John Kennedy's appointment of his 35 year old brother Robert was controversial. But RFK silenced the critics by assembling a skilled and dedicated staff, promoting programs to enforce civil rights, combating organized crime, improving legal access for the poor, and developing new approaches to juvenile delinquency. The president also relied heavily on his brother as political adviser, foreign affairs counselor, and as a most trusted confidant.
USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.
Augustus J. Robinson
Oil on canvas
Framed: 28 ¾ x 36 ¾ in.
Courtesy of Senator and Mrs. Edward M. Kennedy
This painting is of the Navy Gearing class destroyer the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. named after Attorney General Robert Kennedy's brother Joe who was killed in WWII. The ship served during in the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and America's space program. Seaman Robert F. Kennedy served from 1945 to 1946 as a member of the ship's crew.
US Marshal Helmet
Metal
7 in.
Courtesy of Mrs. Ethel Kennedy
This helmet was worn by one of the U.S. Marshals sent to protect James Meredith as he became the first black student to register at the University of Mississippi on October 1, 1961. The dent in the helmet resulted from a blow by a lead pipe wielding rioter. Many of the U.S. Marshals sustained injuries in the rioting by those who sought to block Meredith's enrollment. Robert Kennedy kept this helmet on a table behind his desk.
Football
Wilson
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Courtesy of Mrs. Ethel Kennedy
This football was presented to Robert Kennedy by the Baltimore Colts NFL team. RFK used it in playing games of touch football with his children.