Welcome2024-12-09T13:50:46-05:00

JFK’s Cape Cod Story

Visit the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum to learn about the legacy of President Kennedy and his deep connection to Cape Cod where he enjoyed special days with family and friends. The Cape was the one place he could relax and feel at home, even while bearing the weight of the world. Learn why Hyannis Port was considered the “heart and home” of the Kennedys then and now. Step into the unforgettable Summer White House days of the 1960s when a beloved President and his family brought joy and hope to the nation.

Museum Hours

December Hours: Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last ticket sold at 3:15 p.m.

Special Hours: Open Monday December 23 and Monday December 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Check the events page for special speakers and topics. Members are always free.

Presidential Summers: The Kennedys on Cape Cod
For JFK weekends on Cape Cod meant renewal, inspiration and fun family times. See archival video, special family images, fascinating artifacts and more at this new long-term exhibit. Exhibit Highlights: Kennedy Compound, To Wake as President, Sailing the Victura and more.

John F. Kennedy’s Rocking Chair, ca. 1962
This exhibit has been extended to December 2024: The museum is honored to exhibit one of President Kennedy’s iconic rocking chairs during the renovation of The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. In 1962 President Kennedy gave this authentic Kennedy Rocker to the Waldorf Astoria to find its pride of place in the presidential suite.

RFK: Ripple of Hope:
The return of a special exhibit to commemorate the life and legacy of Robert Kennedy. The exhibit begins with RFK’s early years in the Kennedy family, including rarely seen images of his time on Cape Cod, 45 images and excerpts from RFK’s speeches, and an eight-minute video narrated by Kathleen Kennedy and former Congressman Joe Kennedy III.

Donate 
Your support is vital to the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum. Without it, we could not accomplish our mission – to preserve and promote the legacy of President Kennedy, his family and their deep connection to Cape Cod.  Your gift celebrates this legacy through engaging museum exhibits, dynamic cultural programming and modernization to ensure the Museum remains relevant and sustainable for today and generations.

Become A Member
Your membership will help support President Kennedy’s legacy and the ongoing development of this dynamic museum. Each and every dollar of support we receive goes directly to support the museum and the direct expenses associated with our maintenance and mission. Join the ranks of those who are passionate not only about preserving an incredibly important piece of local history, but also those who help shape the museum now and in the future.

events at the John F Kennedy Museum in Hyannis

JFK: Three Miles Documentary

December 26 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

JFK: Three Miles Documentary

December 27 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Museum News

Kennedy Legacy Trail in Hyannis Launches Updated Look

Hyannis – (August 21, 2024)  The Kennedy Legacy Trail, now under the stewardship of the JFK Hyannis Museum, has received major renovation thanks to several grants. The self-guided trail in downtown Hyannis features newly designed plaques with updated information at ten local sites related to President Kennedy and his family.

Created in 2012 by the Town of Barnstable, the 1.6-mile Kennedy Legacy Trail guides curious users from the JFK Hyannis Museum at 397 Main Street, to St. Francis Xavier Parish, to Aselton Park, Veterans Memorial Park and the Kennedy Memorial on Ocean Street. At
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Reforming American Government: How complicated is it to change the system of government?

By Dr. Michael Kryzanek | June 14, 2024

There is growing sentiment among the American people and scholars of our democratic system that the governmental structure created by the Constitution is in crisis if not irrevocably broken. Partisan bickering leading to endless two-party deadlock, the undemocratic nature of the Electoral College, growing restrictions on voting, especially among minority groups, gerrymandered representative districts that block out real competition, and term limits for members of Congress along with lifetime appointments of federal judges are just some of the examples of a governing system in dire need of reform. Public opinion
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JFK Hyannis Museum Bestows Leadership Award Upon State Rep Sarah K. Peake

(JUNE 6, 2024) Hyannis, MA – The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum has named Sarah K. Peake as the 2024 recipient of the museum’s annual Community Leadership Award.  Sarah K. Peake is the current state representative for the 4th Barnstable District, comprising the towns of Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, Eastham, Orleans, Chatham, and Harwich, and announced she would not run for re-election after a long and productive career as a legislative leader.

The award will be conferred upon Representative Peake at a reception at the JFK Hyannis Museum on Tuesday June 18, 2024. The award was created by the museum
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The museum building and courtyard are managed and maintained by the  John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum Foundation, Inc., a private, not-for-profit organization operating under the rules and regulations of the 501 c 3 code of the Internal Revenue Service.  As such, we cannot and do not endorse candidates for any political office.

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