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Aug 29, 2008 12:13 am US/Central
'JFK Remembered' Exhibit Drawing Record Fairgoers
ST. PAUL (WCCO) ―
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The centerpiece of the collection is a replica of Kennedy's parade car. The same piece has appeared in a number of films and TV shows.
CBS
One attraction that always seems to have a line this election year is a tribute to a popular president. The new feature on the fairgrounds is drawing huge crowds. It has nothing to do with food, and it's not a ride. It's a part of American history that's getting visitors of all ages.
People have been lining up to get inside the "JFK Remembered" exhibit on the fairgrounds. Many of them weren't even alive to have a personal memory of the 35th president.
"I just wanted to learn more about John F.K.," said one boy.
Old television reels document JFK's fateful trip to Dallas, Texas. There are also iconic photos of the man from Massachusetts.
The exhibit is the personal collection of Nick Ciacelli. He started in the 4th grade on the day Kennedy was assassinated. It contains Kennedy's jewelry box, a gift from his father in 1946. Kennedy wore a pair of black onyx cufflinks often. He never had a chance to wear the gold Texas stars.
"This was left at the LBJ ranch on November 22. This was next to his bed; his valet had put it there," said Ciacelli, gesturing to the stars. "Of course, he never made it to the LBJ ranch."
The centerpiece of the collection is a replica of Kennedy's parade car. The same vehicle has appeared in a number of films and TV shows, including the Oliver Stone film JFK. The first Catholic president picked the color himself.
"Ford brought to the office six swatches of colors. He leaned down on the desk, and he looked at it and he said, 'Kennedy blue,'" said Ciacelli.
There are also some Minnesota connections. There's a photo of Kennedy with Hubert Humphrey taken in Wisconsin. Also on display is the Vice President's seal and the story of how Humphrey took it in his final days as Vice President.
"He got up on the chair and he unhooked it from above his door, he had a pair of double doors at the old executive office building, and he just took it down and he gave it to Marty Underwood," said Ciacelli.
Ciacelli added that these are the biggest crowds he's ever had for the exhibit. He estimates about 20,000 people a day are taking a look. It really focuses on Kennedy's life, not his assassination. The free exhibit at 1362 Underwood is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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