A Conversation with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis at Grand Central Terminal, NY
Dan Blanchard (DB): Mrs. Kennedy, it’s an honor to have you here at Grand Central Terminal. For so many people, this is just a busy transit hub, but I know you saw it as much more. What was it like for you to step in and help save this place?
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (JKO): Thank you, Dan. For me, it was about history, beauty, and the soul of New York City. Grand Central wasn’t just bricks and marble—it was a symbol of vision and ingenuity. I saw the threat of demolition and realized that losing it would be like erasing a chapter of our shared heritage. Preserving it was preserving a story, a legacy.
DB: It’s amazing to think about how Grand Central evolved—from the Grand Central Depot in the 1870s, to the Terminal in 1913. Cornelius Vanderbilt really thought big, electrified the trains, and put them underground, freeing up 48 acres. What do you think about that kind of vision?
JKO: Vision without protection is fragile. Vanderbilt had the imagination to transform transportation, to think bigger than anyone else. But a vision like his requires guardians, people willing to act when others might take it for granted. That’s where civic responsibility comes in—we must safeguard what others have built so innovation can endure.
DB: And when you saved Grand Central in the 1970s, it was on the brink. The terminal was dilapidated, the rise of cars and the jet engine had changed travel. How did you approach such a monumental task?
JKO: With determination, collaboration, and a belief that culture matters. I worked with architects, historians, and the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The goal wasn’t just to stop demolition; it was to inspire people to see the value in history and beauty. Leadership often means standing firm when what’s at stake is larger than yourself.
DB: Today, visitors marvel at the 12-story-high ceiling, the Mediterranean night sky mural, the ramps, the four-sided clock, and even the hidden gems—the whispering gallery, the secret tennis court, Track 61 for FDR. Does it surprise you that such innovations, even accidents of engineering, have captured the imagination of millions?
JKO: Not at all. Great design—whether intentional or serendipitous—invites wonder. The architecture tells stories, encourages curiosity, and reminds us that thoughtful planning can shape experience for generations. Preserving those stories is part of honoring human achievement.
DB: There’s a powerful leadership lesson here, isn’t there? Think big, act bigger, and protect your vision?
JKO: Absolutely, Dan. Leadership is about foresight, courage, and stewardship. Vanderbilt thought big, and his vision became a marvel—but it still needed protection. Acting bigger means making difficult choices, sometimes against prevailing trends, to preserve what truly matters. That’s what we owe to history, to culture, and to future generations.
DB: Now, in 2023, Grand Central has expanded again, with the Long Island Railroad 150 feet below, a 20-year, $11 billion project. It seems the spirit of thinking big and acting bigger continues.
JKO: Indeed. Vision is never static. It must evolve while honoring the past. Every generation adds its chapter, and it’s our responsibility to respect that history while enabling progress. Grand Central is a living reminder that vision, action, and protection can coexist beautifully.
DB: Mrs. Kennedy, thank you for sharing your insights. Walking through Grand Central today, I feel the layers of history, innovation, and leadership all at once.
JKO: Thank you, Dan. And remember, every place has a story, and every story needs someone willing to protect it. That is leadership in its most enduring form.
DB: Well said. Grand Central Terminal isn’t just a train station—it’s a lesson in vision, perseverance, and legacy.
JKO: Precisely, Dan. And may every visitor leave inspired to think big, act boldly, and safeguard the treasures around them.
