The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston unexpectedly closed Tuesday after several employees were laid off.
“The sudden dismissal of federal employees at the JFK Library forced the museum to close today,” said a statement from the JFK Library Foundation. “As the Foundation that supports the JFK Library, we are devastated by this news and will continue to support our colleagues and the Library.”
A spokesperson for the JFK Library and Museum confirmed it closed at 2 p.m. Tuesday and referred GBH News to the National Archives. The National Archives Public and Media communications staff told GBH News the library and museum will reopen on Wednesday, as the JFK Library and Museum confirmed on social media .
“It’s been chaotic, and we are seeking clarity,” said a source with knowledge of the situation. “We have been informed that a certain segment of employees have been let go. … To our understanding, this is a part of national efforts.”
The terminations come just days after the Trump administration reportedly forced out senior leadership at the National Archives and Records Administration . President Donald Trump has been critical of the archives since the agency asked the Department of Justice to investigate his mishandling of classified documents upon leaving office.
At 2 p.m. Tuesday, the JFK Library and Museum announced that it would be closed until further notice. A sign posted on the door of the library said the closure was “due to an Executive Order concerning a ‘reduction in force (RIF).”
The source told GBH News that staff were notified of the terminations just before that announcement. They said front desk staff were among the five people let go.
“Without them, we are unable to stay open to the public until further notice,” they said.
Jack Schlossberg, a grandson of John F. Kennedy, slammed the closure in an Instagram post , where he said, “Today DOGE SHUT DOWN the JFK Library,” referring to the Department of Government Efficiency run by Elon Musk. “The director of presidential libraries instructed the JFK library to fire probationary staff effective immediately and until further notice.”
In a statement, Gov. Maura Healey said, “Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s thoughtless crusade has caused an iconic institution and economic driver to close in Massachusetts. The JFK Library plays an essential role in our state and nation’s history, our travel and tourism sector, and our economy.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
