Obama to dedicate Edward Kennedy Institute

by Mark Hensch - 03/28/15 2:38 PM ET

President Obama will visit Boston on Monday to formally dedicate an educational institution named after Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass).

The Boston Globe reported Saturday that Obama leads a host of notable speakers at the unveiling of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate early next week.

{mosads}Vice President Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry, himself a former Massachusetts Senator, will also give remarks.

The Bay State’s two active Senators — Elizabeth Warren (D) and Ed Markey (D) — additionally plan on speaking. Gov. Charlie Baker (R-Mass.) rounds out the cast of scheduled participants.

The Institute opens Tuesday and will feature a number of exhibits dedicated to Kennedy and the Senate itself. Its main attraction is a life-sized replica of Congress’ upper chamber, built to scale.

The museum will also educate visitors on the Senate’s creation, history and practices. It will even allow a faux voting process for aspiring “Senators” during their trip.

Monday’s ceremony will also immortalize Kennedy’s storied Senate career. He passed away in August 2009 after a prolonged struggle with brain cancer.

The Institute boasts a near-duplication of Kennedy’s Senate office and clips of his many famous speeches in Congress. It will also display family heirlooms honoring his late brothers, former President John Kennedy and former Sen. Robert Kennedy (D-Mass), as well.

John Kennedy’s presidential library is next door. The Institute has a 99-year lease on its land from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

President Obama’s speech Monday follows his weekend vacation in Florida. He reportedly traveled to Palm City Saturday to golf at the Floridian National Golf Club.

Tags Ted Kennedy