A half-century ago, on May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy’s declaration “we choose to go to the Moon” set in motion the largest mobilization of financial and human resources to achieve a single purpose in U.S. peacetime history. Addressing a joint session of Congress, Kennedy announced his decision to send Americans to the Moon “before this decade is out.” The project culminated with the Apollo 11 lunar landing in July 1969. Dr. Logsdon will discuss the reasons behind Kennedy’s decision to go to the Moon and the actions he took to turn the decision into a successful program as well as to evaluate the scientific and historical legacies of Project Apollo.

Dr. John Logsdon is the former Lindbergh Chair of National Air and Space Museum’s Division of Aeronautics and author of John F. Kennedy and the Race to the Moon. 

This event will be followed by a book signing of Dr. Logsdon’s new book, ”John F. Kennedy and the Race to the Moon,” in front of the Museum store (approximately 2:15 pm).

  • John F. Kennedy speaks to Congress during a speech announcing his plans to put Americans on the moon.
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    President John F. Kennedy in his historic message to a joint session of the Congress, on May 25, 1961 declared, "...I believe this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth." This goal was achieved when astronaut Neil A. Armstrong became the first human to set foot upon the Moon at 10:56 p.m. EDT, July 20, 1969. Shown in the background are, (left) Vice President Lyndon Johnson, and (right) Speaker of the House Sam T. Rayburn.

     

    NASA Image Number: S70-18218

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  • John F. Kennedy speaks to Congress during a speech announcing his plans to put Americans on the moon.

How to attend

National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

6th St. and Independence Ave SW. Washington, DC 20560