Institute Resources
In addition to its exhibits and public programs, a variety of resources are available to assist different audiences in learning more about the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate and its work. Resources are available for Educators, Students, Scholars and Researchers, and the Press.
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Senator Kennedy Speeches
1980 Democratic National Convention
Senator Kennedy addressed the Democratic National Convention in New York City in 1980 after a heated primary campaign. During his dramatic speech he called for a renewed commitment to social and economic justice for all. -
Senator Kennedy Speeches
2008 Democratic National Convention
In a surprise appearance at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Senator Kennedy spoke about new leadership and the hope for a “better country and a newer world.” -
Senator Kennedy Speeches
Democratic National Committee Work Shop on Health Care
When cancer affected his son Teddy at an early age, Senator Kennedy made it the cause of his career to ensure that all Americans have access to high quality, affordable health care. -
Senator Kennedy Speeches
Ending Segregation and Discrimination Against Disabled Americans
Senator Kennedy was a chief sponsor, together with Senator Tom Harkin, of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which ensures that disabled Americans are able to live productive lives free from discrimination. -
Senator Kennedy Speeches
Ending the Cold War with a Nuclear Freeze
Brown University's Commencement Forum
As the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union escalated, Senator Kennedy challenged President Reagan's policies and declared that the “best defense against nuclear war is arms control and then disarmament.” -
Senator Kennedy Speeches
First Floor Speech
On April, 9, 1964, barely four months after the assassination of his brother, President John F. Kennedy, Senator Kennedy gave his maiden speech on the floor of the United States Senate, urging support of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. -
Senator Kennedy Speeches
Hamburger Hill Speech
At the height of our nation’s involvement in the war in Vietnam, Senator Kennedy called on President Nixon to begin an immediate drawdown of our forces in that region. -
Senator Kennedy Speeches
Hate Crimes Speech
Senator Kennedy fought to pass the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which would broaden existing law to prohibit hate crimes against women, gays, lesbians, and transgender persons. -
Senator Kennedy Speeches
Liberty University (formerly Liberty Baptist College) Speech
At a time in which the religious right gained prominence in American politics, Senator Kennedy spoke as a guest of the Rev. Jerry Falwell and called for an end to religious intolerance in American political debate. -
Senator Kennedy Speeches
Lowering the National Voting Age to 18
With the voting age at that time set at 21 years of age, Senator Kennedy argued that it was wrong that young Americans could be drafted to serve in Vietnam, but could not vote.