About the Centennial

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum has announced a year-long celebration to honor the 100th anniversary of the birth of President John F. Kennedy. Born in Brookline, Massachusetts on May 29, 1917, President Kennedy was the youngest president ever elected to office. To commemorate his centennial year, the JFK Library is spearheading a series of events and initiatives aimed at inspiring new generations to find meaning and inspiration in the enduring values that formed the heart of the Kennedy presidency.

The centennial celebration is presented in partnership with the National Archives and Records Administration, which administers the presidential library system, and features collaborations with a number of institutions including the U.S. Navy, Peace Corps and National Peace Corps Association, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, United States Postal Service, Smithsonian American Art Museum, White House Historical Association, John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site, and John F. Kennedy Airport. Centennial collaborators across Massachusetts include the Massachusetts State House, City of Boston, Town of Brookline, John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, Boston Red Sox, Massport, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, University of Massachusetts Boston, Brandeis University, Downtown Boston Business Improvement District, and TEDxBeaconStreet.

“President Kennedy inspired a generation that transformed America – and they in turn passed that inspiration on to their children and grandchildren,” said Jack Schlossberg, President Kennedy’s grandson. “Now, as we mark the Centennial of my grandfather’s birth, we renew his call for service, courage, innovation, and inclusion, and help a new generation use his example to embrace the challenges of our time.”

John F. Kennedy Centennial Commission

The JFK Library’s plans will complement and support efforts by the John F. Kennedy Centennial Commission, which was established through a bi-partisan effort in Congress and is tasked with planning, developing, and carrying out activities to honor President Kennedy on his centennial.  Commission members include Senator Edward J. Markey, Congressman Joe Kennedy, Jack Schlossberg, Kennedy Library Foundation Chairman Kenneth R. Feinberg, world renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, civil rights leader Elaine Jones, the Secretary of the Interior, and others. Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero serves as an ex-officio member.

Media partners for the JFK centennial celebration are: WBUR radio and WCVB Channel 5, Boston’s News and Community leader.