Welcome, Senator.

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is designed to bring the history of the United States Senate alive – using technology to engage and inspire like never before. The Institute features a full-scale replica of the United States Senate Chamber, interactive exhibits, and a reproduction of Senator Kennedy’s Washington, DC, office.

Facilitated Virtual and Onsite Programs for Fall 2020

The Kennedy Institute is offering live virtual programs, facilitated by Institute staff as well as onsite group visits for fall 2020. Find information about scheduling and attending your program, and to purchase tickets, visit our Admissions page.

Virtual Tour: Lion of the Senate

Number of participants: 10-60 participants Join the Institute for a live virtual tour of the Institute’s new, online, exhibit Lion of the Senate. Explore Senator Kennedy’s career and ongoing legislative legacy through captivating images, stories, and conversation. Staff will share deeper insight into the scope of Senator Kennedy’s accomplishments, his passion for the senate, and the Institute’s ongoing mission of civic engagement.

Virtual Today’s Vote

Number of participants: 10-60 participants Students participate in a simulated U.S. Senate session and a live floor debate on an actual piece of legislation pending before the Senate Learn more about the issue from multiple perspectives, share your own ideas, and then cast your (virtual) votes.

Groups can choose from the following one-hour program:

Virtual Today’s Vote: The Electoral College Learn more about the history, function, and importance of the Electoral College and why there’s a movement to end and replace it.

Virtual Today’s Vote: Green New Deal Unpack the plan to reshape the national economy to better protect our planet from climate change.

Virtual Today’s Vote: Mandatory Minimum Sentences Examine a bill that would grant federal judges the discretion to issue sentences shorter than those established by mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines.

Virtual Today’s Vote: Voting Rights Restoration Consider the barriers that people convicted of serious crimes face when they vote. Consider whether incarcerated people should have their voting rights restored after serving their sentence.

Onsite Group Tours

Number of participants: 10-30, 1.5 hours Explore the Institute’s engaging exhibits, dig deeper into the Senate’s history, and learn some of the most significant achievements of Senator Kennedy’s career with an experienced staff member. Then participate in a simulated Senate session and a live floor debate in the Institute’s full-scale recreation of the United States Senate Chamber. The Institute is offering onsite tours for scheduled groups on a very limited basis. Learn more about our open exhibits and premier Senate Chamber sessions Today’s Vote, Citizen’s Senate, and Great Senate Debates.

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