JFK Library Foundation

10/22/2026

After 6 days of closed door meetings, President Kennedy told the American people about the Soviet missiles in Cuba.

He went on television at 7:00 pm on October 22, 1962, and announced the establishment of a naval quarantine around the island until the Soviet Union agreed to dismantle the missile sites and to make certain that no additional missiles were shipped to Cuba.

10/22/2026

Who advised JFK during the Cuban Missile Crisis? President Kennedy selected some of his most trusted advisors, who, according to historian Fredrik Logevall were “very experienced, intelligent, formidable figures in American statecraft and diplomacy.” The group, known as the Executive Committee for the National Security Council (or ExComm for short), met in secret to discuss what to do about the missiles in Cuba.

Find out more:

A selection of the people who participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Links go to the interview in the Oral History Program created for the John F. Kennedy Library.

10/20/2026

Today we celebrate the 47th anniversary of the dedication of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum! On October 20, 1979, the JFK Library was dedicated by members of the Kennedy family and President Carter.

Photos of its construction and dedication: jfklibrary.org/buildingthejfklibrary

10/19/2026

The day book of Evelyn Lincoln, President Kennedy's personal secretary, shows his frenetic schedule of meetings, phone calls, and conversations during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Go to the digital archives to get a closer look at who JFK talked to: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/elpp-004-009 #?image_identifier=ELPP-004-009-p0130

10/18/2026

on October 18, 1962, President Kennedy met with Soviet Ambassador Andrei Gromyko to discuss peace in Germany and nuclear testing. Two days before, JFK learned about Soviet missiles that were being built in Cuba, but he didn't let Gromyko know he knew.

Declassified summary of their meeting: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkpof-115-004 #?image_identifier=JFKPOF-115-004-p0008

10/16/2026

On October 16, 1962, JFK learned of Soviet nuclear missile sites being built in Cuba, kicking off the Cuban Missile Crisis. Over the next 13 days and beyond, JFK and his advisors would work to get the missiles out and avoid starting a nuclear war.

Find out how it all happened in our special podcast series, Atomic Gambit at https://www.jfklibrary.org/about-us/social-media-podcasts-and-apps/atomic-gambit

10/15/2026

To close out Hispanic Heritage Month: 5 members of the Kennedy administration that you should know. All five were dedicated public servants who broke boundaries at home and around the globe.

10/14/2026

New from our friends at the WorldViews Podcast: an in-depth discussion about President Kennedy’s legacies in our time with JFK’s nephew and Foundation Board member Stephen Smith and JFK biographer Fredrik Logevall.

WorldViews is proud to present a rare and remarkable fireside trilo...

10/14/2026

Want to strengthen your Profile in Courage Essay? Take it from a past winner: dig into the primary sources. 🔎

Jeremy Haynes wrote about Alabama State Senator Joseph Langan and his passionate defense of Black voting rights in the South. Jeremy recalls how exploring primary source documents helped him better understand the Senator’s story—and ultimately write a stronger essay.

Hear about Jeremy’s research process, then learn how you can use primary and secondary sources in your own Profile in Courage Essay Contest entry.

https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest/for-student-participants/prepare-your-essay/helpful-tips-for-writing-your-essay

The JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest is made possible with support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and More Perfect.

10/12/2026

Last week, Caroline Kennedy joined the 60th anniversary celebration of the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School, reflecting on its vital role in preparing new generations of leaders committed to serving the greater good.

Addressing Harvard students, faculty, alumni, and friends, she underscored why the IOP’s mission remains as critical today as ever.

“Today when faith in institutions is fragile and cynicism is easy, our challenge has never been more urgent. Because of the people in this room and those who have gone before you, I have confidence the IOP will meet this moment and all those yet to come.”