"Our purpose is to advance the study and understanding of President Kennedy's life and career and the times in which he lived; and to promote a greater appreciation of America's political and cultural heritage, the process of governing and the importance of public service. We accomplish our mission by preserving and making accessible the records of President Kennedy and his times promoting open discourse on critical issues of our own time and educating and encouraging citizens to contribute, through public and community service, to shaping our nation's future."