The JFK Library and Museum in Boston. Photo:
Marcio Silva/Getty
Less than 24 hours after abruptly closing in the middle of the day, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is back open.
On Tuesday, Feb. 18, the Boston library dedicated to the life and memory of former president John F. Kennedy announced in a now-deleted social media post that it was closed until “further notice,” following the firings of several federal employees due to President Donald Trump‘s executive order to shrink the federal workforce.
The library officially reopened its doors again the following morning, on Wednesday, Feb. 19, a spokesperson for the library confirmed to PEOPLE. The foundation also announced its intent to reopen ahead of time on social media, and in statements provided to various outlets.
In a statement provided to Boston 25 News, the National Archives Public and Media Communication said that “the National Archives staff looks forward to welcoming guests, visitors, and researchers” back into the space.
The JFK Library in Boston. Blake Nissen for The Boston Globe via Getty
The JFK Library Foundation had said Tuesday night that the library’s sudden closure was caused by the abrupt layoffs, in a statement to Boston 25 News.
“The sudden dismissal of federal employees at the JFK Library forced the museum to close today,” a spokesperson for the foundation told the outlet. “As the Foundation that supports the JFK Library, we are devastated by this news and will continue to support our colleagues and the Library.”
The foundation had said the mass dismissal was due to Trump’s executive order that intends to shrink the size of the federal workforce and limit hiring to essential positions, according to CBS Boston. Workers had placed a sign on the door Tuesday stating, “Due to an Executive Order concerning a ‘reduction in force (RIF),’ the JFK Library and Museum will be closed to the public until further notice,” per the outlet.
The library has not announced whether its doors will continue to stay open according to its usual schedule after its Feb. 19 return. PEOPLE has reached out to the National Archives and Records Administration, which oversees all presidential libraries, for comment. The JFK Library is also supported by the nonprofit JFK Library Foundation.
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Inside the JFK Library and Museum in Boston. Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty
Following the library’s closure, Jack Schlossberg, 32, returned from his previously announced social media hiatus to criticize Trump and the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
On Instagram, Schlossberg, the only grandson of former President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy Onassis, wrote in part, “STEALING HISTORY from the PEOPLE — our government is using PROPAGANDA TO CHANGE THE PAST — Today DOGE SHUT DOWN the JFK LIBRARY — welcomes thousands of students [every] year to learn about US HISTORY.”
He also wrote that the employees who were laid off abruptly “1) generate REVENUE FOR THE GOVT” and “2) are NECESSARY to keep the institution open.”
“This isn’t about me — but I have worked with the JFKL staff for decades and they are truly amazing,” Schlossberg continued. “Thank you to them , to Rachel day Flor , to the ARCHIVISTS OF THE US never thought they’d be on the frontlines of battle but here we are !!”
