Groundbreaking held on Kennedy Institute in Boston

BOSTON (AP) — Kennedy family members have joined federal officials and others in breaking ground in Boston on the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate.

Today’s ceremony is being held on a site next to the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum. Kennedy’s widow, Victoria Kennedy, and other family members joined Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd for the ceremony.

The institute will be devoted to promoting citizen participation in democracy. It will feature a replica of the Senate chamber where the Massachusetts Democrat served for 47 years until his death from brain cancer in 2009. Planners have raised $60 million in private donations and pledges; $38 million will come from federal funds.