Quincy, Mass. Blog #14: JFK Library (Boston) Part 2: JFK's Legacy

In today's blog, I'll present some of the highlights of the JFK Library and Museum...

THE INTRO FILM - The first thing you see is an introductory film, to explain to visitors who John F. Kennedy was. Tom and I thought the 20-minute film was well-done. It was assembled from many of his interviews and it was a wonderful film about his life, his goals, dreams, and achievements.

  Our impression of him today (he was assassinated when we were babies) is that he was a most articulate, educated, dynamic, forward-thinking President. Kennedy said that it's time for the Democratic party to take this country forward, and that's what he did. You'll read about his accomplishments in this and the next blog. 

ABOUT THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1960: In a closely contested election, Democratic Senator John F. Kennedy defeated the incumbent Vice President Richard Nixon, the Republican nominee. This was the first election in which 50 states participated, marking the first participation of Alaska and Hawaii, and the last in which the District of Columbia did not.

(Photo: This room displayed the results of the Presidential election from each of the 50 states. Credit: R.G.)

MAP OF STATES WHO VOTED FOR JFK- It wasn't a surprise to see the Democratic/forward-thinking states supported JFK. But there were some surprises. 

(A JFK quote I like featured in a political cartoon. Credit: R.G.)

I was surprised to see Mississippi had overwhelmingly voted for JFK, and wonder what happened to turn them into the backward, conservative voting state they are today.

KENNEDY'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS - The Library of Congress provided this summary of how the Kennedy Presidency moved the country forward: 

In his inaugural address, Kennedy said, "Let the word go forth . . . that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans-born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage." 

WHY KENNEDY MADE SUCH A DIFFERENCE - Kennedy also challenged Americans to think of ways they could serve, saying "Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country." This statement and Kennedy's enthusiasm appealed to many young idealists. But Kennedy also had won the votes of many traditional Democratic voters-members of labor unions, African Americans, and members of other ethnic groups. Some analysts see the 1960 election as a turning point in American politics.   

NEXT: JFK Wins an Emmy Award