John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site opened for the 2014 summer season on Thursday, May 22. Over 700 visitors joined park staff in the site's opening weekend of celebration on May 24-25.
Happy Birthday Jack! The weekend also marked an early celebration of John F. Kennedy's birth at 83 Beals Street in 1917. Visitors toured the home and learned about his childhood, including the big expectations for all the children in the family. Piano music in the home evoked Mrs. Kennedy's fondness for playing the piano and her belief that music should be a strong force in her children's lives. Visitors were invited to join rangers in the backyard for birthday treats and a chance to view historic photos from the Kennedy's years in Brookline.
What John F. Kennedy Means to Me
Our opening week concluded with a very special event on May 29, John F. Kennedy's birthday. Each year, park rangers work extensively with third graders from Brookline's Edward Devotion School to help them learn about not only John F. Kennedy, but also Jack, the little boy living in Brookline who would grow up to be president. Jack is a particularly significant character for these students not only because he is their age, but also because he attended their school. Following a month of study, students wrote their first essay describing what John F. Kennedy means to them. Then, the class came together and wrote a poem about JFK as well as selecting a winning essay. On Thursday, park rangers and local dignitaries shared these poems and announced the winning essays. The program concluded with the third graders singing Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'". Click here for a photo gallery below for images of the celebrations!
Join the Conversation
During our week of celebration, we enjoyed digital conversations with those unable to come to the site in person on our facebook page. Check out these comments (or leave your own) along with photos, updates and stories from the John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site at www.facebook.com/jfkennedynhs. You do not need an account to view the page.
Missed this event but still want to come visit the site? The site is open Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30am-5:00pm. Click here for more information to plan your visit.
