6.08.2004 ET

(CSRwire) BOSTON, Mass.--The AT&T Foundation announced that it awarded a $150,000 grant to the JFK Library Foundation to help fund the JFK Library's timely exhibit, "Campaign", depicting the historic 1960 presidential campaign of America's 35th president.

Established in 1984, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation provides private support to the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, a presidential library administered by the National Archives and Records Administration.

"The JFK Library Foundation enables the acclaimed presidential library to demonstrate American democracy in action through interactive exhibits, innovative displays and dynamic public forums," said William Leahy, president of AT&T New England. "By its grant, AT&T embraces the spirit of democracy characterized by President Kennedy's pivotal 1960 campaign. We're pleased to support the educational and scholarly mission of the JFK Library Foundation and its good works to continue President Kennedy's ideal of public service."

The AT&T-supported exhibit, Campaign! features photos, memorabilia, and archival footage and documents from John F. Kennedy's 1960 campaign. Spanning the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, the 2004 Presidential election, and Inauguration Day 2005, the exhibit opened late last month and will run through January 20, 2005. Among the pieces on display are historic papers from the Kennedy Library archives, including handwritten notes by candidate Kennedy and his brother and campaign manager, Robert Kennedy, that provide a glimpse into the day-to-day inner workings of a presidential campaign.

In addition, the Kennedy Library will host a rare showing of an original copy of the Declaration of Independence, printed on the night of July 4, 1776, by Philadelphian John Dunlap. The Declaration of Independence will be on display July 30-31 and August 1, 2004, capping Boston's weeklong celebration of American politics, traditions and history as it hosts the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

Other documents include Kennedy's handwritten note announcing his selection of Lyndon B. Johnson as his running mate, Richard Nixon's teletype conceding the election to Kennedy, memos outlining campaign tactics and strategy, correspondence, and telegrams.

The library also houses a documentary and audio-visual archive for preserving and understanding the Kennedy era and an education center that promotes the ideals of public service and political participation among students of all ages.

Of special note, the Museum has secured the rare public display of Man From Boston, an original oil painting by acclaimed American artist Jamie Wyeth depicting candidate Kennedy as he heads to the podium at the Los Angeles Coliseum to deliver his acceptance speech after receiving the nomination of the Democratic Party.

"The JFK Library Foundation is proud to partner with AT&T to offer this historic exhibit," said John Shattuck, CEO of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. "AT&T's generous gift is helping the Kennedy Library reach visitors of all ages, and especially school children, with an exciting presentation of the democratic process in action."

In addition to this announcement, Bostonians will gather later this evening at a "Celebrate Boston" reception at the JFK Library to celebrate the city of Boston's hosting of the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

About AT&T and the AT&T Foundation

AT&T (http://www.att.com) is among the world's premier voice and data communications companies, serving consumers, businesses, and government. Public service and social responsibility are traditions deeply embedded at AT&T. The AT&T Foundation (http://www.att.com/foundation) invests in projects that serve the needs of people in communities throughout the nation, particularly for initiatives that use technology in innovative ways and for programs in which AT&T employees are actively involved as contributors or volunteers.

About the JFK Library Foundation

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1984 to support and advance the mission of the Kennedy Library. Through its Board of Directors, its committees and staff, the Foundation provides the Library with financial and creative resources and personnel to enrich its educational programs, to expand its research and archival capacity, to undertake marketing and public information projects, to offer intern and research fellowship programs, and to enhance its museum and exhibits. Caroline Kennedy serves as the President of the Kennedy Library Foundation.