Mary’s Church, Spring St., Newport, 11 A.M. Archbishop Richard J. Cushing of Boston to perform the two ceremonies. The church will be decorated with pale pink gladioli and white chrysanthemums at the altar. (Description of bridal gowns on a following page.) Reception: Hammersmith Farm - Newport Buffet luncheon and dancing - Sit-down luncheon for bridal party Future Residence: Mr. and Mrs. John F. Kennedy will reside in Washington, D.C. starting in January, and the rest of the year in Massachusetts.

Photos from the wedding:
www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer...

Wedding planning documents:
www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer...

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)

Geraldine Page speaks before the unveiling the architectural model for the National Cultural Center. Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman are seated in the front row.

Some famous faces were at the unveiling: performers Danny Kaye and Geraldine Page introduced the unveiling, and actors Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward had front row seats.

Jacqueline Kennedy (in yellow) speaks next to the architectural model for the National Cultural Center. Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman are seated in the front row.

#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.”

Telegram from Sandra and Leonard Nimoy to the White House dated July 6, 1962: "In the name of decency, don't pollute air with bomb. Preserver children's right breathe clean air."

🖖 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.