Word on the Hill: JFK Centennial Exhibit Debuts

By Alex Gangitano

Posted May 2, 2017 at 5:00am

With the 100th birth anniversary of the late President John F. Kennedy coming up on May 29, the Smithsonian American Art Museum is releasing a new exhibit, American Visionary: John F. Kennedy’s Life and Times.

The exhibit runs from Wednesday through Sept. 17, and the museum is kicking it off with a gala today. Expected attendees include: Caroline Kennedy, the late president’s daughter and former U.S. ambassador to Japan, Mavis Staples, who sang with The Staple Singers at JFK’s 1961 inauguration, and singer Aaron Neville.

Media outlets have been invited to walk around the museum a day before it opens to the public. Watch for HOH’s coverage of both events.

Also happening today …

The fifth annual CHEERS: A Celebration of Beer & Food during the 2017 National Beer Wholesalers Association Legislative Conference, 7 to 9 p.m., Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building’s Great Hall, 10 First St. SE.

Staffer shuffle

Marathon Petroleum Corporation announced Monday that Jake Menefee will be the next head of its office for federal government affairs. He is the federal government affairs manager, and replaces Patricia Richards, who will retire on July 1 after more than 30 years with the company. Menefee is a former Capitol Hill staffer who worked for members on the House Financial Services and Ways and Means committees.