#jfk presidential library

[republicansaredomesticterrorists]

Guests were kicked out mid-visit and people who had purchased online tickets in advance and showed up were screwed. This is school vacation week.

The library was able to re-open today after full-time employees had their schedules re-arranged. They replaced the dismissed probationary employees that normally interact with the public. The National Archives called yesterday and passed on the news that the new hires had to be removed from the building immediately.

[joansiesbeloved]

jackuno: STEALING HISTORY from the PEOPLE — our government is using PROPAGANDA TO CHANGE THE PAST —

Today DOGE SHUT DOWN the JFK LIBRARY — welcomes thousands of students ever year to learn about US HISTORY —

the DIRECTOR OF PRES. LIBRARIES (from White House / DOGE) instructed the JFKLIBRARY to fire probationary staff effective immediately and until further notice.

THE PEOPLE WHO WERE FIRED 1) generate REVENUE FOR THE GOVT 2) are NECESSARY to keep the institution open.

This isn’t about me — but I have worked with the JFKL staff for decades and they are truly amazing. Thank you to them , to Rachel day Flor , to the ARCHIVISTS OF THE US never thought they’d be on the frontlines of battle but here we are !!

[deadpresidents]

So now we’ve seen some nice-looking Oval Office setups. Do you have some atrocious ones?

When President Kennedy traveled to Texas in November 1963 and was scheduled to be away from the White House for a few days, White House staff put the finishing touches on a planned redecoration of his Oval Office. JFK, of course, was assassinated on that trip, so he actually never saw his redecorated office, but it was pretty brutal-looking, in my opinion, as they installed a bright red carpet that just didn't seem to fit in the Oval Office:

Here's a comparison of the Oval Office when JFK took office in 1961, which largely looked like the decor used by President Eisenhower throughout the Eisenhower Administration, and the ugly, red carpet redecoration that Kennedy never saw due to his assassination:

When LBJ assumed office following JFK's assassination, he kept the bright red carpet for a while, but eventually redecorated again and got rid of the carpet. LBJ also swapped out the legendary Resolute desk that has been used by most Presidents over the past 120 years. President Johnson was a physically large man, and he installed a larger desk that he had previously used when he was in the Senate and serving as Vice President. The desk that LBJ used -- which is actually called the "Johnson desk" -- is now on display at the LBJ Presidential Library | @lbjlibrary | in Austin, Texas in the museum's Oval Office replica, which displays LBJ's Oval Office as it looked once he replaced the ugly red carpet and had the office redecorated to suit his own tastes.

[joeygallagher]

President John F. Kennedy celebrates Halloween, with Caroline and John Jr, dressed in costume, in the Oval Office.

1963

Photo by Cecil W. Stoughton

via JFK Presidential Library and Museum / US National Archives

[foolishmortal]

Boston's JFK presidential library and museum was abruptly closed today. visitors and staff were uneremoniously hustled out. A half a dozen positions that are responsible for critical work and maintenance were laid off.

Most of the libraries funds are gathered from donations and visitor admissions, not from government funding.

[melancholicstation]

Are DOGE and the Trump administration closing all the presidents' libraries or just JFK's? If not, then I wouldn't be surprised if RFK jr is behind this. It is so random to shut down a presidential library.

very very concerning. though, i'm sure caroline's on top of this.

[mrskennedy]

Jackie Kennedy Onassis photographed with her nephew, Ted Kennedy Jr. arriving at a Pre- Dedication Party for the JFK Presidential Library on October 1979.

[tomorrowusa]

Rosalynn Carter (1927-2023)

Rosalynn Carter has died at the age of 96. She was one of the more influential First Ladies – ranking behind just Eleanor Roosevelt and Hillary Clinton.

Rosalynn Carter, the wife of former President Jimmy Carter and a longtime mental health advocate and humanitarian, died on Sunday in her home in Plains, Ga., surrounded by family, according to the Carter Center. She was 96. The Carter Center announced Rosalynn Carter was in hospice care on Friday. Her family said earlier this year that she was diagnosed with dementia. Jimmy Carter, who is 99, has been in hospice care since February. "Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished," the former president said in a statement. "She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me." Rosalynn Carter was first lady from 1977 to 1981 and was dubbed the "Steel Magnolia" by the press during her years in the White House for the toughness she exhibited behind the gentle persona she outwardly embraced. Throughout Jimmy Carter's time in public office, she was her husband's closest political adviser. She also revolutionized and professionalized the first lady role by expanding the office beyond hostess duties. [ ... ] After her husband was elected president, Carter ushered in a new era as first lady. She attended Cabinet meetings and was only the second first lady to testify before Congress. According to Brower, she took a professional approach to the role, exemplified by the fact that she was the first presidential spouse to carry a briefcase to the office on a daily basis. "I think Rosalynn was a feminist and somebody who wanted to be a true partner to her husband," Brower said. "And she didn't see any reason why she shouldn't be allowed to do that."

She had been an advocate for mental health long before she came to Washington.

As first lady of Georgia, Carter encouraged her husband to establish a governor's commission on mental health, which outlined an influential plan to shift treatment from large institutions to community centers. "She really began the effort in this country to modernize mental health care," Cade said. "And the mental health care system that we have today in many ways reflects her 50 years of advocacy." Carter was also an early advocate for reducing the stigma around mental illness and, in speeches, often framed mental health care as "a basic human right." In 1980, President Carter signed the Mental Health Systems Act, which provided grants for community mental health clinics, one of many achievements credited, at least in part, to his wife's advocacy in the U.S. and globally.

Mental health as a basic human right is one of Rosalyn Carter's legacies.

On the subject of mental health, Mrs. Carter took part in a forum at the JFK Presidential Library in November of 2010.

ROSALYNN CARTER ON THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS | JFK Library

[a-solitary-sea-rover-backup]

Victura at the JFK Presidential Library

[the-technicolor-whiscash]

Actually kind of hilariously insane that in 63 years the Kennedys have gone from pinning medals on astronauts to getting literal brain worms. JFK has a presidential library and will be remembered for generations for kickstarting the race to the moon to try to recover from the public embarrassment that was the Bay of Pigs Invasion and then getting assassinated. RFK JR will go down in history as the Kennedy who had a worm eat part of his brain.

But hey, at least he’s not Ted, who was drunk driving, drove off a bridge, and left a woman to die, and the only reason why he didn’t get totally reamed (though it did affect his career) is because it happened less than two days before the moon landing. Even after death, JFK’s actions saved his brother’s stupid ass.

[rabbitcruiser]

Presidents’ Day

Celebrated each year, on the third Monday in February, Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday to pay tribute to the presidents of the United States, including George Washington, the country’s first president, and Abraham Lincoln, who served during the Civil War. The holiday was originally established to honor Washington, but over time it has come to be a day to recognize all of the nation’s presidents. It is a day when many businesses and government offices are closed and people have the day off from work or school. Some people celebrate Presidents’ Day by participating in parades or other events, while others use it as a time to relax and spend time with family and friends.

History of Presidents’ Day

Presidents’ Day has its roots in the celebration of George Washington’s birthday, which has been observed as a national holiday in the United States since the late 18th century. Washington was born on February 22, 1732, and his birthday was first officially recognized as a national holiday by an act of Congress in 1879. The holiday was originally called “Washington’s Birthday,” and it was observed on February 22 each year.

In the 20th century, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which was designed to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers by moving several holidays to Mondays. As part of this act, the holiday honoring Washington was moved to the third Monday in February and was renamed “Presidents’ Day” to recognize not just Washington, but all of the presidents of the United States. The holiday has been observed on the third Monday in February since 1971.

Presidents’ Day is not only a time to honor US presidents, but also a time to reflect on the important role that they have played in shaping the nation’s history.

How to Celebrate Presidents’ Day

There are many ways to celebrate Presidents’ Day. Some people choose to honor the holiday by taking part in parades or other events that are held in honor of the presidents. Others use the day as an opportunity to learn more about the presidents and their contributions to the country. Here are a few ideas for celebrating Presidents’ Day:

Attend a Parade, or Visit a Presidential Museum or Library

Many cities and towns hold parades on Presidents’ Day to celebrate the presidents of the USA. Look for one in your area and join in the celebration. There are also many museums and libraries dedicated to the presidents of the United States.

Read a Book About a President

There are many books available about US presidents. Consider reading one of these to learn more about a particular president or the history of the presidency:

Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow. This Pulitzer Prize-winning biography provides an honest portrait of George Washington, the man who became the United States’ first president.

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin. This book chronicles the life and presidency of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on his ability to lead and manage a diverse group of advisors and cabinet members.

John F. Kennedy: A Biography by Michael O’Brien. A comprehensive biography of JFK, examining the life and legacy of the 35th president, from his childhood and education to his assassination in 1963.

The Reagan Diaries edited by Douglas Brinkley. A collection of diary entries written by President Ronald Reagan during his two terms in office, this book provides a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the Reagan presidency.

Barack Obama: The Story by David Maraniss. Offering a detailed and nuanced portrait of Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, it covers Obama’s early life, political career, and presidency, and offers insight into the man and his leadership style.

Watch a Movie or Documentary

There are many films and documentaries about US presidents, but here’s a few to get you started:

Lincoln (2012) – A biographical drama that stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. It focuses on Lincoln’s role in the abolition of slavery and the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

Truman (1995) – Starring Gary Sinise as the 33rd president of the United States, Harry S. Truman, the film covers Truman’s life, career, and presidency, including his role in the dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan and the Korean War.

JFK (1991) – A biographical drama starring Kevin Costner as President John F. Kennedy, this film examines the events leading up to Kennedy’s assassination and the investigations that followed.

Nixon (1995) – Stars Anthony Hopkins as President Richard Nixon. The film covers Nixon’s political career, the Watergate scandal and his eventual resignation from office.

The President (2019) – A documentary profiling President Barack Obama, covering his life, career, and presidency.

Participate in a Service Project

Presidents’ Day is a good time to think about ways to serve your community. Consider participating in a service project or volunteering your time to help others.

Source

[lady-raziel]

So I went to the JFK presidential library over the weekend because I’m a major fucking nerd and when I told my one professor about it he was like “Awesome! I used to work there!”

And I was like oh my god I’ve found him. The one guy who’s a bigger nerd about this shit than I am

[ukulelekatie]

Hey there! So my girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Boston and I wanted to know if you have any recommendations for attractions to see there. Also what time of year would be the best to visit. It would be our first time there so we don't know what to expect!

Hi! Always happy to chat about things to do in Boston! Here’s a list of things I made a couple years ago, but below are some more ideas:

Charles Riverboat Company - take a ride on the Charles River through Boston and Cambridge while a tour guide tells you all about the sights!

Salem, MA - A classic New England town famous for its connection to witches. It’s a great day trip destination from Boston and is accessible by car or train (just make sure to factor in extra travel time if you’re going by train because the MBTA has been extra fucked lately). The fall months are its peak tourist season and it gets VERY busy around Halloween. It’s still a really nice place to visit in the off-season if you want to skip the crowds, which I’m sure the locals will appreciate

Symphony Hall - if you’re a fan of classical/orchestral music, I highly recommend checking out a performance by the Boston Symphony Orchestra or the Boston Pops! The venue is gorgeous and has some of the best acoustics in the world (speaking as someone who has been both in the audience and on stage there)

Rose Kennedy Greenway - a linear park that stretches through Boston where a highway used to be before they moved it underground. There’s a carousel, and in the warmer months there are sometimes outdoor craft markets. Side note: if you like bike riding, Boston has Blue Bikes which you can rent from various spots all around the city

JFK Presidential Library - This is a cool place to visit if you’re into history! It’s also right on the water which makes for some pretty scenic views

In terms of the best time of year to visit, I would recommend fall or spring, mostly for the weather! If you decide to go in fall, maybe avoid the first week of September (that’s when all the leases turn over and everyone moves, so it gets quite chaotic). The month of May is a little hectic with all of the college graduations as well, but still doable.

Enjoy your trip! And if you have any other questions, let me know and I’d be happy to answer them :)

[deadpresidents]

Road Trip

On November 8, 1960, millions of Americans went to the polls in what would become one of the closest Presidential elections in American History:  John Fitzgerald Kennedy versus Richard Milhous Nixon.

That morning, Kennedy voted in Boston and Nixon voted in Whittier, California.  The candidates had spent months canvassing the nation, working to get every last vote – and every last vote was needed.  For the past several weeks, Kennedy and Nixon had criss-crossed the country, debated one another, and been working non-stop to be elected the 35th President of the United States.

After they voted that day, there were results to monitor, precincts to watch, election day problems to take care of, and many other things to worry about.  Imagine being on the cusp of the Presidency – with a 50/50 chance of being elected the next President of a superpower in the grip of the Cold War, with the threat of Communism and nuclear weapons hanging over your head, and the hopes of hundreds of millions of people pinned on either your victory or defeat.  Imagine being in the position of John F. Kennedy or Richard Nixon on November 8, 1960.  What would you do? 

John F. Kennedy put the control of his campaign in the hands of his younger brother, Bobby, and then took a nap.

And Richard Nixon took a road trip to Mexico.

Once Nixon voted that morning at a private home in a quiet Whittier neighborhood, he had been scheduled to head to the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles (where Bobby Kennedy would be assassinated eight years later) for the Election Day vigil and the long wait for the returns which would indicate whether he would be moving into the White House or facing an early retirement. 

Nixon was finished voting by 8:00 AM and hopped into his black Cadillac limousine to be driven to the Ambassador.  Several blocks away from the polling place, Nixon ordered the limousine to stop.  Along with a military aide and a Secret Service agent, Nixon jumped out of the limo and into a white convertible follow-up car driven by an officer from the Los Angeles Police Department.  Nixon took the LAPD officer’s place, got behind the wheel and ditched the press which had been following him.

Driving to La Habra, California, Nixon made a quick visit with his mother, making sure she had voted for her son in the Presidential election.  Nixon drove south along the Pacific Coast Highway, with no specific destination.  He stopped for gasoline in Oceanside and told a gas station attendant – startled to see the Vice President of the United States on a joyride on the very day that he stood for election as President – “I’m just out for a little ride."  Nixon confided that it was his only source of relaxation.

As the group of four men, with Nixon in the driver’s seat, reached San Diego – over two hours away from Nixon’s campaign headquarters at L.A.’s Ambassador Hotel – Nixon pointed out that he hadn’t been to Tijuana in at least 25 years.

As David Pietrusza wrote in his recap of Nixon’s road trip, "Richard Nixon – the ultimate control freak – was winging it on the most important day of his life."  Not only that, but the sitting Vice President of the United States and the man who many Americans were choosing to become the next President, impulsively decided to leave the entire country while those voters were still at the polls.

In Tijuana, Nixon and his party headed to a restaurant called Old Heidelberg.  Despite the fact it was owned by a German, Border Patrol agents told Nixon that it was the best place in Tijuana for Mexican food.  Joined at the last moment by Tijuana’s Mayor, Xicotencati Leyva Aleman, Nixon, his military aide, a Secret Service agent, and an average LAPD officer ate enchiladas in Mexico while John F. Kennedy took a nap in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.

When Nixon’s press secretary Herb Klein was asked about the missing candidate, he had to tell reporters that Nixon often took some private moments on hectic days such as Election Day.  Really, though, Klein had no clue where Nixon was, eventually admitting that the Vice President was "driving around without any destination”. 

After lunch in Tijuana, Nixon and his companions headed back north towards the United States border crossing.  The LAPD officer took over driving duties as Nixon sat in the convertible’s passenger seat.  A shocked Border Patrol guard shook hands with the Vice President and asked the man who was currently on the ballot for the Presidency, “Are you all citizens of the United States?”.

Nixon and company drove to the Mission of San Juan Capistrano, which Nixon called “one of my favorite Catholic places” on the day he faced the first successful Catholic candidate for the Presidency in American History.  Nixon took his three companions on a quick, informal tour of the Mission.  “For a few minutes, we sat in the empty pews for an interlude of complete escape,” Nixon later recalled.

The missing candidate and his three road trip buddies arrived back in Los Angeles before the election results started rolling in.  Nixon had to explain his trip to reporters who had been searching for him all day.  “It wasn’t planned.  We just started driving and that’s where we wound up.”

In his Memoirs, Nixon didn’t go too far into explaining why he escaped on Election Day, but a paragraph about that day is pretty illuminating:

“After one last frenetic week, it was over.  Since the convention in August I had traveled over 65,000 miles and visited all fifty states.  I had made 180 scheduled speeches and delivered scores of impromptu talks and informal press conferences.  There was nothing more I could have done.”

Except escape to Mexico while JFK slept.

[dreamofstarlight]

Caroline, Ted, and Eunice look at a model of the JFK Presidential Library and Museum

[vomitdodger]

The year was 1948. From the article:

Kudos to the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin for posting to the web copies of tapes that prove that Lyndon Baines Johnson stole his seat in the Senate when first running for it. Johnson went on to absolutely dominate the Senate as Majority Leader, and from there he managed to become president when JFK was assassinated in his home state of Texas while he was VP.

The stolen election was the Democrat primary, which back then was tantamount to election because Democrats dominated the segregated South of the era. Johnson defeated former Texas Governor Coke Stevenson by 87 votes, after a box of votes was “discovered.”

LBJ rose to the presidency because of this stollen election. Now you get why presidents are “selected” not “elected”

And they’ve certainly been doing it since, only more emboldened and protected to do so. And LBJ was in on the JFK assassination. A true coup.