June 21, 2013
Just yesterday, the National Library hosted the official opening of the JFK Homecoming Exhibit. Fiona Ross opened the ceremony, welcoming the Kennedys and introduing Frankie and his family, the ensemble who played for JFK 50 years ago.
Caroline Kennedy followed, remarking how her “father was a student of history and was proud to become a part of Ireland’s history as well as America’s”. She commemorated the museum and all involved with the process of establishing the JFK Homecoming exhibit. Tatiana Kennedy Schlossberg, Caroline’s daughter and JFK’s grand-daughter, followed with a moving speech, opening with how JFK “…and our family owe a lot to our Irish heritage; our good looks, our humor, our intelligence, and of course, our humility”. She continued by connecting her personal relationship with Ireland to her grandfather’s experience in 1963, noting how the exhibit is an “interesting interaction between memory and the future”.
Minister Jimmy Denihan highlighted the history of Ireland leading up to JFK’s visit, how those in both America and Ireland welcomed JFK equally. He also noted how JFK remarked that Ireland is “not the land of my birth, but it is the land for which I hold most affection”.
The opening was enjoyed by all, and the exhibit is vibrant with photographs, videos and interactive displays for all to understand JFK’s Homecoming.
June 20, 2013
Today, the National Library of Ireland will unveil the new exhibit we’ve all been waiting for, “JFK Homecoming”. In partnership with the National Archives of Ireland, RTÉ Archives, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston and the U.S. Embassy in Dublin, contributions we’ve been adding to our YouTube site will be showcased along with photos, speeches, antique newspaper articles and more to commemorate JFK’s memorable visit to Ireland. Read More
Thank you to all who have contributed to our first week of the JFK Homecoming website! We are excited to have received numerous photographs, videos and stories that commemorate JFK on a personal level. Some highlights include: Read More
On Wednesday, June 19th at 1:00pm, Thomas J. Putnam will speak at our first event, “At the Height of His Presidency: John F. Kennedy – June 1963”. This event will be at the National Library on a first come, first serve basis. Read More
On the occasion of President John F. Kennedy’s birthday on May 29th, the National Library of Ireland in partnership with the U.S. Embassy and RTÉ Archives will be launching a social media campaign and website which celebrates the 50th Anniversary of his visit to Ireland in June 1963. The goal of the campaign is to encourage people to share their family stories, photos, memories and thoughts on the visit.
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