Join us for a virtual program featuring presidential storytelling, creative at-home activities, musical performances, and more to bring history to life for all ages.
In honor of the 60th anniversary of the Kennedy presidency, the Festival includes prerecorded performances of Kennedy campaign songs and at-home activities highlighting President Kennedy’s time in the White House.
Participation is free and no registration is required. Watch all of the sessions online. Videos will be available to watch following the initial broadcast.
Learn from the past with:
- President John Adams (portrayed by Michael LePage)
- First Lady Abigail Adams (portrayed by Audrey Stuck-Girard)
- President Thomas Jefferson (portrayed by William Barker)
- President Abraham Lincoln (portrayed by Fritz Klein)
- President Theodore Roosevelt (portrayed by Gib Young)
Ask questions to our guest actors, by emailing JFKPresidentsDay@nara.gov.
Try out creative at-home history crafts, including:
- Mercury Spacecraft
- Popsicle Stick Flag
- Tricorn Hat
- Origami Sailboat
- Maritime Scrimshaw
Hands-on History craft activities are self-guided with instructions and templates provided. Participants can email JFKPresidentsDay@nara.gov to join a Guided Craft Session and get assistance with these creative crafts from 11:15-11:55 a.m. and 12:30-1:10 p.m.
Download supplies, instructions, and templates to prepare for the Hands-on History activities ahead of the Festival.
Broadcast Schedule
| 11:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. (EST) | Welcoming Remarks and Musical Presentation |
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Alan Price, Director of the JFK Presidential Library and Museum, welcomes viewers to the day. In honor of the 60th anniversary of the Kennedy administration, enjoy Kennedy campaign songs performed by the Harvard Din and Tonics at a past Festival. |
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| 11:15 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. (EST) | A Revolution and A New Democracy: President Adams, First Lady Abigail Adams, and President Jefferson |
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President John Adams (portrayed by Michael LePage), First Lady Abigail Adams (portrayed by Audrey Stuck-Girard), and President Thomas Jefferson (portrayed by William Barker) share stories about their lives and roles in the American Revolution and the early years of the new nation. Try out some at-home Hands-on History crafts. To join a Guided Craft Session, email JFKPresidentsDay@nara.gov. |
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| 11:55 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. (EST) | Town Hall Press Conference with Our Guest Presidents and First Lady (Part 1) |
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First Lady Abigail Adams (portrayed by Audrey Stuck-Girard), Presidents John Adams (portrayed by Michael LePage), Thomas Jefferson (portrayed by William Barker), Abraham Lincoln (portrayed by Fritz Klein), and Theodore Roosevelt (portrayed by Gib Young) gather to respond to audience questions from today. Ask our historic guests a question. Email your question to JFKPresidentsDay@nara.gov. |
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| 12:30 p.m. p.m. - 1:10 (EST) | The Presidency and National Challenges: Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt |
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Presidents Abraham Lincoln (portrayed by Fritz Klein) and Theodore Roosevelt (portrayed by Gib Young) share stories about their lives and roles as chief executive at critical moments in United States history. Try out some at-home Hands-on History crafts. To join a Guided Craft Session, email JFKPresidentsDay@nara.gov. |
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| 1:10 p.m. - 1:40 p.m. (EST) | Town Hall Press Conference with Our Guest Presidents and First Lady (Part 2) |
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First Lady Abigail Adams (portrayed by Audrey Stuck-Girard), Presidents John Adams (portrayed by Michael LePage), Thomas Jefferson (portrayed by William Barker), Abraham Lincoln (portrayed by Fritz Klein), and Theodore Roosevelt (portrayed by Gib Young) gather to respond to audience questions from today. Ask our historic guests a question. Email your question to JFKPresidentsDay@nara.gov. |
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| 1:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. (EST) | Closing Remarks and Concert |
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Alan Price, Director of the JFK Presidential Library and Museum, makes closing remarks and shares a musical presentation of past performances from Radcliffe Pitches of Harvard University in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Kennedy administration. |
Don't Miss Out! Check out additional Presidents' Day Week programs.