Located across from Boardwalk Hall on the New Jersey Boardwalk, Kennedy Plaza has numerous features that have allowed it to cultivate a strong identity that is felt across Atlantic City, New Jersey. By defining a section of the Boardwalk in such as distinct manner, Kennedy Plaza has become a hub of activity, highlighting the appeal that such unique identifiers can represent for both residents and visitors.
Connecting with the History and Culture of Atlantic City
What is today known as Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall was built in 1929. The multi-purpose facility is one of the few that remains from the city’s glory days as a seaside resort. As part of the original construction that directly connected it to the era, an architectural feature was built across from it to compliment the structure. This feature was renamed Kennedy Plaza during the Democratic National Convention of 1964, which took place only months after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
A bust of the President was designed and unveiled at the site shortly after. This bust along with the Workers Memorial Monument are the most prominent in the plaza. Dedicated to the men and women of organized labor who lost their lives while working on the redevelopment of Atlantic City, this monument was originally unveiled in 1998 but moved to Kennedy Plaza in 2004.
In 1940 Boardwalk Hall became the home of the Miss America Pageant. Ever since then, Atlantic City has a special relationship with the event and winners, which is evident in the monument that resides on Kennedy Plaza. The 6,000-pound, 7½-foot-tall bronze statue depicts a reigning Miss America crowning her successor. Tourists often stop along the Boardwalk and pose underneath the suspended crown. Contestants still celebrate their arrival to Atlantic City with ceremonies at Kennedy Plaza
The Kennedy Plaza outdoor amphitheater features plenty of space for performing and seating, allowing it to host all sorts of events. The space hosts a series of free summer concerts along with countless other festivals, shows, movies, performances and much more throughout the year. The miniature golf course at Kennedy Plaza has also become a popular feature of the space.
All of these features have enabled Kenndy Plaza to define an identity that is distinct from the New Jersey Boardwalk, cultivating additional opportunities for engagement with both residents and visitors. By connecting to the culture of the city in such notable ways, the landmark has been able to generate activity and revenue to everyone’s benefit.
Connecting the Past and Present of Atlantic City
The entire area around the monuments at Kennedy Plaza showcases important figures and events that have come to define Atlantic City. With plenty of space to host events and activities that engage audiences in the present, the landmark highlights what it can mean for an identity to connect the past and present of a space and an entire region.
