“JOHN F. KENNEDY” RESEARCH INSTITUTE
The “John F. Kennedy” Research Institute has been established in Francavilla Bisio around the rich collection of American books ‘Franco Fossati’, held in reserve at the local library, composed of some miscellaneous volumes and a section specifically dedicated to John F. Kennedy and U.S. history. The collection, generously donated by the Fossati family, is absolutely unique in Italy, gathering rare and valuable texts – often limited editions, mainly devoted to John F. Kennedy, his era and 20th century American history – able to provide scholars, who increasingly feel the need to focus on it, a comprehensive overview of these crucial features.
The ‘John F. Kennedy’ Research Institute was founded by the no-profit cultural club ‘Lettere e Arti’, with cooperation and support from the City Council of Francavilla Bisio. The main purpose of the Institute rests in the planning of scientific and cultural events related to American history, with particular emphasis on the age of John F. Kennedy, to be held in the town of Francavilla Bisio and other neighboring towns, as well as to the development and the participation to national and international research projects in partnership with universities, research centers and institutions.
The guidelines of the Institute are shaped by an Advisory Board whose members, selected solely on the basis of professional skills, hold a high cultural profile. The board is currently composed as follows:
– Prof. Francesco Surdich (University of Genoa, President);
– Prof. Luigi Marco Bassani (University of Milan);
– Prof. Luca Codignola (National Research Council);
– Prof. Dino Cofrancesco (University of Genoa);
– Prof. Ferdinando Fasce (University of Genoa);
– Prof. Rubboli Massimo (University of Genoa);
– Dr. Alberto Giordano (University of Milan).
The headquarters of the Institute are located in the Public Library of Francavilla Bisio, via Guasco 39, where a reference room is available with all books, audiovisual and electronic materials required to fulfill the functions of the Institute. The reference room is open to scholars and students, by appointment, during opening hours of the library (for any info please call 0039-0143-350407 or write to centrostudikennedy@lettereearti.it and/or biblioteca@francavillabisio.com).