At 210 Morrissey Blvd in Boston, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute explains the role of the U.S. Senate and the career of Senator Edward Kennedy. Its full-scale Senate chamber lets you take a seat as a senator, while the interactive “Today’s Vote” program puts you into a legislative decision. Digital tablets personalize the exhibits, and educators lead sessions on how senators work through legislation in committees. The institute is next to the JFK Library, but it is a separate institution.
The Senate chamber and interactive exhibits
The institute focuses on the role of the U.S. Senate and the life and work of Edward Kennedy, the longtime Massachusetts senator. Its central exhibit is a full-scale recreation of the Senate chamber. You can sit in a senator’s seat and take in the room from the perspective of the people who work there.
Digital tablets, provided when you arrive, let you choose a profile and engage with the exhibits. In the “Today’s Vote” program, you take part in an interactive Senate vote. The experience gives visitors a way to follow the legislative process instead of only reading about it.
Learning how senators work
Educator-led breakout sessions explain how senators discuss legislation in committees and represent the people they serve. These sessions are a useful part of a visit with students, and the programs are designed for adults as well as school groups.
The institute also has a replica of Senator Kennedy’s Senate office and digital exhibits about his work. Its emphasis on bipartisan efforts connects the exhibits to the broader work of the Senate. The institute is next to the JFK Library, but the two are separate institutions.
FAQ
How long should I spend at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute?
Plan to spend several hours exploring the exhibits and taking part in the interactive programs.
Can you sit in the Senate chamber?
Yes. The full-scale chamber replica has seats where visitors can sit as senators.
Does the institute have interactive exhibits?
Yes. Visitors can use a digital tablet to engage with exhibits and take part in the “Today’s Vote” program.
Is the Edward M. Kennedy Institute part of the JFK Library?
No. The institute is next to the JFK Library, but it is a separate institution.
