Get a Glimpse into the Life of JFK This Weekend
Photos courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
What better way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of John F. Kennedy than by stepping inside a room filled with his mementos? As a part of a five-day centennial celebration happening this Memorial Day weekend, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is debuting JFK 100: Milestones and Mementos, an exhibit that chronicles his life through personal objects and notes.
The display provides a glimpse into JFK’s life by showcasing items from his personal life, including belongings from the Brookline native’s adolescence through his presidency. Among the never-before-seen items are JFK’s cabinet chair and the suitcase he carried during the 1960 presidential primaries and election. There will also be items from his wardrobe, like his signature wayfarer sunglasses and a red tie displaying a repetitive pattern of the word “Think.”
One of the quirkier items in the collection is a set of six caricature garden gnomes depicting Cold War leaders. In the photos below, you’ll see a gnome on the right representing JFK, and one on the left representing a shoeless Premier Nikita Khrushchev. It’s a reference to when the Soviet leader angrily removed one shoe and waved it in the air while addressing an international audience in the 1960s.
Preview more mementos below, and check out JFK 100: Milestones & Mementos beginning Friday, May 26, at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston, jfkcentennial.org.
Photo courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
This brown leather suitcase suitcase was used by Senator John F. Kennedy during the 1960 Presidential primaries and general election campaign.
Photo courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
JFK’s personal wardrobe included these sunglasses, cuff links, tie clip, and necktie. The word “Think” is repeated in the tie.
Photo courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
JFK’s United States Navy identification card has his signature, hair color, eye color, weight, and birth date.
Photo courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
The health records of all nine Kennedy children were maintained by Rose Kennedy in this card file system.
Photo courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
These two chestnuts were found on White House grounds by Caroline and John Jr. and given to their father.
Photo courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
This United States flag flew from PT 109 motor torpedo boat, the vessel during Lieutenant John F. Kennedy’s command in April-August of 1943.
Photo courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
These garden gnomes portray JFK and Premier Nikita Khrushchev. A set of six gnomes—each one a caricature of a Cold War leader—was a gift to President Kennedy from a citizen of West Germany.
Photo courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
This black leather high-backed armchair was President John F. Kennedy’s Cabinet Room chair at the White House.
