As a history buff I have always been intrigued by museums and historical archives. During our recent trip to Boston, I fell in love with the city entirely, however the best part for me was a tour of the JFK Presidential Library and Museum.
I have been fascinated with JFK in particular for as long as I can remember. Whether it’s the tragic way he was murdered or what he stood for politically making him the peoples president that appeals so much I’m not sure, but when we decided we were going to Boston, I knew that visiting the JFK Library and Museum was a must-see.
At $14.00 each that included an in-depth, guided tour through the museum it was certainly great value for money and I would strongly encourage anyone visiting this region to pay a visit.
Entering the museum, the first thing that stands out is the presidential seal on the wall that welcomes you into the museum. After paying your admission your next steps will take you through the life of JFK and many treasured artifacts from his illustrious life.
Another added feature that is included in the tour is a 20 minute video of JFK’s life that he actually commentates. The video is a great way to start the tour as it sets the scene for the remainder of the tour through the museum. The video contains home videos of him growing up all the way until his election for president. After that showing the tour picks up with memorabilia from his campaign and other iconic symbols of JFK’s life.
The tour concludes showing a plaque that contains those that have been presented with the Profiles in Courage award that members of JFK’s family started to commemorate his life. This award is given to individuals that do work for the benefit of their communities and their country. JFK believed that each person can make a unique difference, and that people who achieve this should be distinguished, hence the reason for this award. JFK demonstrated these views everyday through every decision he was faced with, and so for the family to come together usually at the end of May to award this amazing honor certainly allows JFK to live on.
The following images take you through the museum and the memorable life and presidency of John F. Kennedy.
This is definitely something I would want to visit if I get to Boston. We visited JFK’s gravesite in Arlington when we traveled to Washington DC, and that was a very moving experience.
We didn’t get to visit the gravesite when we were in D.C. but that is on my list for sure!!
I’m a huge fan of the Kennedy clan and made plans to visit the Kennedy Library when I was in Boston for my best friend’s college graduation. But, I was too tired. Turns out John Kennedy, jr. was there that day handing out the Profile’s in Courage award. I can’t believe I missed him!
Anyway, I had no idea what to expect if we had gone, but it looks like just the type of museum for me.
I think you will be amazed, I thought about what would be on display but I was pleasantly surprised at what they showed us through the guided tour.
What an amazing opportunity to be able to see the award be passed down and of course John Kennedy Jr.!!!
This isn’t the museum I’d usually go to but I have to admit that it looks pretty interesting and worth a visit.
I believe that Chris was agree with you, he could take or leave things like this but he went with me because he knew how much I appreciated JFK and his politics. I think he enjoyed the journey through time and possibly appreciated history a bit more. American History that is 🙂
So much a part of Boston (and the country’s) history, i’m glad you got to see it. I always get a little melancholy when I take people there. It’s uplifting and sad at the same time. So did you enjoy your time in Boston?
You are so right!! I knew what to expect or so I thought but I got much more out of Boston than what I thought I would. Exceeded all my expectations.
I’ve lived an hour out of Boston most of my life and never been here! What is wrong with me? This post and your images definitely makes me want to change that.
I think that wherever you live, there are always those places that you haven’t seen yet, that is the kicker.. yet. You must go when you can! Great experience.
I used to watch documentaries on JFK all the time when I was growing up so I would love to visit the museum one day! I’m so fascinated by his life.
I am the same! If I saw anything that had JFK on it, I was instantly attracted to it. Very moving and since you have that connection like I do, you will be empowered when you leave.
Wow! What a great review! Lovely pictures and you certainly did the library / museum justice! Can’t wait to visit!
Thanks for the support! We really enjoyed our time at the museum, we for sure walked out with more knowledge 🙂
A super review of your visit to the JFK library musuem, made all the more interesting by your obvious connection with him. Fabulous photos also, and with Boston being so particularly Irish, I may like to get there one day. 🙂
How cool! I’ve been to Boston so many times and never knew this place existed. Thanks for the review! I’ll definitely check it out the next time I’m in the area. The Kennedy family is so fascinating!
Thank you for your support! Let us know what you think 🙂
I love the history surrounding JFK, particularly the assassination, it’s tradition in my family that whenever we see his name mentioned or watch a program (or the awesome film with Kevin Costner in), we inevitably start arguing about who we think had him killed etc. I would love to visit this museum to learn more about his actual presidency etc. Great photos – love the ones showing the results, especially the map of the USA – Really interesting!
Thanks for the support! I think that everyone has those questions and arguments with people.
Sounds an excellent museum and great value for money for anyone with an interest in JFK. Striking building too.
Sounds really interesting. I love museums about people, and I am also fascinated by JFK, so I would definitely visit. great tip!
Thanks for the support! Very enjoyable experience
This place sounds fascinating! Normally, I would have skipped over it because of the $14 price tag, but if I’m ever in Boston it sounds like it’s a great place to visit.
We both thought the same thing, but its a must see and after having been through the Museum I will tell you it’s worth it.
Sounds like a good visit! Random fact about the Kennedy family that I heard over in Ireland- there’s a rumour that the family disturbed a fairy fort when the sold their land and have been cursed for several generations- hence the bad luck! Kind of interesting.
I had heard that not the exact but similar, I guess no one will ever know the truth. #manymysteries
Sounds like an interesting tour and a place that is full of history – love the collection of photos! I was watching a documentary on History today about the life JFK and I would love to visit this museum someday!
It is well worth it and very moving
I’m a huge history buff too. I would love to visit this museum when I get back to Boston. I’ve always been intrigued by the Kennedy family history. Really loved these photos from the museum.
There is so much information and photos that you could take! If you are interested in history or the Kennedy family, you will fall in love with this Museum and Library!
A very good museum that brought back a few memories of a road trip of my own – 30 years ago this summer. Yikes! 🙂
Time flies when you are having a great time traveling the world right Bob?
Thats the thing about traveling in general, highly memorable for years to come. 🙂
This looks & sounds so interesting! I never would have thought to visit, but will now! Some dear friends are actually moving to Boston as I type this! Have you ever been to the Lincoln museum in Springfield, IL? It is fantastic! Very detailed. So many dioramas. But they didn’t creep me out like some do. 🙂 I would definitely recommend it if you haven’t been / are ever in the area! Thanks for sharing! -Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
If you visit Boston, you will be thoroughly amazed!! So much history and things to do!! I miss it already
I love museums, and especially the one with World Politics/History. For all that worth of this museum, the guided tour doesn’t sound expensive at all. I haven’t yet been to that side of the world, but when I make it, I am sure I would visit this museum! Lovely pictures.
You are very right!! Politics in general leads us to the history we leave behind- I just came up with that but its very true.
Great photos and it looks like an interesting museum. I’m ashamed to say I know very little about JFK other than his assassination so this would certainly be somewhere I’d be keen to visit and learn more about when I visit Boston one day.
I love the building. Didnt realise the dedicate museums to presidents. Looks like an interesting place to drop by.
I don’t have too much knowledge of JFK . . . I thought this was a fascinating post – thank you! I plan on visiting Boston next year for the Boston Marathon (I’m not running it, my sister is! Haha!) and will throw it on the list of things to see!
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About how long did it take you to view the museum? My daughter and I are planning a visit in October and are both history nuts. Our goal is to see all the presidential libraries.
Hi Carrie,
It took us about 2 to 2 1/2 hours but you could easily spend longer there depending on how much interest you have. Heather is a huge JFK fan, so she was particularly interested in learning more about his legacy and history. If you allocate 2-3 hours, that is definitely a good starting point but as with all museums, you can spend as much time as you want there!
Regardless of how much time you spend, you will have an amazing time!
Thanks,
Chris