August 26, 2009 Hyannis residents, visitors pay respects to Sen. Kennedy Play video

(NECN: Brad Puffer, Hyannis Port, Mass.) - Hyannis has always been a special place for the Kennedy’s. So the JFK Museum on Main Street downtown is now a special place where both visitors and locals can pay their respects, sign a book of condolences, and look at the many pictures displayed in honor of Senator Edward Kennedy.

Janet Powers, Sagamore Beach, MA: "I heard the Senator passed on and my prayers wear going up for him. We were coming to Hyannis today and I just had to see the museum today because I wanted to get the good feeling that was going on around here."

Ed Dexter, Taunton, MA: "We have lost a champion there is not a lot more you can say about it. He will be sorely missed."

The Museum’s founder says not only has the country lost a statesman and leader, but she has also lost a friend.

Rebecca Pierce-Merrick, Founder, JFK Museum: "It is so sad it is hard to put into words. He had been such a friend to this museum and supporter and been here so many times to celebrate so many events and anniversaries it just doesn’t seem possible that he isn’t here."

She says the museum will be open for free the next three days. A new wall has recently been added filled with more recent photos of the Senator from his official duties to his time spent on the water and at the helm of his boat.

This is where he lives. Hyannis Port was his home and he loved it so much as so many of us loved the Cape and the beauty of Cape. It is a small

Suffolk University history professor Bob Allison says Kennedy made a connection with his community, because through his more than four decades of work as a Senator, he helped so many.

"Doing everyday things with everyday people and that’s; what helped him get reelected every six years was his ability to help people no matter who you were."

Whether they were from Cape Cod, other parts of Massachusetts or visitors from across the country, all came here with heavy hearts.

Harriet Dugan, Louisville, KY: "I just think he has been a wonderful Senator I just hate to see it happen they have been a wonderful group of family to help out everybody."