Close
Not finding the information you're looking for? Please contact the Archives research staff.
Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-RFK-02
In this interview Robert F. Kennedy [RFK] discusses the 1961 Berlin crisis; American forces, military and diplomatic, in Germany; John F. Kennedy’s [JFK] recommendation for Americans to have fallout shelters; nuclear testing; problems with the Department of State; the start of the conflict in Vietnam, 1961; the Department of Justice under RFK and organized crime; RFK’s difficult relationship with J. Edgar Hoover; the wiretapping bill; new federal judgeships in 1961 and other presidential appointments; the Alliance for Progress; Red China; crises during JFK’s presidency and how he was an optimist; RFK’s move for an income tax increase during the Berlin crisis; RFK’s disagreements with President JFK; indecisiveness over picking JFK’s running mate, 1960; the missile gap; fighting and UN operations in the Congo; Nikita S. Khrushchev’s speeches; RFK’s 1962 trip to Japan, Indonesia, Germany, and other countries; the release of Allen L. Pope; Dutch disputes in Southeast Asia; the 1961 crisis in the Dominican Republic and the assassination of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina; the 1962 disarmament conference in Geneva; Edward M. Kennedy’s 1962 campaign for U.S. Senate; the Kennedy family national and political reputation; the Justice Department under RFK and civil rights; and the 1962 steel crisis, among other issues.
Photograph folder
Kennedy Family Collection
KFC-011-025
Contains 5 photographic prints: (KFC2130P, KFC2746N, KFC2747N, KFC2860P, KFC2739N)
Photograph folder
Kennedy Family Collection
KFC-007-030
Contains 7 photographic prints: (KFC1957N, KFC1958N, KFC1959N, KFC1961N, KFC1962N, KFC1963N, KFC2005N)
Textual folder
Kennedy Family Collection
KFC-069-001
This photograph album, compiled by Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, contains photographs from 1938 and 1939 that document Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.’s tenure as United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom. An original typed inscription taped on the front pastedown reads, "I should appreciate it if no one remove pictures from this book. If you do so, it will not be so interesting for other people. Personally, I should like to keep all the pictures to look at myself, because as you know we lost all the moving pictures of you children. Many of these pictures have been lost in the past, due to the clamor of newspapermen, so please do not remove any more. Thank you. Rose Kennedy." An original handwritten note in blue ink taped on the front free endpaper reads, "Joe + some photos in American Embassy London 1938-9." The verso of the note includes a handwritten inscription in red pencil that is mostly illegible but appears to be a reflection on faith. Photographs capture Ambassador Kennedy and other members of the Embassy staff posing in their offices; exterior and interior views of the Embassy building in Grosvenor Square and the Ambassador's residence at 14 Prince's Gate, both in London, England; Ambassador Kennedy and Rose dressed in evening clothes on the occasion of a State banquet honoring King Carol II of Romania; Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., reading a book to his younger brother, Edward M. “Ted” Kennedy, who is sitting in his lap; and Ted being served dinner in the dining room of the Ambassador's residence. Also featured in several photographs is Ambassador Kennedy’s secretary and friend, Edward E. Moore. This photograph album contains 26 photographic prints.
Textual folder
Kennedy Family Collection
KFC-067-001
This photograph album, compiled by Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, documents the travels of the Kennedy family in 1938 and 1939 during Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.'s tenure as United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Of note are photographs of the family's trans-Atlantic voyage from the United States to London, England, aboard the S.S. Washington; their residence at 14 Prince's Gate in London; a Changing of Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, including photos taken by Edward M. “Ted” Kennedy with his box camera; members of the Life Guards regiment of the British Army; the Serpentine recreational lake and Kensington Gardens in London; "Barroc End," the home the Kennedy family rented in Ascot, England; Paris, Fontainebleau, Barbizon, Cannes, Mougins, and Antibes, France; Interlakken, the Rhone Glacier, Lucerne, and the Little Scheidegg mountain pass in Switzerland; Cologne and Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany, as well as views from aboard a steamship on the Rhine River; Marken and Volendam, Holland (the Netherlands); Blarney and Cork, Ireland; Vatican City; and Rome, Italy. Those pictured include Rose; Joseph, Sr.; Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr.; John F. Kennedy; Rosemary Kennedy; Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy; Eunice Kennedy; Patricia “Pat” Kennedy; Robert F. “Bob” Kennedy; Jean Kennedy; Ted; Kennedy family friends, Edward E. Moore and Mary Moore; Governess to the Kennedy children, Elizabeth Dunn (referred to as “Dunn” in original captions); and nurse to the Kennedy children, Luella Hennessey. Many leaves contain original handwritten captions in white ink, although the handwriting does not belong to Rose and the writer has not been determined. Original handwritten inscriptions are written in black and blue ink and pencil on the versos of many photographs. This photograph album contains 150 photographic prints.
Textual folder
Kennedy Family Collection
KFC-066-001
This scrapbook, compiled by Edward M. “Teddy” Kennedy (likely with assistance from a governess, nurse, or family member), documents a wide range of activities of the Kennedy family in 1938 and 1939 during Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.'s tenure as United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom. A handwritten note on the front free endpaper reads, “Teddy Kennedy / 14, Prince’s Gate / London, England” in black ink. Of note are clippings related to the family's trans-Atlantic voyage aboard the S.S. Washington and arrival in London in early 1938; their residence at 14 Prince's Gate in London; aspects of Ambassador Kennedy's diplomatic role, including his first levee (an audience with the king) at St. James's Palace in London, his first speech as Ambassador, and his impressions of the potential for war in Europe and of trade relations between Great Britain and the United States; Joseph P. “Joe” Kennedy, Jr.’s participation in rugby at Harvard University; Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy's attendance at a luncheon at the American Women's Club of London; Rosemary Kennedy and Eunice Kennedy’s arrival in London; Kathleen Kennedy and Rosemary's presentation as debutantes at the Court of St. James's; Teddy and Robert F. “Bobby” Kennedy’s assistance at the ribbon cutting of London’s Children’s Zoo; and a family trip to St. Moritz, Switzerland, following the Christmas holiday in 1938. Also of note are photographs of a mounted police officer and of the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace that were likely taken by Teddy on his box camera, as well as tickets to the Army versus Royal Air Force rugby match on March 26, 1938, and to the King’s Birthday Parade on June 9, 1938. This scrapbook contains 230 newspaper and magazine clippings, eight photographic prints, and three tickets.
Textual folder
Kennedy Family Collection
KFC-065-001
This scrapbook, compiled by Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, documents news and events in the lives of the Kennedy family following Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.’s appointment as United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom in 1938. The gold stamped title on the cover reads, “Scrap Book.” The handwritten inscription on the cover, written in green ink and pencil, reads, “Dave. v.g. I think / Mrs. / Kennedy / Children’s letters ? + cards.” The majority of the materials relate to Rose’s illness and surgery in January 1938. These materials include numerous newspaper clippings, as well as calling cards, greeting cards, telegrams, letters, and notes that Rose received during her recovery. Those who sent well-wishes include Rose’s husband, Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.; her children, Joseph P. “Joe” Kennedy, Jr., John F. “Jack” Kennedy, Rosemary Kennedy, Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy, Eunice Kennedy, Patricia “Pat” Kennedy, Robert F. “Bob” Kennedy, Jean Kennedy, and Edward M. “Teddy” Kennedy; her father, John F. “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald; President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt; James Roosevelt, son of President Roosevelt, and Betsey Cushing Roosevelt; Massachusetts politician, Leverett Saltonstall; Governor of Massachusetts, Charles F. Hurley; Kennedy family friends, Edward E. Moore and Mary Moore; radio commentator, Boake Carter; Chairman of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Will H. Hays, and Jessie Hays; and other family members, friends, and political and business acquaintances. Also of note are newspaper clippings related to Rose’s involvement with the Ace of Clubs organization, which she founded; the Kennedy family’s residence at 14 Prince’s Gate, the home of the United States Ambassador to Great Britain, in London, England; and Honey Fitz's 75th birthday. Many items include Rose’s original handwritten notations in black ink and pencil. This scrapbook contains 58 calling cards, with many containing handwritten messages; 37 newspaper and magazine clippings; 24 greeting cards; 16 telegrams; 16 typed and handwritten letters; and several typed and printed notes featuring poems and song lyrics.
Textual folder
Kennedy Family Collection
KFC-064-001
This scrapbook, compiled by Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, contains newspaper and magazine clippings from 1938 and 1939 that document a wide range of activities of the Kennedy family during Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.’s tenure as United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Of note are clippings related to the family’s trans-Atlantic voyage aboard the S.S. Washington and arrival in London, England; their residence at 14 Prince’s Gate in London; Kathleen Kennedy's purported relationship with J. Peter Grace, son of W.R. Grace and Company president, Joseph Peter Grace, Sr.; Ambassador Kennedy’s first speech in his diplomatic role; Rose and Viscountess Nancy Astor’s attendance at a luncheon at the American Women's Club; Joseph P. "Joe" Kennedy, Jr.’s participation on the Harvard University rugby team; Kathleen and Rosemary Kennedy’s presentation at the Court of St. James’s; dances and parties attended and hosted by Ambassador Kennedy and Rose, including one attended by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth; Edward M. “Teddy” Kennedy’s assistance at the ribbon cutting of London’s Children’s Zoo; Ambassador Kennedy’s arrival in London with Joe, Jr., and John F. “Jack” Kennedy, following a trip back to the United States; Ambassador Kennedy’s receipt of an honorary degree from the National University of Ireland; the family’s vacations in France and Ireland; winter activities including skating and skiing in St. Moritz, Switzerland; Jack's impressions of Europe after a month abroad in England, Germany, and France; Kathleen's relationship with William “Billy” Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington; the family’s audience with Pope Pius XII at his coronation in Vatican City; Kathleen and Joe, Jr.’s visit to Madrid, Spain; Eunice Kennedy’s presentation at the Court of St. James’s; and Billy Hartington’s coming of age party. This scrapbook contains 417 newspaper and magazine clippings.
Textual folder
Kennedy Family Collection
KFC-063-001
This scrapbook, compiled by Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, contains newspaper clippings from 1938 and 1939 that document a range of activities of the Kennedy family during Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.’s tenure as United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom, when the family lived at the Ambassador's residence at 14 Prince's Gate in London, England. Topics covered by clippings include the coronation of Pope Pius XII in Vatican City, which Ambassador Kennedy attended; the prospect of British involvement in the global conflict that became World War II; Ambassador Kennedy’s opinions on and actions related to the war and other political and economic issues; the arrivals of the Kennedy children in London; and various sporting events and society news. Two loose items found between pages of the scrapbook are a calling card from the U.S. Ambassador to France, William C. Bullitt, and a photograph of an unidentified man standing beside a reindeer with the printed caption, “Lappi/Lappland.” This scrapbook contains 45 newspaper clippings, one calling card, and one photographic print.
Textual folder
Kennedy Family Collection
KFC-061-001
This scrapbook, compiled by Joseph P. “Joe” Kennedy, Jr., documents his education, travels, and other aspects of his life from 1936 to 1940. The scrapbook contains clippings, photographs, postcards, and printed ephemera related to his time at Harvard University; his father, Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.’s tenure as United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom; trips to various European countries; and social events and activities. Newspaper and periodical clippings cover a wide range of topics, including Joe, Jr.’s athletic career and involvement in student government at Harvard; the Kennedy family’s arrival in London, England, following Joe, Sr.'s appointment as ambassador; the prospect of British involvement in the global conflict that became World War II; Joe, Sr.'s opinions on and actions related to the war; and other political and society news and events. Others featured in clippings and pictured in photographs include Joe, Jr.’s mother, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy; his siblings, John F. “Jack” Kennedy, Rosemary Kennedy, Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy, Eunice Kennedy, Patricia Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Jean Kennedy, and Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy; his grandparents, John F. "Honey Fitz" Fitzgerald and Mary Josephine Hannon Fitzgerald; his cousin, Joseph Francis Gargan, Jr.; and family friend, Hugh Fraser. Printed ephemera pasted into the scrapbook include invitations to various parties, receptions, luncheons, dinners, weddings, meetings, and banquets, including a ball at Buckingham Palace; event programs; menus; tickets; and calling cards. Of note are a set of fingerprints that Joe, Jr., had taken during a visit to the Boston Police Headquarters; an envelope containing five bird feathers; photographs of Joe, Jr., dressed in drag for a Harvard theater production; clippings related to his purported relationship with figure skater Megan Taylor; a letter from British Member of Parliament, Anthony Eden; photographic prints and postcards that capture a Kennedy family trip to St. Moritz, Switzerland; a photograph of Joe, Jr., aboard the R.M.S. Mauretania; clippings related to Joe, Jr.’s voyage from London to New York City, New York; Spanish paper currency; an unsent postcard addressed to Katherine “Kikoo” Conboy, nanny to the Kennedy children, signed by Joe, Jr.; a photographic postcard signed by Alois Lang, the actor who portrayed Jesus in the 1934 performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play in Bavaria, Germany; contact prints of strips of 35mm black and white negatives that capture scenes from Joe, Jr.’s 1939 trip to Spain with Kathleen following the end of the Spanish Civil War, including images of Spanish Loyalist tanks and damage from the siege of the Alcázar of Toledo; a photographic postcard featuring an image of Adolf Hitler shaking hands with Hermann Göring; signed portrait photos of several unidentified women; and prints of four watercolor illustrations depicting scenes from the Spanish Civil War, credited to “Artillery Lieutenant Luis Serrano.” Other destinations pictured in photographic prints and postcards include Warsaw, Poland; Cannes, France; Capri, Rome, Venice, Naples, and Amalfi, Italy; Copenhagen, Denmark; Czechoslovakia; Killarney and other locations in Ireland; and Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia. Original handwritten captions and inscriptions are written in black ink on some of the leaves. This photograph album contains 164 photographic prints and postcards, 134 newspaper and periodical clippings, 29 pieces of printed ephemera, six banknotes and two banknote fragments, four pieces of correspondence, and four prints of watercolor drawings.
Photograph
Kennedy Family Collection
KFC-02739N
United States Ambassador to Great Britain, Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. (seated center), dines with his sons, Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. (left), and Edward M. Kennedy (partially obscured by serving tray), in the dining room at the U.S. Embassy residence in London, England; several unidentified household staff are also visible.
Collection
JKGPP
Economist, educator, author, diplomat. Professor of Economics, Harvard University (1949-1975); Ambassador to India (1961-1963). Correspondence, memorandums, draft manuscripts of books and articles, reports, speeches, interviews, testimonies, and news clippings covering his early career, early government service, Harvard University, the 1960 Presidential election campaign as well as other Presidential and Senatorial campaigns, diplomatic papers, and his career as an author.
Collection
BHNPC
Photographs, circa 1880-1972. Primarily 8” x 10” black-and-white prints. Images made by Boston Herald photographers and the Associated Press wire services, featuring John F. Kennedy and the Kennedy family at various events during his tenure as Congressman through his presidency. Also included are historic family photographs as well as images of John F. Kennedy’s assassination and memorial services, Jacqueline Kennedy’s life through 1969, and the creation of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.