Season 1, Episode 5: Youth and the Performing Arts at the Kennedy White House

November 29, 2018

About This Episode

Listen to this episode on SoundCloud.

View the transcript for this episode.

When you imagine the Kennedy White House, you might picture state dinners and other social events where artists, poets, and musicians mingle with scientists, politicians, and diplomats. You might think of the dinners where poetry was read, scenes from Shakespeare acted out, or music played by some of the most acclaimed musicians in the world.

But, did you also know that it wasn’t only the famous - or even only adults - who got to enjoy poetry, theater, and other performing arts at the White House? President and Mrs. Kennedy also made sure the youth of the country could enjoy the arts at the White House.

Special thanks to this week's guests, Maria Quintero, Outreach Coordinator at the JFK Library, and Kitty Hendricks-Miller and Annawon Weeden from the Wampanoag Nation Dancers and Singers.

What We Talked About


In the 4th Musical Program for Youth, the ballet dancers and members of the National High School Symphony Orchestra performed for an audience of 10-18 year old young people.

See more photos.



Mrs. Kennedy enlisted the help of the children of White House Cabinet and staff members at the Musical Programs for Youth. This note gives instructions on when to arrive and where to go before the 6th Musical Program.

See more.



The cover of the program for Mrs. Kennedy's Musical Program for Youth, featuring the Metropolitan Opera Studio, who performed for children of members of the diplomatic corps.

See more.



Wampanoag Tribe member Kitty Hendricks-Miller sings at the JFK Library in her language and the language used by her Wampanoag ancestors.



Wampanoag Tribe member Annawon Weeden says performing the traditional songs and dancers of his ancestors allows him to be his authentic self.


Learn More

Listen to President Kennedy's remarks at one of the Musical Programs for Youth.

View upcoming Celebrate! programs.

More on Arts and Culture in the Kennedy White House.

If you have a story idea or want to let us know how we're doing, email us at JFK35Pod@jfklfoundation.org.