American Visionary: John F. Kennedy’s Life and Times

Details
Visit

Australian Catholic University
Building 502, Level 2 James Carroll Building
40 Edward Street North Sydney
NSW 2095 Australia

Figure 1 Senator John F Kennedy of Massachusetts, 1957. © Philippe Halsman (Courtesy Magnum Photos)
“Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which fulfilled can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength…... One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.”
President John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1961)
Figure 1 Senator John F Kennedy of Massachusetts, 1957. © Philippe Halsman (Courtesy Magnum Photos)

Introduction

In 2021, Australian Catholic University was gifted a collection of 77 photographs by the United States Government, entitled ‘American Visionary: John F. Kennedy’s Life and Times.’, assembled by the US  Government to commemorate the centenary of JFKs birth in 2017.

The collection is drawn from a compilations of images of John F. Kennedy, including from the the John F Kennedy Library Foundation, Getty Images, private collections and the Kennedy family archives.

Through a range of coloured and black and white photos, the exhibition depicts the scope and spirit of Kennedy’s life, from his rise as an popular “young” politician, his election and inauguration as President in 1961, and finally to the tragic events in Dallas in November 1963. As you follow the events of John F. Kennedy’s life, the exhibit also captures the rich texture, and sweep of history that coincided with Kennedy’s presidency.

History of the exhibit

President Kennedy’s commitment to education resonates with the mission of Australian Catholic University where we strive to seek the truth that recognises the dignity in all for the advancement of the common good.

In 2020, the United States Government gifted this exhibition to Australian Catholic University for permanent public display. The University is proud to be the custodians of this exhibition commemorating the life and times of America’s first Catholic president.

Operating hours

Monday to Sunday

9am to 5pm

Admission

Free

Location

Australian Catholic University
Building 502, Level 2 James Carroll Building
40 Edward Street North Sydney
NSW 2095Australia

Public transport

North Sydney Station is on the well-serviced Northern and North Shore train lines. North Sydney Campus is an easy 10-minute walk from North Sydney Station. To get there, walk through the Greenwood Plaza and up the escalators until you come out at the Miller Street and Pacific Highway intersection. From there, turn left up Mount Street and then right down Edward Street.

There are also many bus services to North Sydney stop at Blues Street; adjacent to the station, or on the Pacific Highway.  We recommend that you use the Transport NSW Trip Planner  to plan your train or bus journey to the campus.

Parking

Limited-time metered parking and paid parking stations are located in the North Sydney CBD.

Accessibility

Arrangements for disabled parking can be made with the Campus Concierge on (07) 3623 2802.

An access ramp from the street to the upper levels of the James Carroll Building is provided for ease of entry. There is also a lift inside the James Carroll Building with access to all levels.

For additional assistance/enquiries, contact the Disability Adviser at North Sydney on (02) 9739 2368.

Contacts

For questions regarding excursions and exhibition visits, please contact ovp@acu.edu.au or call (02) 9739 2801.

For access enquiries, please contact Campus Concierge on (07) 3623 2802.

Helpful links

U.S. Consulate Sydney

John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Image gallery

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