Exhibits

Through our permanent exhibits, visitors to the museum learn about the career of John F. Kennedy, the challenges he faced, the decisions he made, and his commitment to public life as he speaks for himself on film, video, and sound recordings from the Library's audio-visual collections.  Exhibits on the Kennedy presidency focus on such hallmarks as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Peace Corps and the Space Program.  Exhibits on Attorney General Robert Kennedy and the president’s Oval Office deal primarily with the growing Civil Rights movement of the early 1960’s. A series of displays highlight first lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s role in the historic restoration of the White House, which culminated with her celebrated televised tour of the President’s House in 1962.

To mark the 50th Anniversary of the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy the museum presents two special exhibits:

Poetry and Power presents documents from the Kennedy Presidential Library Archives that trace the evolution of President Kennedy’s inaugural address

Passing the Torch—The Inauguration of John F. Kennedy, displays artifacts and documents relating to Inauguration Day, January 20, 1961, when one million people in the nation’s capitol braved the subfreezing temperatures to catch a glimpse of the new President they had elected. Among the items on exhibit is the gown First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy wore to the Inaugural Gala, and the bible upon which President Kennedy took the oath of office.

The museum collection of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum comprises some 20,000 three-dimensional objects and works of art, including many objects of extraordinary historical significance and value. Among the collection are gifts, including those presented to President Kennedy by world leaders as well as the charming and whimsical items handmade by private citizens to express their support and admiration for President Kennedy.