|
|
Wood Museum exhibit chronicles Kennedy's life
Jan. 10,
2013 |
|
|
| |
President John F. Kennedy speaks on the nation's space effort at Rice University, Houston, Texas, on Sept. 12, 1962. This photo and many others are part of an exhibit marking the 50th anniversary of Kennedy's assassination.
Photo courtesy of the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History
|
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Some people called this relatively brief point in American history "Camelot," while others remember it as a series of events that changed this country forever.
"The John F. Kennedy Experience," the new exhibit at the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, is the work of local historian Frank Andruss Sr. Through about 100 photographs and vintage artifacts — including an actual engine from a PT boat — Kennedy's life and career are recalled.
In the exhibit room, a segment from the popular television show, "Biography," plays on a monitor providing even more information.
Guy McLain, the museum's director, explained the exhibit would mark the 50th anniversary of Kennedy's assassination.
He added that Kennedy's presidential administration is seen as a "transitional period," from the more staid 1950s to the tumultuous mid-1960s.
"He represents the beginning of that change," McLain said.
The exhibit includes photos that begin with Kennedy's childhood and his time at Harvard University and brings viewers to his Navy years during World War II.
One exhibit case shows just what an impact Kennedy's experience as the commander of PT-109 had on popular culture. Kennedy's boat was rammed and sunk. His subsequent heroism in saving a badly injured member of his crew as well as remaining undetected by Japanese forces until he and his crew were rescued spawned not only a book, but a movie starring Cliff Robertson and even a model kit of the ship for children to assemble.
McLain noted the popular appeal of the story created "a very unique situation in both politics and American popular culture."
A surprise footnote to the PT-109 story as shown by the exhibit was that a Springfield resident was a member of that crew. Harold Marney was one of the crewmembers who lost his life when a Japanese destroyer cut down the boat in a nighttime attack.
The photos Andruss assembled from his collection show how Kennedy first ran for the House of Representatives successfully, using his time in office in that body to then serve as a senator. One photo that McLain pointed out was taken at the Capt. Charles Leonard House in Agawam with Kennedy meeting with a women's club.
His 1960 run for president is illustrated not just by photos, but by several cases of campaign memorabilia ranging from bumper stickers to buttons to even a Kennedy tie-clip.
"It's an incredible collection," McLain said.
A significant part of the exhibit is dedicated to illustrating the life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis from her childhood to an initial career in journalism.
The final section of the exhibit, "The End of Camelot," includes rare photos the president and first lady's arrival at Dallas' Love Field on Nov. 22, 1963, as well as the aftermath and presidential funeral. Several photos are in color, showing the famous pink dress the first lady wore on that fateful trip.
The exhibit runs through April 28. McLain hopes families take advantage of the two school vacations during this period to visit the exhibit.
The Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History is located at 21 Edwards St. Free, secure onsite parking is available. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
General admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and college students, $8 for children 3 to 17, and free for children younger than 3 and museum members. The fee provides admission to all four Springfield Museums. Springfield residents receive free general admission with proof of address.
|
  
Comments From Our Readers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
