Park Ranger works with youth to complete their Junior Ranger books.
NPS
John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site is pleased to offer a Junior Ranger program. This program is free, fun, and open to everyone! While the program is ultimately designed to be done onsite and materials reserved for in-person visitors, we've created several options for doing the program offsite.
If you're participating in the program from home, complete the activities below or email us to receive the digital booklet files.
You may find our site film and virtual ranger-led tour helpful as you complete the activities; both are available on our website.
If you're making a visit to the site, check our hours of operation. Upon arrival, check in at the Visitor Center and tell a ranger that you would like to participate in the program. Participants will be provided with a Junior Ranger book and pencil.
A young JFK with his dog, Bobby.
Kennedy Family Collection
John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site, 83 Beals Street Brookline, MA. The Kennedy family home, 1914-1920.
NPS
(L-R) Joe Jr. and Jack Kennedy.
Kennedy Family Collection, JFK Library.
Glenwood coal and gas burning stove at the JFK birthplace
NPS
One of two black candlestick style phones at the JFK Birthplace
NPS
The Living Room in the 1960s compared to how it looks now, after Mrs. Kennedy's work
Left image
1960s living room at JFK birthplace (pre-restoration)
Credit: NPS
Right image
The historic living room at JFK NHS
Credit: NPS
The Kennedy family dining room at 83 Beals Street, Brookline, MA.
NPS
Kennedy family Master Bedroom at 83 Beals Street Brookline, MA.
NPS
The Nursery at the JFK Birthplace. The bassinet was used by all nine of the Kennedy children.
NPS
The card box on Mrs. Kennedy's desk in the boudoir.
NPS
JFK's typed health card
NPS
The Kennedy family kitchen at 83 Beals Street, Brookline, MA.
NPS
Mrs. Kennedy's audio
Mrs. Kennedy's audio created for the kitchen at John Fitzgerald Kennedy NHS.
There on the stove you see the bean pot. We always ate Boston baked beans on Saturday night. Warmed over for Sunday morning breakfast they were perfectly delicious with brown bread. Everyone had their special recipe for Boston baked beans and piccalilli which was usually served with them. With all the baby bottles to be sterilized, formulas to prepare, and meals to cook, this kitchen was a very busy place. During those hectic hours I would put the baby in the stroller, take two children by the hand, and with the dog following close behind, set out for the corner grocery store. On the way back we would usually stop for a visit at Saint Aidan's church. I wanted my children to realize that church was for every day and not just for Sunday. As you leave by the back door, imagine with me the laughter of these children as they played in the warm spring sun or built snowmen in the winter. I would look out of the window occasionally to see that all went well. I hope that you have enjoyed your visit to our home. We were very happy here and although we did not know about the days ahead we were enthusiastic and optimistic about the future.
Kennedy Family, c. 1923. Right to left: John, Joseph Jr., Joseph Sr., Rosemary, Rose, Eunice, and Kathleen
John Fitzgerald Kennedy NHS Museum Collection (JOFI 24)
The JFK Birthplace in the 1960s versus today
Left image
JFK Birthplace in the 1960s
Credit: NPS
Right image
JFK Birthplace today
Credit: NPS
President Kennedy seated in a rocking chair.
Courtesy John Vachon
The National Park Service (NPS) Arrowhead--the official emblem of the NPS.