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Maine & Boston 2015 {Day Six}

Day Six was really only about a half day in Boston, but the government geek in me knew there was only one place I could spend it...


I do love a Presidential Library!

After a brief film, the exhibits proceed in chronological order.  

I want to bring back some campaign elements of bygone years...specifically dresses for a candidate and campaign songs.

Some buttons, which I thought photograph worthy due to the pre-26th Amendment button.

The set up of the Kennedy/Nixon debate.  This was the first televised debate in Presidential elections.
I always love a first ladies dress...
The President's rocking chair
Because of a high school tour group which was driving me nuts, I didn't get any other pics of the exhibits.
Looking out the windows toward the President's boat.


I braved the elements (wind, rain, cold) to go out and get some pics.

 I didn't have a ton of time left, but my next stop was just next door.  
The new Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate.



This is NOT a museum, but instead is a tool to educate people about the US Senate.  The technology is state of the art.  Every person who enters gets an iPad to use throughout the institute because it's all interactive.  I didn't have time to fully participate, but I tell you that I think it is the greatest thing I've ever seen.  The opportunity to use this to educate school kids (and adults) about the US Senate is phenomenal.  I seriously can just tear up thinking about it.

The only "museum" like element is that they have recreated Senator Kennedy's office.  Everything is exactly as it was on the day he passed away.






This is the outer office, which was covered in paintings that Senator Kennedy had painted himself.


The "BIG" thing in the institute is the exact replica of the Senate chamber.  It is exact with the exception of a few things:  The big computer screen up front, the desks at the front aren't raised to be ADA compliant, and the seal of the senate is not on the ceiling like it is in D.C.

Here, a group of school kids are about to vote on legislation after debating it.
Regardless of what you think of Senator Kennedy, I think this is an amazing tribute to the life of someone who spent so many years in the Senate. 

It was time to head to the airport for my flight back to Texas.  As always, I was sad to be leaving, but happy to be seeing the pup soon.  I got to the airport early, so I had time for a proper lunch at Legal Seafood.  Lobster Bisque and a Crab & Avacado Salad.

The pup was at home to greet me!
(Pictured with her souvenir)

oh, and those cupcakes I brought home...
I don't think I should get a job as a cupcake transporter anytime soon!  I'm not sure if they got this jostled from the cupcake place to the hotel before I froze them, or if they got this way during the airport shuffle.  Oh well, they don't need to be pretty to taste good!  I froze them for months of treats to come!

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