Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the US Senate

06/15/2026

“At the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, we believe civic life is strengthened when young people have the opportunity to participate, deliberate, and lead,” said Sarah Yezzi, EMKI’s Chief Education Officer. “We are proud to welcome Student Senators from across the country, and facilitate their deliberation as they craft policy proposals on how artificial intelligence should shape their schools, communities, and futures.”

06/04/2026

So grateful for the partnership of the Consulate General of Ireland, Boston for us to hold an engaging discussion on a shared home place for the diaspora, for which Senator Kennedy shared a deep affinity and connection.
Thank you to our panelists and moderator Prof. Mary Murphy Irish Institute at Boston College for sharing their experiences and perspectives, to mark the beginning of this global dialogue with communities abroad. Watch the conversation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMzOb4dA4Rs
Boston City Council Irish Cultural Centre The Irish Film Festival Boston

06/02/2026

📣New Visitor Hours📣

From June 23, EMKI will be open to the public Tuesdays-Sundays, with twice-daily guided tours, a new exhibit featuring American history memorabilia from Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s collection, and special weekend programming for families throughout the summer. More details - https://emkinstitute.org/

05/29/2026

This week, EMKI welcomed the Kennedy Staff Club - former staffers of Senator Edward M. Kennedy during his five decades of service - back to the Institute. With remarks from fellow alumni Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center CEO stevekerrigan and Fmr. Senator Paul Kirk, as well as interim CEO Joe Hale, Staff Club members were able to reconnect and reminisce while meeting with EMKI staff!

05/29/2026

There’s still time to register! Join us next Tuesday, June 2nd at 6PM ET for a panel discussion with leading voices of Boston’s Diaspora as they share reflections on their experiences and connections to Ireland and one another, looking to the country’s evolving future.

Moderated by Prof. Mary Murphy, Director of the Irish Institute at Boston College , the panel will include Boston City Council President Liz Breadon; Niall Worn, CEO of TalentSensors and Board Member of the Irish Business Association; Dawn Morrissey, Director of The Irish Film Festival Boston and Colleen Kelly, Director of Business Development at Shawmut and Board Member of Irish Cultural Centre.

Presented in partnership Consulate General of Ireland, Boston and with generous support from the Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme.

Free to Register:

Irish Diaspora Voices on Heritage, Connection, and Shared Island Futures

05/28/2026

Remembering longtime Kennedy Institute board member Henry M. Thomas III, who passed earlier this week. Dedicating more than five decades of service to the Urban League movement, he was a champion of civic and educational initiatives as well as a tireless advocate for equity and opportunity. https://www.westernmassnews.com/2026/05/26/henry-thomas-iii-longtime-urban-league-springfield-leader-dies/

05/25/2026

In 1987, Senator Kennedy traveled aboard the USS Okinawa (LPH-3) in the to visit with crew members. EMKI solemnly honors all military members who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

05/22/2026

Join us on Tuesday, June 2nd at 6PM ET for an engaging panel discussion exploring the central question: “What does a shared home place mean to Ireland’s diaspora and for the island of Ireland, past, present and future?”

Featuring prominent voices of Boston’s diaspora including Boston City Council President Liz Breadon; Niall Worn, CEO of TalentSensors and Board Member of the Irish Business Association; Dawn Morrissey, Director of The Irish Film Festival Boston; Colleen Kelly, Director of Business Development at Shawmut and Board Member of the Irish Cultural Centre in conversation with Prof. Mary Murphy Director of Irish Institute at Boston College.

Presented in partnership with General of Ireland, Boston with generous support from the Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme.

Register for this here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-shared-home-place-tickets-1989315060898?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/08/2026

Thank you to all public sector employees who have served and currently serve our nation at all levels, including the members of our Kennedy Staff Alumni Club. We appreciate your service!

05/07/2026

Congratulations to educator Kelley Brown and her 2025-2026 Massachusetts State team from Easthampton High School, who won the MA Championships here at the Institute and went on to win a unit prize at the National Competition in Washington D.C. last month.