Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate

Take a look at the newest renderings

Check out the newest concepts for the interior of the Institute, and explore the newest renderings of the Institute's exhibition components.

Construction Progress Photos

The Institute is coming to life — construction on the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is progressing significantly.

EMK Institute Video

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate will provide in-depth educational programs and exhibits for students, educators and the general public. Our goal is to provide each visitor, each class, each teacher, each life-long learner with an insight into the workings of our government that they cannot get anywhere else.

First Senate Speech

On April, 9, 1964, barely four months after the assassination of his brother, President John F. Kennedy, Senator Kennedy delivered his maiden speech on the floor of the United States Senate. As racial inequality was the nation's paramount domestic issue, Senator Kennedy used his historic opportunity to urge support for the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Featured Update

United States Senator Profile: Margaret Chase Smith (R-ME)

A political trailblazer and inspiration to women, Margaret Chase Smith holds the distinction of being the first woman to win election to both the House of Representatives and the United States Senate. Read more

Sen. Kennedy Posthumously Given Salute to Greatness Award

One of the MLK Center's highest tributes, the Salute to Greatness Award is given to "individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence in leadership and have demonstrated a commitment to the principles and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." These principles and that philosophy also represent the driving force behind the creation of the EMK Institute

Educational programs

The Institute's primary audience will consist of middle and high school groups and their teachers, college/university students and faculty, new senators and government officials, as well as casual visitors and life-long learners. In particular, University of Massachusetts faculty and students will make regular use of the Institute.

More about the programs

Our innovative building

The Institute is being designed by world-renowned architect, Rafael Viñoly. As principal of Rafael Viñoly Architects, he has completed many critically and publicly praised buildings around the world including the Tokyo International Forum, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Abu Dhabi Campus for New York University.

More about the building

“The Senate is surely one of the most important bodies in the free world. Each year its decisions affect the hopes and lives of men and women in every part of the globe...”

- Senator Edward M. Kennedy