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Fitzgerald Family Bible
Fitzgerald Family Bible

Fitzgerald Family Bible

Artifact IDMO 78.224
Object Type Bible
Date 1850
Maker (Publisher)
Medium Printed paper, ink, leather
DimensionsOverall H 12 5/8 in x W 10 15/16 in x D 5 11/16 in (321 mm x 278 mm x 144 mm )

Physical DescriptionThe Holy Bible, Old Testament first published at Douay 1609, and the New Testament first published at Rheims 1582, with notes by the late Reverend George Leo Haydock, and revision by the Very Rev. F. C. Husenbeth, D. D. Vicar General in the Eastern District of England. The bible is leather bound with a gold leaf cross on the cover. It contains 5 handwritten pages of the Fitzgerald family record, starting with Thomas A. Fitzgerald in 1857. There are notes for the engagement of Rose E. Fitzgerald and Joseph P. Kennedy, their marriage in October 1914, and a list of births for their nine children.
Historical NoteIn the second week of January 1961, John F. Kennedy sent two secret service agents to the Dorchester, Massachusetts home of his uncle,Tom A. Fitzgerald, who had held and preserved this family Bible for many years. Fitzgerald handed the Bible, which had been placed in a shipping bag from a local supermarket, to the agents, who in turn brought it to Washington, D.C. The Bible was used by President Kennedy as he was sworn in to the oath of office as the 35th President of the United States on January 20, 1961.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was owned by the Kennedy Family and donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by Thomas A. Fitzgerald, Jr. in 1978.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of Thomas A. Fitzgerald Jr.
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Family Collection (National Archives Identifier 1677120)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteThis material is not subject to any known copyright or other image use restrictions.
In Collection(s)
On view
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