FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2022
Media Contact:
Matt Porter
617-514-1574
press@jfklfoundation.org
www.jfklibrary.org
JFK Presidential Library Launches New Digital Resource Highlighting JFK’s Treasures
BOSTON – The National Archives’ John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum announces the launch of an online resource featuring the Library’s artifact collection. Since the Library opened in 1979, visitors have seen original records and artifacts from JFK’s presidency. Now, these priceless historic artifacts will be available online to anyone, anywhere, at any time.
The release of this artifact digital archive is part of a multi-year effort to make data, descriptions, and images from all of the Presidential Libraries artifact collections available on Presidential Library and National Archives websites. The first collection made available was at the FDR Presidential Library in April 2020.
Images of over 2500 artifacts including original artwork, ceremonial items, political and personal memorabilia, and many of the original furnishings and decorative items from JFK’s Oval Office, are presented with detailed information including dimensions, descriptions, historical background, and links to artists, manufacturers and historic figures associated with each artifact. Each record is also linked to information about past and present JFK Library exhibits, and to its associated National Archives Catalog series description, so that visitors can continue their research and visitor journeys. The site enables general searches among the artifact catalog records, as well as specific groupings of artifacts, such as portraits of President Kennedy, gifts from African leaders and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s clothing.
Featured artifacts include:
- Coconut husk that led to the rescue of John F. Kennedy’s PT-109 crew during World War II;
- Top hat worn by JFK on Inauguration Day;
- Pen used by JFK to sign the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty;
- Tiffany and Co. calendar paperweight JFK gave to his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, marking the events of the Cuban Missile Crisis;
- Oleg Cassini gown worn by Jacqueline Kennedy to the inaugural gala;
- Pieces from JFK's personal collection of scrimshaw.
This new resource is one part of the National Archives’ and the JFK Library's digitization program. Additional artifact records will be added regularly.
This effort aligns with the National Archives and Records Administration’s strategic goal to make access happen by providing item level images and descriptions of all NARA holdings in all of their diverse formats available to the public.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is one of 15 Presidential Libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration and supported, in part, by the Kennedy Library Foundation, a non-profit organization.
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