Check Out These JFK Centennial Events This Weekend

Photo by Cecil Stoughton. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

This year, Memorial Day weekend shares its retrospective nature with another momentous event: the centennial of John F. Kennedy’s birth in Brookline. To celebrate what would have been the 100th birthday of the 35th president, events will be held across the city. Take your pick from the celebrations below.

JFK 100: Milestones and Mementos Opening

This kick-off event marks the opening for the new exhibition at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Projected to run until May 2018, the exhibition contains memorabilia from JFK’s life, including a scrapbook from his time at Choate, travel journals from his trips across the globe as a congressman, a collection of his speeches and notes, spiffy neckties, and more.

Friday, May 26, 11 a.m., John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston, jfkcentennial.org.

JFK 100 Commemoration for the Peace Corps Community

In partnership with the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) and the Boston Area Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (BARPCV), the Kennedy Library and Museum will host this event to commemorate the life of JFK for the Peace Corps community that he founded.

Saturday, May 27, 2 p.m., John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston, jfkcentennial.org.

JFK 100: Space Exploration Discovery Day: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

One of JFK’s most enduring legacies, space exploration, is still largely a mystery.  This event celebrates JFK’s mission to land a man on the moon. Christopher Cassidy, chief of the NASA astronaut office, and NASA Spacesuit Engineer Su Curley will speak about space exploration and equipment. There will also be hands-on activities for space enthusiasts of all ages.

Sunday, May 28, 12 p.m., John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston, jfkcentennial.org.

JFK Centennial Celebration

To celebrate the day JFK was born, the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site will host a birthday party with special programming—there’ll be music, birthday cake, and plenty of speeches. Guests including former Gov. Michael Dukakis and Kitty Dukakis will read a selection of JFK’s speeches from 1 to 2 p.m., and Rep. Joe Kennedy III will kick off a keynote at 2 p.m.

Monday, May 29, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site, 83 Beals St., Brookline, nps.gov.

1960s Sock Hop

To conclude a JFK-filled weekend, there will be a 1960s-style sock hop dance in the Schluntz Gymnasium at Brookline High School.  It will include retro American food from the Fireplace Restaurant, as well as vintage cocktails. Proceeds from the dance will benefit the JFK 100 celebration and the JFK National Historic Site.

Monday, May 29, 7 to 10 p.m., Brookline High School, 115 Greenough St., Brookline, eventbrite.com.