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Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-234-004
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s remarks at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Robert Frost Library at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-234-003
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s address during a ceremony at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts. In his speech President Kennedy explains the importance of public service from educated citizens, and describes the role of an artist in society, noting Frost’s contributions to American arts, culture, and ideology. The President discusses the nature of strength and power, famously stating, “When power leads men towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.”
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. White House Staff Files of Godfrey T. McHugh
JFKWHSFGTM-034-017
Textual folder
Theodore C. Sorensen Personal Papers
TCSPP-072-009
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-047-041
This folder contains materials collected by the office of President John F. Kennedy's secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, concerning President Kennedy's address during a ceremony at Amherst College granting the President an honorary degree and for the ground-breaking of the Robert Frost Library. In his speech the President describes the role of an artist in society, noting Frost's contributions to American arts, culture, and ideology. He discusses the nature of strength and power, famously stating, "When power leads men towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses." Materials in this folder include note cards and drafts of the speech by Special Assistant to the President and speechwriter Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., in addition to a program for the ceremony and correspondence from the Syracuse University Library. Of note are several items with handwritten notations by the President.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Pre-Presidential Papers. Senate Files
JFKSEN-0895-012
This folder contains an incomplete copy of Senator John F. Kennedy’s speech at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts. In his speech the Senator discusses the economy, United States military strength, and international relations.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. White House Central Subject Files
JFKWHCSF-0928-004
This folder contains correspondence related to President John F. Kennedy's remarks regarding the poet Robert Frost at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Robert Frost Library at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts, as well as his address upon receiving an honorary degree from Amherst College on the same day.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. White House Central Subject Files
JFKWHCSF-0928-003
This folder contains a press copy of President John F. Kennedy's remarks regarding the poet Robert Frost at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Robert Frost Library at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts.