John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation was established in 1984 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Ted Kennedy to support the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts. The foundation works closely with the National Archives and Records Administration to promote the legacy of John F. Kennedy and provide educational programs and resources to the public, including the Profile in Courage Award and the New Frontier Award. The foundation also collaborates with other organizations, such as the Harvard University's Institute of Politics and the Massachusetts Historical Society, to advance its mission.

● History

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation was founded in 1984, with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Ted Kennedy serving as its first leaders. The foundation's early years were marked by significant events, including the dedication of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in 1979, which was attended by Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and Lady Bird Johnson. The foundation also established the Profile in Courage Award in 1989, which is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate exceptional courage and leadership, such as Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi, and Malala Yousafzai. The award is presented at a ceremony held at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, which has also hosted events featuring notable figures like Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Mitt Romney.

● Mission

The mission of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is to support the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and promote the legacy of John F. Kennedy through educational programs and resources. The foundation works to inspire future generations of leaders and citizens, and to foster a deeper understanding of American history and civic engagement. The foundation achieves its mission through partnerships with organizations like the Library of Congress, the National Park Service, and the United States Department of Education, as well as through its own programs and initiatives, such as the New Frontier Award and the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest. The foundation also collaborates with institutions like Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to advance its mission.

● Governance

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is governed by a board of directors, which includes notable figures like Caroline Kennedy, Michael Beschloss, and Doris Kearns Goodwin. The foundation is also advised by a council of distinguished individuals, including David McCullough, Robert Caro, and Taylor Branch. The foundation's governance structure is designed to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of its programs and initiatives, and to promote the values of John F. Kennedy and his family, including Robert F. Kennedy and Ted Kennedy. The foundation's board of directors works closely with the National Archives and Records Administration and other organizations to ensure the foundation's activities align with its mission and goals.

● Programs

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation offers a range of programs and initiatives to promote the legacy of John F. Kennedy and support the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. These programs include the Profile in Courage Award, the New Frontier Award, and the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest, which are designed to inspire and recognize exceptional leadership and civic engagement. The foundation also offers educational resources and programs for students and teachers, including the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum's Education Program, which provides interactive exhibits and activities on American history and civic education. The foundation partners with organizations like the National Education Association and the American Historical Association to develop and implement its educational programs.

● Fundraising

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation relies on fundraising efforts to support its programs and initiatives. The foundation hosts annual events, such as the Profile in Courage Award ceremony, which features notable speakers like Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Elizabeth Warren. The foundation also solicits donations from individuals and organizations, including corporate sponsors like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. The foundation's fundraising efforts are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of its programs and initiatives, and to promote the values of John F. Kennedy and his family, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Ted Kennedy. The foundation works with institutions like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to secure funding and support for its programs.

● Collections

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation supports the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum's collections, which include a vast array of materials related to the life and presidency of John F. Kennedy. The collections include documents, photographs, and artifacts from the Kennedy family, as well as materials from the John F. Kennedy Administration, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Civil Rights Movement. The foundation also supports the library's oral history program, which features interviews with notable figures like Robert F. Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson. The foundation works with institutions like the Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration to preserve and make accessible the library's collections, which are used by researchers and scholars from around the world, including Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley.