In October 1963, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) held a
centennial celebration to observe its 1863 founding. Four days
of scientific sessions and events were highlighted by the
October 22 Centennial Convocation at Washington’s Constitution
Hall. President John F. Kennedy’s Centennial Address was
preceded by a colorful academic procession of NAS members and
delegates from U.S. and international academic and scientific
institutions. NAS President Frederick Seitz introduced the
president by linking his attendance and support to the role of
Abraham Lincoln in the Academy’s founding. President Kennedy’s
talk on “A Century of Scientific Conquest” was one of his last
formal speeches. (Left to right: Presidential Science Advisor
Jerome B. Wiesner, President Kennedy, Centennial Committee
Chairman Detlev W. Bronk, Frederick Seitz.)