The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is dedicated to educating the public about our system of government and enhancing civic engagement. Their goal is to invigorate public discourse, encourage participatory democracy and inspire the next generation of citizens and leaders. Whom You Know has recommended True Compass by Edward M. Kennedy:
Senator Kennedy strongly believed that the enduring strength of American democracy depends on an informed electorate. The Institute is dedicated to achieving that goal, by:
- Improving Americans’ understanding of the historical roles of the branches of our government;
- Educating the public about the great debates that shaped the course of our nation’s history; and,
- Most importantly, inspiring Americans to engage in the public square.
http://emkinstitute.org/
In just two months, they will break ground at Columbia Point in Boston, and the designs announced this week will begin coming to life.
Senator Kennedy envisioned the Institute to be a living, breathing and constantly evolving center for civic education. He hoped it would reflect his passion for history, education and government -- and inspire a new generation of American leaders.
This is a truly historic moment for the EMK Institute. 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. Visitors will be able to participate both onâ€site and online, through the Institute’s interactive archives of United States Senate history.
- For Students — Students will engage in immersive activities, by drafting bills, debating historical and contemporary issues, and voting on legislation. Students will also view dramatic re-creations of significant moments in the U.S. Senate’s history, allowing them to gain insight about the struggles of the legislative process. The Institute’s website will supply rich materials for students to prepare for their visit, and offer post-visit opportunities to stay engaged and continue learning.
The Institute plans to host a Summer Senate program, where 100 students, two from each state, will come to the Institute to hold mock hearings and draft legislation.
Programs for college students will emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to the study of government. Offered in conjunction with the UMass Boston, the Institute’s college programs will draw faculty and guest speakers from such diverse fields as Political Science, Economics, International Relations, History, Law, and Urban Planning. - For Teachers — Teachers will work closely with the Institute to create courses and programs that add a new dimension to the study of history and government. Teacher-development programs, in conjunction with leading colleges and universities, will advance their abilities to teach civics, and also fulfill eligibility requirements for in-service or college credits.
- For Government Officials — Programs designed specifically for public officials, incoming Senators, and their staff, will provide in-depth training sessions to prepare public servants to communicate effectively in Washington D.C., and with the citizens they serve.
- For the General Public and Life-Long Learners — Programs for the general public will be designed to develop and support a well-informed electorate. These programs will enable participation on a local and national level, through seminars, lectures, and symposia.
Programs for history enthusiasts and retired citizens will enrich the Institute experience by connecting generations of knowledge and public service. - Digital Library — The Edward M. Kennedy Institute will partner with the National Archives, the Library of Congress, and others, to digitize materials, and create a comprehensive digital library of US Senate archives and related materials. The Institute’s website will provide a public portal into this rich, interactive content, including historical documents, photographs, oral histories, film and more.
Rafael Viñoly
The Institute is being designed by world-renowned architect, Rafael Viñoly.
Rafael Viñoly has been practicing architecture for over forty-five years. As principal of Rafael Viñoly Architects, he has completed many critically and publicly praised buildings around the world. He is known as an architect of imagina¬tion and rigor with a proven capacity to create beloved civic, cultural and institutional spaces. Mr. Viñoly’s projects include the Tokyo International Forum, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Abu Dhabi Campus for New York University.
The Institute will be located on the UMass Boston Campus, adjacent to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The overall site plan has been designed to work in harmony with the UMass Boston campus, the JFK Library, and the Columbia Point waterfront. The facility will be designed and operated with sustainable practices, and is on track for LEED certification.
http://emkinstitute.org/