For Immediate Release: July 15, 2004
Further information: Ann Scanlon (617) 514-1662
BOSTON – The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum caps off Boston’s weeklong celebration of American politics and history as host of the 2004 Democratic National Convention with the display of a rare original copy of the most patriotic of American documents—the Declaration of Independence—on July 30, July 31, and August 1.
The Museum is extending its hours for the three days to accommodate viewing of the historic document. Visitors to the Museum can view the Declaration of Independence for the regular price of admission on:
Friday, July 30, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 31, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 1, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Visitors will hear then-Senator John F. Kennedy read the document from a 1957 recording he made for WQXR radio station in New York. The audio will air continuously throughout each day the Declaration is on display. The Declaration of Independence was written as a document intended to be spoken to 18th century militia and townspeople.
Rare copy – one of only 200 printed and 25 remaining
Known as a Dunlap broadside, the document is one of the original 200 copies of the Declaration of Independence printed on the night of July 4, 1776, by Philadelphia printer John Dunlap. Owned by TV and film producer Norman Lear (All in the Family, Sanford and Son, Maude) and his wife Lyn, the document is making a limited three-and-a-half year cross-country tour, begun in July 2001, as part of "Declare Yourself," a national, nonprofit, nonpartisan campaign founded by the Lears and aimed at energizing young voters.
Discovered at a Flea Market
As of 1989, only 24 copies of the Dunlap broadsides were known to exist, until a flea-market shopper bought a framed painting for four dollars and discovered the folded Dunlap behind the painting. Sotheby’s and an independent expert authenticated the copy. The Lears purchased the document on Sotheby’s online auction in June 2000 for a reported $8.14 million. In 2003, they launched "Declare Yourself," a nonpartisan campaign that rallies America’s young people to participate in the political process.
"Declare Yourself" film targets young people
A film, The Declaration of Independence: Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness, hosted by actress Reese Witherspoon, will also be shown continuously throughout the three days in the Museum. Created with young audiences in mind, the film is part of the "Declare Yourself" tour and looks at the historical importance and contemporary relevance of the document.
Norman Lear Speaks with Barney Frank – Kennedy Library Forum
On Friday morning, July 30th, the public is invited to a Kennedy Library Forum with Norman Lear and U.S. Representative Barney Frank (D-MA). They will discuss Lear’s efforts to inspire young Americans through "Declare Yourself" and his nationwide tour of the Declaration of Independence and his use of television and film to address issues of bigotry and social injustice. All Kennedy Library Forums are free and open to the public.
A Conversation with Norman Lear
Moderated by U.S. Representative Barney Frank
Friday, July 30th
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
To reserve a seat, please call (617) 514-1643
Campaign! Celebrates Political Process and JFK’s Run for the White House
Walk the road to the White House with JFK through the Museum’s expanded exhibit of his 1960 bid for the presidency. Visitors enjoy a self-guided tour down the campaign trail that spans then-Senator John F. Kennedy’s acceptance of his party’s nomination at the 1960 Democratic National Convention to his taking the oath of office as the 35th President of the United States. The exhibit incorporates footage of Kennedy and Nixon debates, stump speeches, campaign songs, television coverage, vintage television ads and additional campaign memorabilia from the Archives’ extensive collections. Campaign! is sponsored by AT&T and WCVB-TV Channel 5 Boston.
Original 1960 Campaign Documents
Campaign! features historic documents from the presidential archives including handwritten notes by candidate Kennedy and his brother and campaign manager Robert that provide a unique glimpse into the day-to-day workings of running for the presidency. Other rare documents include Kennedy’s handwritten note announcing his selection of Lyndon B. Johnson as his running mate, Nixon’s teletype conceding the election to Kennedy, memos outlining tactics and strategy, correspondence, and telegrams.
Berinsky photos and a Wyeth painting
The excitement and fervor of the 1960 campaign is brought to life through a series of stunning black-and-white photographs of Kennedy on the campaign trail taken by Burton Berinsky. Also on display is an original oil painting by acclaimed American artist Jamie Wyeth, entitled "Man From Boston," depicts candidate John F. Kennedy heading to the podium at the Los Angeles Coliseum to deliver his acceptance speech after receiving the nomination of the Democratic Party. The painting is from the collection of Jane Gleklen Wyeth.
Visit the Museum Store
The Museum Store has for purchase an array of unique campaign items, including vintage buttons and bumper stickers as well as a stunning poster reproduction of the Jamie Wyeth painting, "Man From Boston."
Admission to the Museum
General admission to the Museum at the John F. Kennedy Library is $10.00. Admission for seniors over the age of 62 and college students with appropriate identification is $8.00, and for children ages 13-17, $7.00. Children ages 12 and under are admitted for free.
Hours – regular and extended
The Kennedy Library and Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours for viewing of the Declaration of Independence as follows: July 30th, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; July 31st, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and August 1, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Transportation – regular and extended
The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum is located in the Dorchester section of Boston, off Morrissey Boulevard, next to the campus of the University of Massachusetts/Boston. Parking is free. There is free shuttle-service from the JFK/UMass T Stop on the Red Line – this service has been extended to accommodate visitors for the three days that the Declaration of Independence is at the Library.
The Museum is fully handicapped accessible.