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John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to the memory of our nation's thirty-fifth president and to all those who through the art of politics seek a new and better world. Our purpose is to advance the study and understanding of President Kennedy's life and career and the times in which he lived; and to promote a greater appreciation of America's political and cultural heritage, the process of governing and the importance of public service. We accomplish our mission by: preserving and making accessible the records of President Kennedy and his times; promoting open discourse on critical issues of our own time; and educating and encouraging citizens to contribute, through public and community service, to shaping our nation's future.break

http://www.jfklibrary.org

1963 March on Washington: Lewis Looks Back

Mon, Apr 14, 2003

Congressman John Lewis, who at 23, spoke at the 1963 March on Washington as chairman of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, leads a discussion on the planning, implementation, and effect the first March on Washington had on the country.

Civil Rights Movement Series

Partner:

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
James Baker on Working in the White House

Mon, May 5, 2003

James Baker discusses his career, serving in the White House during under three different US presidents.

Forum Network

Partner:

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
Bill Clinton: Role of the US in the World

Wed, May 28, 2003

Senator Edward Kennedy introduces President Clinton, who engages in a wide-ranging conversation with presidential historian Michael Beschloss. President Clinton reflects upon his own legacy and the central themes related to President Kennedy including the role of the US in the world, domestic issues concerning the advancement of rights and opportunities for all Americans, and the importance of public service.

Forum Network

Partner:

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
American Values: Patriotism Today

Wed, Oct 29, 2003

Join Caroline Kennedy as she introduces a panel discussion moderated by Derek Bok, former president of Harvard University, that explores the ideals upon which our country was founded and how they can best be fulfilled at home and abroad in today's world.

Forum Network

Partner:

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
Integrating the University of Alabama

Mon, Nov 17, 2003

This discussion centers around the screening of a film by Robert Drew, founder of cinema verite. The time was June 1963, when two black students tried to gain admission to the University of Alabama. The film, entitled *Crisis*, looks at the White House's handling of the event and simultaneously traces the actions of Attorney General Robert Kennedy and Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach. The film was controversial when first released. Although now recognized as a major piece of work, at the time, *The New York Times* editorialized against it claiming, "Under the circumstances in which this film was taken, the use of cameras could only denigrate the Office of the President. To eavesdrop on executive decisions of serious government matters while they are in progress is highly inappropriate. The White House isn't Macy's window." Today, because of this film, we have a remarkable historical record of what led to the integration of the University of Alabama.

Civil Rights Movement Series

Partner:

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
Filming JFK

Sun, Nov 16, 2003

Thom Powers, documentary film professor at New York University, talks about the career of political documentarian Bob Drew. In the course of a long, distinguished career following his service in World War II as one of the first American jet fighter pilots, Bob Drew worked for *Life* magazine, and while working with *Life*, came up with the idea of doing documentaries. He produced a number of documentaries, including *Primary*, which follows JFK and Hubert Humphrey during the Wisconsin primary, about a week of campaigning leading up to the primary election night. **Thom Powers** teaches documentary filmmaking at New York University and is a freelance writer for *The Boston Globe* and other publications. He has been an editor for Fantagraphics books, as well as a researcher on a number of documentaries. He is currently writing a book about documentaries entitled, *Stranger than Fiction* that will be published by Farrar Strauss.

Forum Network

Partner:

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
Hillary Clinton: Ameliorating and Eliminating Poverty

Sun, Mar 14, 2004

National Public Radio Senior Correspondent Juan Williams moderates a conversation with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Forum Network

Partner:

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
Ellen Goodman: Common Sense in Uncommon Times

Sun, Feb 29, 2004

*Boston Globe* columnist James Carroll moderates a conversation with syndicated columnist Ellen Goodman about her new book, *Paper Trail: Common Sense in Uncommon Times*.

Forum Network

Partner:

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
Presidency of Harry S. Truman: Part I

Sun, Apr 28, 2002

Alan Brinkley, professor of history at Columbia University; Melvyn Leffler, professor of history at the University of Virginia; and Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of Harry S. Truman, discuss the Truman presidency. This is the first in a two-part series. The death of Franklin Roosevelt catapulted Harry S. Truman, former farm boy, World War I soldier, failed haberdasher, and district judge turned US senator, into the 33rd president of the United States. With a candor that was to be his trademark, he shared with the world his own misgivings at the turn of events that made him president. "I pray to God," he quipped, "that I can measure up to the task." As the historian, Alan Nevins, wrote, "This mixture of modesty and confidence was part of Truman's great appeal." While he made his share of mistakes, "To err is Truman," carped one critic, he also faced a myriad of difficult issues in a distinctly clear-sighted and confident manner. The very fact that someone so seemingly like us could come to power in such extraordinary times helps explain in part the position President Truman continues to hold in our nation's memory.

Forum Network

Partner:

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
Presidency of Harry S. Truman: Part II

Sun, Apr 28, 2002

Alan Brinkley, professor of history at Columbia University; Melvyn Leffler, professor of history at the University of Virginia; and Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of Harry S. Truman, discuss the Truman presidency. This is the second in a two-part series. The death of Franklin Roosevelt catapulted Harry S. Truman, former farm boy, World War I soldier, failed haberdasher, and district judge turned US senator, into the 33rd president of the United States. With a candor that was to be his trademark, he shared with the world his own misgivings at the turn of events that made him president. "I pray to God," he quipped, "that I can measure up to the task." As the historian, Alan Nevins, wrote, "This mixture of modesty and confidence was part of Truman's great appeal." While he made his share of mistakes, "To err is Truman," carped one critic, he also faced a myriad of difficult issues in a distinctly clear-sighted and confident manner. The very fact that someone so seemingly like us could come to power in such extraordinary times helps explain in part the position President Truman continues to hold in our nation's memory.

Forum Network

Partner:

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation