King Celebrates Legacy of Senator Ted Kennedy at Public Dedication for Edward M. Kennedy Institute  

BOSTON, MA – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) attended the dedication of the Edward M. Kennedy (EMK) Institute for the United States Senate, a dynamic new center of learning and engagement that aims to educate the public about American government and inspire the next generation of public servants. For the ceremony, Senators in attendance were paired with a student from their home state. Senator King was joined by Marielle Thete, a Portland-native who is currently attending Wheaton College. President Obama, Vice President Biden, and a large, bipartisan group of current and former public officials were in attendance to reflect on Senator Kennedy’s lifetime of service and celebrate the opening of the institute.

“Senator Kennedy was a visionary and inspiring leader who believed that our country is truly the ‘land of opportunity,’ and throughout his life, he fought to ensure that everyone who worked hard had the chance to get ahead,” Senator King said. “It is only fitting that this institute, which bears his name, will help foster a future generation of leaders to carry forward that mantle of leadership. I’m honored to be here today to reflect on Senator Kennedy’s remarkable life and legacy, and to celebrate the launch of this chamber, a replica of the special space in which he gave so much to our country.”

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is dedicated to educating the public about the important role of the Senate in our government, encouraging participatory democracy, invigorating civil discourse, and inspiring the next generation of citizens and leaders to engage in the civic life of their communities. The Institute will be a dynamic center of learning and engagement that uses innovative technology to provide each visitor with an information-rich, personalized experience that will bring important historical and current debates to life.

The Institute’s 68,000 square foot building is located adjacent to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on the University of Massachusetts Boston Campus. The building is also close to the Commonwealth Museum, home to Massachusetts’s original copy of the Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence, and the Massachusetts Archives. This proximity to other historical resources will allow for collaboration between the EMK Institute and its neighbors, further enriching the experience for visitors. The Institute’s centerpiece is a full-scale replica of the U.S. Senate Chamber.

Following the event, Senator King posted a "selfie" with Maine student Marielle Thete to his Instagram account.

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