Just as Harvard shaped “Jack” Kennedy during his time as a student, John Fitzgerald Kennedy influenced Harvard during his political career, first as US senator, then as President of the United States.

This year, a century after the birth of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the nation will reflect on the life and legacy of the man who became the 35th President of the United States. The objects in this exhibition, drawn from the collections of the Harvard University Archives, are presented as evidence of the important relationship between Kennedy and Harvard University. Kennedy, as a young politician, was in some ways shaped by his experience at Harvard before World War II; in turn, the policies he pursued as President would have an influence on Harvard as well.

JFK’s Harvard | Harvard’s JFK is a collaborative effort of the Harvard University Archives, Harvard Library Preservation Services, Harvard Library Communications, and Harvard Public Affairs & Communications.