BOSTON — The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston is set to reopen on Wednesday after a temporary closure on Tuesday, according to the National Archives.
“The sudden dismissal of federal employees at the JFK Library forced the museum to close today,” a spokesperson for the JFK Library Foundation said in a statement on Tuesday night. “As the Foundation that supports the JFK Library, we are devastated by this news and will continue to support our colleagues and the Library.”
The library will be open on Wednesday, the National Archives Public and Media Communications staff said in a statement late Tuesday afternoon.
“The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum will be open tomorrow, and the National Archives staff looks forward to welcoming guests, visitors, and researchers,” the statement said.
“The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is temporarily closed until further notice,” the JFK Library Foundation said earlier Tuesday, in a Facebook post shortly before 3 p.m.
The abrupt closure forced visitors to leave immediately, even those that had shown up with tickets.
“It was strange because we purchased the tickets and it said it was open when we did that,” said Jennifer Schaeffer. “when we approached the entry way there were about five signs saying closed due to executive order.”
The signs gave only a vague explanation, leaving many with lingering questions.
Others, like Boston City Councilor John Fitzgerald, were outraged to hear of the sudden dismissal of federal employees at the landmark in his district.
“It’s not a great look and it certainly sends a message from Washington to the folks in Boston that we’re not valued,” Fitzgerald said. “I literally got a job for somebody this morning at JFK Library. Someone who could’ve really used that job, and to have hours later it be closed down. It’s sick.”
President John F. Kennedy’s grandson, Jack Schlossberg, blasted the closure in an Instagram post.
Gov. Maura Healey, in a brief statement released shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday, echoed similar sentiments, criticizing President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, senior adviser to the president.
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s thoughtless crusade has caused an iconic institution and economic driver to close in Massachusetts,” Healey said.
“The JFK Library plays an essential role in our state and nation’s history, our travel and tourism sector, and our economy,” Healey said. “We hope that this closure will be temporary and urge President Trump and DOGE to reverse course so that the library can reopen to continue educating visitors and contributing to our economy.”
The chair of the Massachusetts Democratic party Steve Kerrigan also voiced his opinion on X, criticizing the move.
The twisted agenda of an unelected billionaire that leads to the genius idea of closing the JFK Presidential Library during school vacation week is not what anyone voted for.
— Steve Kerrigan (@stevekerrigan) February 18, 2025
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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