In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the final year of the Kennedy administration, explore resources and programs that examine the history and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.

In this lesson, students learn about the purpose of the Peace Corps, gather information about the early projects, and reflect on the impact of the program.

Grades 9-12

Students examine primary source documents and recordings. They consider some of the options discussed by Kennedy's advisors during the Cuban Missile Crisis, what groups and which individuals supported each option, and the pros and cons for each alternative.

Students learn about the historical context of the inaugural address and then analyze the speech from three perspectives—a young civil rights activist, a Soviet diplomat, and a Cuban exile.

All grades

Speeches, documents, photographs, and an activity guide foster students' exploration of the space program in the Kennedy administration.

In his speech, President Kennedy asks the graduates to re-examine their attitudes towards peace, the Soviet Union, and the Cold War, famously remarking, "If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can make the world safe for diversity." Engage students with this landmark peace address and related archival materials and their ties to today's world.

Sharron Wilkins Conrad, professor of history at Tarrant County College and Senior Fellow at Southern Methodist University’s Center for Presidential History, explores African American perceptions of President Kennedy's legacy on civil rights in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the final year of the administration in this virtual program. Kellie Carter Jackson, professor of African Studies at Wellesley College, moderates.

Encourage your students to enter this national writing competition. Participants have a chance to win one of 25 awards, including a first-place prize of $10,000. The Contest deadline is January 12, 2024.

Civics for All of US is an initiative of the National Archives that promotes civic literacy and engagement, provides live, interactive distance learning programs and student webinars, and virtual professional development offerings for teachers across the country. Presented by National Archives educators, these programs draw upon our country's vast national holdings to promote the knowledge and skills students need for civic engagement in the 21st century.

This edition presents educators with various opportunities to examine the lasting power of the written word with a high school lesson plan exploring JFK’s address at Amherst College about the importance of public service and the role of the poet in a democracy; featured literature conference books and related classroom activities for elementary and middle school students highlighting the interconnectedness of the natural world and encouraging them to take action to care for the environment; and a spotlight on two Forums highlighting the power of words and the policies they convey. A Collections Corner highlights the role of Black servicemen in the D-Day invasion and invites educators to the special exhibit Service and Sacrifice.

JFK Challenge: Free iPad App

The free JFK Challenge app for iPad brings American history to life for kids by turning them into astronauts and Peace Corps volunteers. Fly to the Moon or help people around the world with this exciting offering from the JFK Library.