Welcome to the JFK Birthplace National Historic Site, where the story of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, begins. Located at 83 Beals Street in Brookline, Massachusetts, this modest home is not just a house, but a treasure trove of history. As you walk through the rooms, imagine the early 20th century setting where Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy and Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. welcomed their second son, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, on May 29, 1917.
This house was not only the birthplace of JFK but also where he spent his formative years. The Kennedy family bought the house in 1914, and it was here that Rose Kennedy meticulously planned her children’s futures. The home reflects the values and aspirations of a family destined for greatness.
During your visit, you’ll learn about the daily life of the Kennedy family, guided by Rose Kennedy’s own recollections. She played a significant role in preserving the house as it was in 1917, ensuring that visitors could step back in time and experience the environment that shaped a future president.
Important political and social ideas were fostered in these very rooms. The Kennedy family was deeply involved in public service, a legacy that began in this house with discussions at the dinner table.
After JFK’s assassination in 1963, Rose Kennedy repurchased the house in 1966 and restored it to its original condition as a memorial to her son. It was donated to the National Park Service in 1967, ensuring that future generations could visit and reflect on the beginnings of a man who would become a pivotal figure in American history.
As you explore, keep an ear out for stories about young Jack’s childhood antics and the disciplined upbringing that set the stage for his later life. It’s a chance to witness the intersection of personal history with the broader American narrative.
