Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the US Senate

06/02/2026

📣New Visitor Hours📣

From June 23, EMKI will be open to the public Tuesdays-Sundays, with twice-daily guided tours, a new exhibit featuring American history memorabilia from Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s collection, and special weekend programming for families throughout the summer. More details - https://emkinstitute.org/

05/29/2026

This week, EMKI welcomed the Kennedy Staff Club - former staffers of Senator Edward M. Kennedy during his five decades of service - back to the Institute. With remarks from fellow alumni Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center CEO stevekerrigan and Fmr. Senator Paul Kirk, as well as interim CEO Joe Hale, Staff Club members were able to reconnect and reminisce while meeting with EMKI staff!

05/29/2026

There’s still time to register! Join us next Tuesday, June 2nd at 6PM ET for a panel discussion with leading voices of Boston’s Diaspora as they share reflections on their experiences and connections to Ireland and one another, looking to the country’s evolving future.

Moderated by Prof. Mary Murphy, Director of the Irish Institute at Boston College , the panel will include Boston City Council President Liz Breadon; Niall Worn, CEO of TalentSensors and Board Member of the Irish Business Association; Dawn Morrissey, Director of The Irish Film Festival Boston and Colleen Kelly, Director of Business Development at Shawmut and Board Member of Irish Cultural Centre.

Presented in partnership Consulate General of Ireland, Boston and with generous support from the Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme.

Free to Register:

Irish Diaspora Voices on Heritage, Connection, and Shared Island Futures

05/28/2026

Remembering longtime Kennedy Institute board member Henry M. Thomas III, who passed earlier this week. Dedicating more than five decades of service to the Urban League movement, he was a champion of civic and educational initiatives as well as a tireless advocate for equity and opportunity. https://www.westernmassnews.com/2026/05/26/henry-thomas-iii-longtime-urban-league-springfield-leader-dies/

05/25/2026

In 1987, Senator Kennedy traveled aboard the USS Okinawa (LPH-3) in the to visit with crew members. EMKI solemnly honors all military members who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

05/22/2026

Join us on Tuesday, June 2nd at 6PM ET for an engaging panel discussion exploring the central question: “What does a shared home place mean to Ireland’s diaspora and for the island of Ireland, past, present and future?”

Featuring prominent voices of Boston’s diaspora including Boston City Council President Liz Breadon; Niall Worn, CEO of TalentSensors and Board Member of the Irish Business Association; Dawn Morrissey, Director of The Irish Film Festival Boston; Colleen Kelly, Director of Business Development at Shawmut and Board Member of the Irish Cultural Centre in conversation with Prof. Mary Murphy Director of Irish Institute at Boston College.

Presented in partnership with General of Ireland, Boston with generous support from the Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme.

Register for this here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-shared-home-place-tickets-1989315060898?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/08/2026

Thank you to all public sector employees who have served and currently serve our nation at all levels, including the members of our Kennedy Staff Alumni Club. We appreciate your service!

05/07/2026

Congratulations to educator Kelley Brown and her 2025-2026 Massachusetts State team from Easthampton High School, who won the MA Championships here at the Institute and went on to win a unit prize at the National Competition in Washington D.C. last month.

05/07/2026

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all and especially the more than 1,500 amazing educators who have partnered with us in the 2025-2026 school year to support the civic learning of young people. We are so grateful for your dedicated work in the classroom and for the opportunity to work with you and your students at the Kennedy Institute and in our virtual programs!

05/06/2026

On this day in 1789, the U.S. Senate passed their first bill - the Oath Act - that established a procedural oath that members and civil servants attest to: "I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States."