A contingent of folks from where I work is in Boston for four days to attend the annual ASAE (American Society of Association Executives) Conference. It's the first trip there for most of us, and while we haven't brought the Red Sox much luck, it's been a memorable trip thus far.
- Since the conference did not begin until mid-afternoon today, we were able to spend the morning at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. My first memory is that of the day that President Kennedy was assassinated, and I've always found Kennedy and his nemesis, Richard Nixon, to be the most fascinating American political figures of my lifetime. The museum is a magnificent and moving experience, and does a wonderful job of conveying both the optimism of those years as well as the charsima and grace of the Kennedy Administration. Currently and through September 2007, the tour begins with an exhibit on the President's visit to Ireland in June 1963, probably the most emotional trip of his presidency, and it is a great way to begin. Other highlights include multimedia presentations on the debates with Nixon, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the assassination. Memorable, and moving.
- A walk through the Granary Burying Ground, resting place of Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams, among others.
- A stroll through Boston Common, and the Public Garden, including the Swan Boats and the statue of George Washington.
- An opening night reception at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, currently featuring an exhibition on American painters who spent significant amounts of time in Paris, including Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent. The conference was able to pull off an impressive logistical feat, managing to transport a couple of thousand folks from hotels all over the city to and from the museum. I'm sure the museum staff was thrilled to have a bunch of folks wandering around after having had a couple (or more) drinks, but everyone appeared to be on their best behavior.
All in all, a great day.
(revised 8/20)
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