John F Kennedy and the Kennedy family played a significant role in shaping the history of Barnstable, Cape Cod, and our nation. To honor the Kennedy legacy, in 2012 the Town of Barnstable created the Kennedy Legacy Trail, comprised of 10 signs located at significant sites all within walking distance of each other. In late 2023, the town transferred the care and maintenance of the trail components (graphics for maps, brochures, website, audio files, site signs, wayfinding stickers on the sidewalks, etc.) to the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum.
CARE awarded a grant to update the information panels on existing metal sign panels facing that have become worn, faded and in some cases incorrect. The landscaping at the base of each sign has also been restored. The trail’s companion website that expands info gleaned from each site panel has new graphics, refreshed branding, copy and content
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The self-guided walking trail leads visitors with a printed map or the downloaded version on their smartphone to 10 important Kennedy family sites in downtown Hyannis. At each site, an informational sign uncovers stories and history about the Kennedy’s on Cape Cod. The free tour helps visitors from around the world gain an understanding of the Kennedy family’s ties to Cape Cod. The walking trail is 1.6 miles in one direction and takes approximately 1 hour to complete. In 2024, we are adding a narrated and guided option for a admission fee to the walking tour. For more information visit the website. 