The JFK Library holds documents, recordings, and objects from Kennedy's life and presidency

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library is located in Boston, Massachusetts, on Columbia Point in the Dorchester neighborhood. It opened to the public in 1979 and holds the official papers, audio recordings, photographs, and personal items related to President Kennedy's life from birth through his assassination in 1963. The library also preserves materials from his Senate career and his family's broader history.

The building itself was designed by architect I.M. Pei and sits on a 9.5-acre site overlooking Boston Harbor. The library is both a museum with exhibits and a research archive where scholars, students, and the public can examine primary source materials. It is part of the Presidential Libraries system, which is administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

Key Takeaways

  • The JFK Library holds over 10 million pages of documents, including presidential records, Senate papers, and personal correspondence from Kennedy's life.
  • The library includes audio and video recordings, including the White House tapes from the Cuban Missile Crisis and other major events.
  • Visitors can tour the museum exhibits without charge for admission, though donations are accepted.
  • Researchers can access the archives in person at the library's reading room or request copies of documents through the mail.
  • The library also houses the Ernest Hemingway Collection, a separate archive of materials from the author's personal papers.

What documents and materials are in the collection

The library's archives contain Kennedy's presidential papers, including memoranda, correspondence, and policy documents from his time in office from 1961 to 1963. These include materials related to major events such as the Bay of Pigs invasion, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the space program, and civil rights policy. The collection also includes his Senate papers from his time as a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts from 1953 to 1960.

Beyond official government records, the library holds personal papers, family correspondence, photographs, and objects that belonged to Kennedy and his family. Audio recordings include White House meetings, telephone conversations, and press conferences. Video materials include newsreels, documentaries, and footage of Kennedy's campaigns and presidency. The library also preserves materials related to the Warren Commission investigation into Kennedy's assassination.

The Ernest Hemingway Collection, housed at the JFK Library since 1961, contains the author's manuscripts, letters, and personal papers. This collection is separate from the Kennedy materials but is part of the same institution.

How to visit the museum and exhibits

The JFK Library is open to the public year-round. The museum portion features permanent and rotating exhibits about Kennedy's life, his presidency, and the historical context of the 1960s. Visitors can walk through the exhibits at their own pace or join a guided tour. The museum does not charge admission, though the library accepts donations to support its operations and programs.

The library is located at 35 Columbia Point, Boston, MA 02125. It is accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options include the MBTA Red Line (JFK/UMass station) and bus routes. The library's website lists current hours of operation, which vary by season, and any temporary closures or changes to visiting hours.

The building includes a cafeteria, a gift shop, and spaces for events and programs. The library regularly hosts lectures, film screenings, and educational programs related to Kennedy's era and American history more broadly.

Accessing the archives for research

The JFK Library's archives are open to researchers, students, and members of the public who wish to examine primary source materials. Access to the reading room requires advance registration. Researchers can visit in person to view documents, photographs, and other materials under the supervision of library staff. The reading room is located in the library building and has computers and equipment for viewing microfilm and digital materials.

To use the archives, you will need to register with the library and provide identification. Some materials have restrictions on access due to privacy laws, national security concerns, or donor agreements. The library's staff can tell you whether a specific document is open to the public and, if it is restricted, when it may become available. You can contact the library in advance to ask about the status of materials you wish to research.

If you cannot visit in person, you can request copies of documents by mail or through the library's website. The library charges fees for copying and shipping. Processing times vary depending on the volume of requests and the complexity of locating the materials you need. The library's website lists the current fee schedule and the process for submitting a request.

Digital collections and online resources

The JFK Library has digitized portions of its collection and made them available online through its website and through the Library of Congress's digital collections. These include photographs, documents, audio recordings, and video materials. Some materials are fully digitized and can be viewed or downloaded; others are catalogued with descriptions but require an in-person visit or a request for copies.

The library's online catalog allows you to search the entire collection by subject, name, date, or document type. The catalog shows which materials have been digitized and which are available only in the archives. The library continues to digitize materials and add them to its online collections, so the amount of material available online changes over time.

The library also provides educational resources on its website, including lesson plans, primary source documents, and information about Kennedy's presidency and the historical period. These resources are designed for students, teachers, and the general public.

Contact information and practical details

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library is located at 35 Columbia Point, Boston, MA 02125. The main telephone number is (617) 514-1600. The library's website is jfklibrary.org, where you can find current hours, information about exhibits, details about accessing the archives, and links to digital collections.

The library is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Hours vary seasonally, so check the website before planning a visit. Admission to the museum is free, but donations support the library's work. Parking is available on-site for a fee. The building is wheelchair accessible, and the library provides accommodations for visitors with disabilities.

If you have questions about specific materials in the collection, you can contact the library's reference staff by phone or through the website. Staff members can help you locate materials, explain access restrictions, and guide you through the process of requesting copies of documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit the library without paying admission?

Yes. The museum portion of the library does not charge admission. The library accepts donations to support its operations. Parking on-site costs a fee, but this is separate from museum admission.

How do I search for a specific document in the collection?

You can search the library's online catalog at jfklibrary.org. The catalog is searchable by subject, name, date, and document type. If you cannot find what you need online, you can contact the reference staff by phone at (617) 514-1600 or through the website, and they can help you locate materials.

Are the White House tapes from the Cuban Missile Crisis available to listen to?

Yes. The library has digitized and made available online many of the White House recordings, including materials from the Cuban Missile Crisis. You can listen to these through the library's website and through the Library of Congress's digital collections. Some recordings may have restricted access due to privacy or national security concerns.

Can I get copies of documents from the archives by mail?

Yes. The library accepts requests for copies of documents by mail or through its website. There are fees for copying and shipping. Processing times vary depending on the request. You can find the current fee schedule and submission process on the library's website.

Is the library accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes. The building is wheelchair accessible, and the library provides accommodations for visitors with disabilities. Contact the library in advance if you need specific accommodations, and staff can work with you to make your visit comfortable.