Most teachers would agree that one of the best methods of experiential learning is visiting museums. And among the finest museums to visit in order to learn about American history is a presidential library. These museums, administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), feature historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, and, often, Oval Office reproductions. There are 13 presidential museums and libraries within the NARA system that would make an excellent field trip for you and your students.
Hal Marzell prepares to enter the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum located in Columbia Point, Massachusetts. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell
Recently, on a vacation to Boston, my husband and I visited the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum located in Columbia Point, Massachusetts, near the campus of the University of Massachusetts. The building which houses the museum is impressive. The facility was designed by renowned architect I. M. Pei, who was personally selected by Jackie Kennedy for the project. The structure, which faces Dorchester Bay, features a glass pavilion filled with natural light and a gorgeous view.
The exhibits contained within the structure include artifacts from Kennedy’s campaign trail, the 1960 Democratic Convention, the US Space Program, the Peace Corps, a piece of the Berlin Wall, a replica of Kennedy’s Oval Office with a reproduction of the famous Resolute desk, gifts received by the president while on tour in Ireland, select articles of clothing belonging to Jackie Kennedy, and a reproduction of the office Robert F. Kennedy used while serving as the country’s Attorney General. Also on display is the president’s 25-foot sailboat Victura. Throughout the museum movie screens are available showing video clips of Kennedy’s most important speeches and other milestones and aspects of his life and presidency.
Terry Lee Marzell examines an exhibit depicting the 1960 Democratic Convention where John F. Kennedy was declared the party’s candidate for president. Photo credit: Hal Marzell
The interiors of the museum are dignified and the displays are elegantly displayed, but to be honest, other presidential libraries contain many more exhibits and artifacts. I think the reason why this collection seems comparitively small is because Kennedy’s was a short presidency, and possibly the family held on to many of the president’s personal possessions for sentimental reasons. Nevertheless, arranging a visit to this library and museum for your students would be well worth the effort. If an in-person visit is not possible, your students can access a virtual tour on this website: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Whether you visit the site in person or online, I wish you and your students happy learning!
