JFK's family heritage in Ireland and Boston are portrayed through artifacts and photographs and especially through a video of his 1963 state visit to Ireland. Of particular interest are the christening gown worn by all the Kennedy children for their baptisms, portrayals of his family's long involvement in politics and government, and beautiful and historic gifts received from Ireland.
Kennedy Commemorative Cup with Lid
Waterford Crystal (founded in 1783)
Crystal
19 in.
This Waterford Crystal cup is etched on all four sides with images of the Kennedy homestead in Dunganstown, Wexford, an immigrant sailing ship, and the White House reflecting the story of President Kennedy and his family.
Kennedy Family Christening Gown
Muslin
Length: 30 in.
Courtesy of the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site
This embroidered Christening gown was worn by John F. Kennedy and each of his brothers and sisters at their baptisms.
Poem transcribed by hand by President Kennedy
On the back of his itinerary for his state visit to Ireland, President Kennedy inscribed the words of a poem that Mrs. Eamon de Valera, wife of the President of Ireland, shared with him. Upon his departure from Shannon Airport he read the poem. Visitors can follow the verses written down by JFK as they watch him on video unfolding the itinerary and reciting "T'is it is the Shannon's brightly gleaming stream...."