‘JFK50’: Kennedy’s Continuing Influence

DANBURY — The 50th anniversary of the election and inauguration of President John F. Kennedy is being celebrated with the observation of JFK50, two events at The Ruth Haas Library at Western Connecticut State University.

The first event was held in November, on the anniversary of President Kennedy’s election, when former Danbury mayor James E. Dyer showed his collection of authentic campaign and inauguration artifacts, Kennedy election fliers, JFK autographs, and other items.

On Thursday, January 27, Mr Dyer will again display inaugural memorabilia and give a talk about his recollections of President Kennedy. His presentation, which will begin at 11 am, will be followed by a lecture by Dr Marcy May, WCSU professor of history and non-western cultures, on President Kennedy’s influence on the country.

The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

“This collection has been fun to compile over the years and has historical significance,” said Mr Dyer. “I met a lot of wonderful people at collection shows, including Caroline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy, Jr, at Municipal Arts Society of New York events. It’s been an exciting dance with history.”

Mr Dyer has shown his collection throughout New York City and the Northeast, in Washington, D.C., and California. The two exhibits at WestConn will conclude 46 years of display; Mr Dyer said he will not show them again.

Mr Dyer is a 1972 WCSU graduate and a former member of the Connecticut State University System Board of Trustees.

Mr Dyer, who was mayor from 1979 to 1987, is in the process of donating his mayoral and personal papers to the university. The Dyer collection is not affiliated with the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

The Haas Library is on the midtown campus of Western Connecticut State University, on Osborne Street. For more information, call the Office of University Relations at 203-837-8486.