Robert F. Morey collection of John F. Kennedy

Collection

Identifier: MS-2020-056

Staff Only

Dates

Creation: 1956 June 13

Scope and Contents

Materials from then-Senator John F. Kennedy's participation in the 1956 Boston College Commencement. Materials include his honorary degree hood and a copy of his speech, annotated in blue ink, presumably in Kennedy's own hand. In his remarks, he discussed his own Catholic faith and that of Boston College and its students, urging the graduating class to become involved in politics and governance in whatever capacity they could.

Creator

Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963 (Person)

Restrictions on Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

These materials are made available for use in research, teaching and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright Law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source. The original authors may retain copyright to the materials.

Biographical note: Robert Morey

Robert F. Morey (1913-1996) was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts. In his varied career he worked as a prize fighter, shipyard electrician, chauffeur, political campaign staffer, Senatorial aide, artist, and US Marshal.

Morey was familiar with the Kennedy family, known to encourage Edward and John F. Kennedy to paint and to paint with them. He worked for John F. Kennedy in a few capacities over time, including as his chauffeur, on his 1946 campaign for U.S. Representative, and as his Senatorial aide (1953). In 1961, Kennedy named Morey U.S. Marshal for Massachusetts. Later, a 1966 design by Morey was selected as the official seal for the U.S. Marshals Service, a design that is still in use today.

Source:

Meredith, "Senator Kennedy and His Glasses," Books @ Bromer, 2012 February 23. bromerbooksellers.blogspot.com/2012/02/senator-kennedy-and-his-glasses.html

Extent

1.5 Linear Feet (2 containers)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Materials collected by Robert F. Morey from then-Senator John F. Kennedy's participation in the 1956 Boston College Commencement, including his honorary degree hood and his annotated speech.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchased from Skinner Auctioneers, 2015. Materials are from the collection of Robert F. Morey, former U.S. Marshall and Kennedy aide; originally sold through Skinner Auctioneers on November 15, 1997.

Related Materials

"Commencement Address at Boston College” by Senator John F. Kennedy, June 13, 1956, Commencement Programs, University Archives, John J. Burns Library, Boston College.

John T. Galvin papers, BC.1996.083, John J. Burns Library, Boston College.

Papers of John F. Kennedy. Pre-Presidential Papers. Senate Files. Speeches and the Press. Speech Files, 1953-1960. Boston College commencement address, 13 June 1956. JFKSEN-0895-019. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.