John F. Kennedy Library Foundation: the interview

We interviewed the President of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, Ronald L. Sargent,

Q. What is the goal of the Kennedy Foundation?

A. The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides financial support, staffing, and creative resources for the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The private financial support provided by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation enables the federal government to expand the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum’s research and archival capacity, to undertake marketing and public information projects, to offer intern and research fellowship programs, to enhance its museum and exhibits, and to offer nationally recognized educational and public programming. 

Look at the Gallery: John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

Q. How was the Kennedy Foundation born?

A. The Kennedy Library Foundation has its origins in the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library, Inc., a non-profit corporation that was chartered in Massachusetts on December 5, 1963, to construct and equip the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Massachusetts.

The Corporation, under its first president, Robert F. Kennedy, raised more than $20 million in private funds for the construction of the Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by public subscription. Among the Corporation’s many responsibilities were the raising and management of all building funds, the selection of the Library site, the appointment of the architect and exhibit designers, the selection of the general contractor, and the actual supervision of all construction. The Kennedy Library Corporation transferred title of the completed library to the United States Government on October 20, 1979 at a dedication ceremony attended by President Jimmy Carter. 

In 1984, the work of the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library Corporation was reorganized and incorporated under Massachusetts law as the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 

Q. What recent events have been organized?

A. Each year, the Foundation sponsors and administers programs such as the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, the New Frontier Award, and the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest for High School Students.

This year, the Foundation has also sponsored events including immigration and naturalization ceremonies at the Library, a celebration of South African President Nelson Mandela’s centenary and his 1990 visit to the JFK Library, and numerous Kennedy Library Forums which are free and open to the public.

Q. The archive also contains diaries, letters. How did the archiving process take place? 

A. The Kennedy Library's archival collections do contain diaries, letters, and other types of materials including hand-written notes, doodles, scrapbooks, and more. All of these materials are organized and then described in finding aids (guides) that are available on the World Wide Web and in the Library's research room. Archivists refer to this arrangement and description work as "processing." The Kennedy Library does have additional materials to be processed and we continue to work on them steadily over time. 

There are many of the 25 documents, 500,000 photos and 30,000 artifacts that are important part of President Kennedy’s story. There are many that I think are especially significant including the coconut from President Kennedy’s time on PT109 during World War II.

Q. It's true that there is also the Victura ship?

A. In May 1980, the Victura was brought to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library by the Kennedy family, and it has been under our care ever since. The boat is displayed during the summer months in front of our building overlooking Dorchester Bay and Boston Harbor. The Victura was purchased by the family as a birthday present for President Kennedy when he was fifteen years old. JFK named it “Victura” meaning “about to be victorious or conquer” in Latin. The President sailed many times on the boat during his lifetime and it was often the subject of the President’s many informal sketches.

Q. Why is John F. Kennedy so quoted by modern politicians? 

A. President Kennedy left a lasting impact on our country even with his presidency cut short. His emphasis on a commitment to public service, advancements in science and technology, engaging in global diplomacy, focus on civil rights, and a commitment to arts and culture continue to be issues of today. President Kennedy inspired a generation to take action and participate in democracy, and that same spirit is taking hold in many places today. 

Also, his focus on political courage or when you take action on behalf of the greater good rather than what is politically expedient is a character trait people continue to look for today.

Q. Many films and TV series have been made on them, such as "JFK" by Oliver Stone. What are the movies or TV series that you consider more likely?

A. The JFK Library’s mission is to ensure filmmakers, authors, and other researchers can access the footage, photos, and documents preserved in this building. We do not endorse any one film or book. We appreciate all efforts of those who come here to learn more about President Kennedy and his lasting legacy.

Q. What is the next project of the Foundation?

A. There are several initiatives we are working on including finding the appropriate way to recognize next year’s 50th anniversary of landing on the moon and the impact of this “moonshot” has had and continues to have on our world today.

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