JFK Presidential Library and Museum Field Trip

By Thomas Stephenson

On November 19, 2013, students in Mr. Murphy’s AP Government and Politics classes traveled into Boston to visit the JFK Presidential Library and Museum.

They were immediately welcomed by a museum worker, who introduced a video on Kennedy’s early life as well as his rise to the presidency. Next, double doors opened, and students were free to explore the museum.

Students were there to connect to their recent learning of the president’s role in government. Mr. Murphy had them apply what they had learned to real examples from John F. Kennedy’s time as president of the United States.

The exhibits began with the general election versus Kennedy’s strong Republican opponent, Richard Nixon. Throughout the museum, everything from debates to the electoral votes was covered, leading to his election in 1960 in one of the closest presidential races in American history.

The next few rooms covered Kennedy’s presidency and what accomplishments and issues he faced. This included the Cuban Missile Crisis, the first trip to space, and the push against Communism. There were various interesting artifacts, including several gifts given to Kennedy by other world leaders and even the first American spacecraft to be put into space: the Freedom 7.

A special exhibit “To the Brink” presented the intensity of the Cuban Missile Crisis in immense detail. Recently declassified tapes of Kennedy and his cabinet discussing the major issue filled the exhibit and gave students an in-depth look at how they pushed through the chaotic time. 

Being the week of the 50th somber feel throughout the library. Several adults perused through slowly, clearly remembering his incredible legacy and the sadness of his passing on November 22, 1963. One man commented on how he was alive during that horrific day in American history and compared it to the after-effects of September 11th attacks in 2001.  Whatever the age or reason, the museum visitors were there to respect Kennedy's life and contributions to the United States.

After about three hours in the JFK Presidential Library and Museum, the AP Government and Politics students headed home with a renewed appreciation for the life of such a great man and president.