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President John F. Kennedy

John Fitzgerald Kennedy (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963), commonly referred as JFK, served as the 35th President of the United States from January 1961 until his assassination in November 1963. After military service in the United States Naval Reserve in World War II, Kennedy represented Massachusetts's 11th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1947 to 1953. He was elected to the U.S. Senate and served as the junior Senator from Massachusetts from 1953 until 1960. Kennedy defeated Vice President, and Republican candidate, Richard Nixon in the 1960 U.S. Presidential Election. At age 43, he became the youngest elected president. To date, Kennedy has been the only Roman Catholic president.
Kennedy's time in office was marked by high tensions with a Communist block. The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Bay of Pigs Invasion, the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, the establishment of the Peace Corps, developments in the Space Race, the building of the Berlin Wall, the Trade Expansion Act to lower tariffs, and the Civil Rights Movement all took place during his presidency.
In Cuba, a failed attempt was made at the Bay of Pigs to overthrow Fidel Castro in April 1961. In October 1962, it was discovered Soviet ballistic missiles had been deployed in Cuba; the resulting period termed the Cuban Missile Crisis, is seen by many historians as the closest the human race has ever come to nuclear war.
Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested and determined to have fired shots that hit the President. Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby mortally wounded Oswald two days later in a jail corridor. The FBI and the Warren Commission officially concluded that Oswald was the lone assassin, but its report was sharply criticized. The United States House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA) agreed that Oswald fired the shots that killed the president, but also concluded that Kennedy was likely assassinated as the result of a conspiracy. The majority of Americans alive at the time of the assassination and now, believe that there was a conspiracy and that Oswald was not the only shooter.
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind."
President Kennedy, John F. Kennedy Jr., Mrs. Kennedy, and Caroline Kennedy with Family Dogs, Hyannisport, Squaw Island
222 Media in collection ∙ page 1 of 3

John F. Kennedy Meets Workers

This photograph depicts Congressman John F. Kennedy meeting with the workers at the Watertown Arsenal. Photographs

John F. Kennedy Meets Workers

This photograph depicts Congressman John F. Kennedy meeting with two workers at the Watertown Arsenal. Photographs

[Bouvier-Kennedy wedding portrait]

John Kennedy and Jackie Bouvier, in wedding attire, standing outdoors.

Harry S. Truman Discussing Campaign Tips with Robert Kennedy

Caption: Former President Harry S. Truman (left) discussing campaign tips with Robert F. Kennedy (right) for him to use with his brother John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign during Kennedy's visit to the Har... more

Kennedy and Shepard in Washington D.C.

(May 8, 1961) President John F. Kennedy congratulates astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr., the first American in space, on his historic May 5th, 1961 ride in the Freedom 7 spacecraft and presents him with the NASA D... more

Kennedy Giving Historic Speech to Congress

President John F. Kennedy in his historic message to a joint session of the Congress, on May 25, 1961 declared, "...I believe this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is o... more

Map of Missile Range in Cuba

This map was used in President John F. Kennedy's Cuban Missile Crisis meetings, standing committee, September 1962 to October 1962 to show location in Cuba of potential missile range. Classified Subject Files

President John F. Kennedy with His White House Staff

In this photograph President John F. Kennedy poses with his staff in the Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C. (L-R) Front Row: Assistant Special Counsel to the President Richard Goodwin; Secretary to Pier... more

Photograph of Latin American Archivists at White House with President Kennedy

Historic Photograph File of National Archives Events and Personnel

Photograph of Latin American Archivists at White House with President Kennedy

Historic Photograph File of National Archives Events and Personnel

Photograph of Latin American Archivists at White House with President Kennedy

Historic Photograph File of National Archives Events and Personnel

President John F. Kennedy Presents the Medal of Freedom to Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Paul-Henri Spaak, Oval Office, White House, Washington, DC

Original caption: President John F. Kennedy presents the Medal of Freedom to Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Paul-Henri Spaak, Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C. Presi... more

President John F. Kennedy Presents the Medal of Freedom to Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Paul-Henri Spaak, Oval Office, White House, Washington, DC

Original caption: President John F. Kennedy presents the Medal of Freedom to Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Paul-Henri Spaak, Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C. Presi... more

President John F. Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson Walk to Greet Winners of National Science Talent Search

In this photograph President John F. Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson (behind President Kennedy) walk to greet the winners of the 20th Annual Westinghouse Science Talent Search. Four photographers s... more

Ambassador of Ireland, Thomas J. Kiernan, Presenting President Kennedy with an Arrangement of Shamrocks

Original caption: Meeting with Ambassador of Ireland, Thomas J. Kiernan. President John F. Kennedy; Ambassador of Ireland, Thomas J. Kiernan, presenting President Kennedy with an arrangement of shamrocks. Ambas... more

Scroll Displaying the Kennedy Coat of Arms, Signed by Chief Herald of Ireland, Gerard Slevin

Original caption: Meeting with Ambassador of Ireland, Thomas J. Kiernan. Scroll displaying the Kennedy coat of arms, signed by Chief Herald of Ireland, Gerard Slevin, and presented to President Kennedy by Ambas... more

President Kennedy Returns from Florida

Original caption: President Kennedy returns from Florida. President Kennedy, Chief of White House Secret Service Detail Jerry Behn, Press Secretary Pierre Salinger. White House, South Lawn. Robert Knudsen White... more

President John F. Kennedy and Special Assistant to the President Dave Powers Greet Former Washington Senators Player James Barton "Mickey" Vernon and Manager of the Chicago White Sox Alfonso Ramon "Al" Lopez at the Opening Game of the 1961 Baseball Season at Griffith Stadium, Washington, DC

Original caption: President John F. Kennedy and Special Assistant to the President Dave Powers greet former Washington Senators player James Barton "Mickey" Vernon and Manager of the Chicago White Sox Alfonso R... more

President John F. Kennedy Presents Awards to Winners of the White House News Photographers Association Competition

In this photograph, President John F. Kennedy signs a photograph during the presentation of the 18th annual White House News Photographers Association Awards in the Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C. Le... more

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Greets Guests before a Reception for the Wives of American Society of Newspaper Editors Members

In this photograph First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy greets guests before a reception for the wives of American Society of Newspaper Editors members in the Blue Room, White House, Washington, D.C. Abbie Rowe White... more

President John F. Kennedy and Others Await Arrival of Habib Bourguiba Sr., President of Tunisia, and His Wife, Moufida Bourguiba

This is a photograph of arrival ceremonies for Habib Bourguiba, Sr., President of Tunisia. L-R: Military Aide to the President, General Chester V. Clifton; First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy; President John F. Kenne... more

President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Bid Farewell to Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace of Monaco

In this photograph President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy bid farewell to Prince Ranier III and Princess Grace of Monaco (actress Grace Kelly) following a luncheon in their honor. United Pr... more

President John F. Kennedy with White House Staffer

In this photograph President John F. Kennedy visits with an unidentified White House staff member in the Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C. Robert Knudsen White House Photographs

President John F. Kennedy Talks with a Chef at his Birthday Party at the National Guard Armory in Washington

Original caption: President John F. Kennedy talks with a chef at his birthday party at the National Guard Armory in Washington. Seated to his left is John Bailey, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. ... more

President John F. Kennedy and President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan of India in Car before Motorcade

In this photograph President John F. Kennedy and President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, sit in the back seat of the presidential limousine (Lincoln-Mercury Continental convertible) prior to a parade ... more

President John F. Kennedy En Route to the Commencement Ceremony at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland

In this photograph President John F. Kennedy (wearing sunglasses) and Under Secretary of the Navy Paul B. "Red" Fay sit in a helicopter on the South Lawn of the White House en route to the commencement ceremony... more

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy's Press Secretary Pamela Turnure with a Visitor

This is a photograph of Pamela Turnure (on the right), Press Secretary to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, with an unidentified woman. East Wing, White House, Washington, D.C. Robert Knudsen White House Photographs

White House Staff and Police Officers at First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy's First Musical Program for Youth

In this photograph, Chief of White House Police, Major Ralph C. “Smokey” Stover (standing, far left), and White House Police Officer, Inspector Kenneth M. Burke (standing, far right), pose with an unidentified ... more

President John F. Kennedy and Guests at a Swearing-In Ceremony for Secret Service Director James J. Rowley

This is a photograph of participants and guests attend the swearing-in ceremony for new Secret Service Director James J. Rowley at the Treasury Department, Washington, D.C. (L-R) Director Rowley’s brother Rever... more

President John F. Kennedy Meets with Andrei Gromyko, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union (USSR)

In this photograph, President John F. Kennedy meets with Andrei Gromyko, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union. (Clockwise from top): President John F. Kennedy (in rocking chair); Andrei Gromyko; Sec... more

President John F. Kennedy Gives Speech at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Original caption: President John F. Kennedy receives honorary degree at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (UNC). President Kennedy (left); William Brantley Aycock, UNC Chancellor (right); unidentifi... more

President John F. Kennedy Gives Speech at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Original caption: President John F. Kennedy receives honorary degree at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (UNC). (L – R): North Carolina Governor Terry Sanford; William C. Friday, UNC President; Pre... more

President John F. Kennedy with a Former White House Staff Member

In this photograph President John F. Kennedy meets with a former White House staff member (left). White House, Washington, D.C. Robert Knudsen White House Photographs

President John F. Kennedy Attends Veterans Day Ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia

Original caption: President John F. Kennedy attends Veterans Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Walking next to President Kennedy is Major General Paul A. Gavan, Commanding Ge... more

President John F. Kennedy Meets the McGrath Family

Original caption: President John F. Kennedy meets with Kammy and Sheila McGrath, National Retarded Children’s Week poster children for 1961. (L-R): Richard McGrath; Eunice Kennedy Shriver; Mrs. Richard McGrath;... more

President John F. Kennedy Delivers Remarks at University of Washington

Original caption: President John F. Kennedy addresses the audience at a program to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the University of Washington. Edmundson Pavilion, University of Washington, Seattle, ... more

President John F. Kennedy Greets a Referee and Team Captains for the Coin Toss prior to the Army-Navy Football Game

Original caption: President John F. Kennedy (center) greets a referee and team captains for the coin toss prior to the Army-Navy Football Game (United States Military Academy Cadets versus United States Naval A... more

JFK, John Glenn and General Davis in Cocoa Beach Parade

(February 23, 1962) President John F. Kennedy (left), John Glenn and General Leighton I. Davis ride together during a parade in Cocoa Beach, Florida after Glenn's historic first U.S. human orbital spacefight. ... more

Kennedy-Gilruth

(September 12, 1962) Dr. Robert R. Gilruth (left) and President John F. Kennedy look at a small model of the Apollo Command Module, expected to play an instrumental role in America's efforts to land astronauts ... more

Dinner to raise funds for the National Cultural Center National Guard Armory / / WKL.

Photograph shows President John F. Kennedy speaking at a podium as Jacqueline Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and others look on.

Kennedy at Rice University

President Kennedy speaks before a crowd of 35,000 people at Rice University in the football field. The following are excerpts from his speech. " ...We set sail on his new sea because there is a new knowled... more

President Kennedy Tours Marshall with von Braun

President John F. Kennedy visited Marshall Space Flight Center on September 11, 1962. Here President Kennedy and Dr. Wernher von Braun, MSFC Director, tour one of the laboratories. ... more

Kennedy Presents Award to Gilruth

(August 1, 1962) Former President John F. Kennedy presents Dr. Robert R. Gilruth Director of the Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston, Texas with the Medal for Distinguished Federal Civil Service. The ceremony too... more

JFK Tour of KSC

Full Description: A briefing is given by Major Rocco Petrone to President John F. Kennedy during a tour of Blockhouse 34 at the Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex...Identifier GPN-2000-000605

Kennedy Receives Mariner 2 Model

(1961) Dr. William H. Pickering, (center) JPL Director, presenting Mariner spacecraft model to President John F. Kennedy, (right). NASA Administrator James Webb is standing directly behind the Mariner model. Th... more

John F. Kennedy's visit to Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory in 1962. Morgue 1962-68 (P-14) [Photographer: Donald Cooksey]

Photographs Documenting Scientists, Special Events, and Nuclear Research Facilities, Instruments, and Projects at the Berkeley Lab

John F. Kennedy's visit to Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory in 1962. Morgue 1962-68 (P-15) [Photographer: Donald Cooksey]

Photographs Documenting Scientists, Special Events, and Nuclear Research Facilities, Instruments, and Projects at the Berkeley Lab

President John F. Kennedy 's visit to Lawrence Radiation Laboratory. President Kennedy in briefing room, taken March 23, 1962. Principal Investigator/Project: Analog Conversion Project

Photographs Documenting Scientists, Special Events, and Nuclear Research Facilities, Instruments, and Projects at the Berkeley Lab

President John F. Kennedy's visit to Lawrence RadiationLaboratory. Kennedy's motorcade (view from above), taken March 23, 1962. Principal Investigator/Project: Analog Conversion Project

Photographs Documenting Scientists, Special Events, and Nuclear Research Facilities, Instruments, and Projects at the Berkeley Lab

President John F. Kennedy's visit to Lawrence Radiation Laboratory. Kennedy's motorcade (view from above), taken March 23, 1962. Principal Investigator/Project: Analog Conversion Project

Photographs Documenting Scientists, Special Events, and Nuclear Research Facilities, Instruments, and Projects at the Berkeley Lab

Glenn T. Seaborg and John F. Kennedy at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory during Kennedy visit to UC Berkeley on Charter Day, March 23, 1962. Morgue 1962-16 (P-4) [Photographer: Donald Cooksey]

Photographs Documenting Scientists, Special Events, and Nuclear Research Facilities, Instruments, and Projects at the Berkeley Lab

Dr. Edwin McMillan greeting President John F. Kennedy, March. 29, 1962. Governor Pat Brown is at far right. Morgue 1962-16 (P-1) [Photographer: Donald Cooksey]

Photographs Documenting Scientists, Special Events, and Nuclear Research Facilities, Instruments, and Projects at the Berkeley Lab

President John F. Kennedy visits Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, March 29, 1962. Morgue 1962-16 (P-2) [Photographer: Donald Cooksey]

Photographs Documenting Scientists, Special Events, and Nuclear Research Facilities, Instruments, and Projects at the Berkeley Lab

President John F. Kennedy Throws the First Pitch of the 1962 Baseball Season

Original caption: President John F. Kennedy throws the first pitch of the 1962 baseball season. (L-R) Special Assistant to the President Dave Powers; Senator Mike Mansfield of Montana; President Kennedy; Senato... more

President John F. Kennedy Attends First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy's Third Musical Program for Youth

In this photograph, President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy arrive with two unidentified social aides at the third in Mrs. Kennedy's series of Musical Programs for Youth by Youth. First Lady... more

President John F. Kennedy. with Edwin McMillan, left and Glenn T. Seaborg taken April 17, 1962. Morgue 1962-16 (P-3) [Photographer: Donald Cooksey]

Photographs Documenting Scientists, Special Events, and Nuclear Research Facilities, Instruments, and Projects at the Berkeley Lab