President John F. Kennedy

Northern Essex Community College will host “A Weekend of Remembrance: The Story of JFK” to commemorate the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy who was assassinated 50 years ago on November 22, 1963.

The weekend-long event will begin with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 22, in the Hartleb Technology Center, 100 Elliott St. on the Haverhill campus. This event is free and open to the public.

Organized by faculty member Richard Padova from the NECC Global Studies Department, this event will feature historical exhibits that include an invitation packet to a dinner that was to be held the evening of the assassination and a memento that was given to mourners at JFK’s funeral Mass. There will also be campaign-related items on display from Kennedy’s House, Senate and Presidential runs, including some rarities.

Confirmed speakers for the opening ceremony include Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini, state representatives Diana DiZoglio and Leonard Mirra, and Governor’s Councilor Eileen Duff.

On Saturday, November 23 at 11:30 a.m. a panel discussion featuring NECC history professors Andrew Morse and Ligia Domenech will present “The JFK Assassination: What Really Happened,” moderated by NECC student Christopher Cox.

Throughout the weekend, visitors will also have an opportunity to write their memories of JFK in a memory book, view a video of his life, and enter a free drawing for a basket of presidential books. Hours are Friday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, November 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, November 24, from noon to 4 p.m.

For additional information contact Padova at 978-556-3297 or email him at rpadova@necc.mass.edu.