Your first look inside the Edward M. Kennedy Institute

They tell Peachy:

When my husband Ted Kennedy was a young man, his older brother, then-Congressman John Kennedy, once drove him up to the Capitol. Teddy grew awestruck at the beauty and grandeur of the seat of our representative democracy. Upon witnessing Teddy's reaction, future President Kennedy turned to his youngest brother and said:

"Teddy, it's great that you enjoy looking at these buildings -- but take an interest in what happens inside."

Teddy took those words to heart and dedicated his career in service to the American people. Today, at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, we're focused on building an unrivaled educational center that will encourage Americans of all ages to take interest in the workings of our democracy and inspire future generations to respond to the call of public service.

We've achieved some significant milestones -- construction is now underway and we've begun designing the exhibits and programs that we expect to make an extraordinary and thought-provoking visitor experience.

Today, I'd like to share with you our newest concepts for the interior of the Institute, and welcome you to take a look at the newest renderings of the Institute's exhibition components.



http://emkinstitute.org/emkinstituteinterior

At the center of the Institute, we're constructing a model of the United States Senate Chamber which will be outfitted with cutting-edge and innovative interactive technology. In the Chamber, school groups and students of all ages will have the chance to debate contemporary issues or relive significant moments in the Senate's history.

The corridors surrounding the Senate Chamber will feature exhibits about American government and the legislative process. For casual visitors, history buffs, students or scholars, there will be something for everyone. The "Senate Experience" will address:
How a bill becomes a law;
The role of the Senate in our participatory democracy;
The people of the Senate;
The great debates that have defined our nation's history;
The stories of Americans, both inside and outside of government, whose efforts have helped shape American democracy; and
How each one of us can get more involved in the civic life of our country.

My husband would be so proud of the progress we've made on the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, and he'd be grateful for all the support of so many who've helped make it all possible.

We're on track and full steam ahead these days, but we still have a long way to go before we're open to the public. As the end of the year approaches, if you would consider a gift to support our ongoing efforts, we'd be most appreciative.

http://emkinstitute.org/supportthekennedyinstitute

Thank you for your continued interest and support for the work of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, where we expect 2012 to be another year of great progress.

Teddy once said:

"We are all Americans. This is what we do. We reach the moon. We scale the heights. I know it. I've seen it. I've lived it. And we can do it again."

Throughout history, men and women of good will and both parties in the U.S. Senate have come together to face the greatest challenges facing our nation. With your help, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute will inspire another generation to know that we can indeed "do it again."

Best wishes for a joyous holiday season and a happy new year.

Victoria Reggie Kennedy