To trace the life of John F. Kennedy in Massachusetts, we’re starting at his childhood home in Brookline, dining at the Parker House restaurant in Boston, visiting the JFK Library in Dorchester, and then heading to Hyannis, the Kennedys’ Cape Cod retreat. Get ready for this presidential road trip to understand his life and legacy
John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site
Located on Beals Street, a neighborhood lane in Coolidge Corner, is Kennedy’s childhood home. Built in 1909, this house is a classic example of early 20th-century residential architecture, specifically the Colonial Revival style. The John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Start your journey chronicling the life of JFK here in Brookline. And while you’re there, head to Anna’s Taqueria close by on Harvard Street.
Parker House Restaurant
The Omni Parker House is one of Boston’s oldest (19th-century) and still one of the nicest hotels. Check out the wood-paneled lobby. Chandeliers and rotary phones harken back to a different era. Hungry? Try Parker’s Restaurant for three Boston signatures: Boston Cream Pie (invented here), the Parker House roll (also originated here), and scrod–not a species of fish but whatever’s the freshest from the fisherman’s catch that morning. But how does this relate to JFK? Good thing you asked! Kennedy was a frequent patron of the restaurant and proposed to Jackie at table 40.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Located at Columbia Point in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, it is the presidential library and a museum dedicated to the life, work, and legacy of President Kennedy. Its stunning modern design is highly recognized and was built by famed architect I.M. Pei. Among others, there are exhibits here focusing on Kennedy’s campaign trail, the Space Race, and Kennedy’s wife, Jacqueline.
Now we’re heading south to Cape Cod to finish our JFK presidential road trip. Hyannis Port is the home of the Kennedy Compound, the private estate of the family, and is still lived in today. Hyannis also contains the JFK Memorial Park, the church that the Kennedys attended while summering, and the JFK Hyannis Museum. The Hyannis Armory was also where Kennedy delivered his victory speech after winning the 1960 election.
The Kennedy Compound
This large private estate is located in Hyannis Port and has been the traditional summer home for the Kennedy family for decades. It was built in 1904. The Kennedys first stayed here in 1926 and bought it two years later. The estate remains a private residence and is not accessible to the public. It is best viewed from the sea, as its Marchant Avenue address is mostly obscured from the street.
St. Francis Xavier Church
This church became the summer parish of the Kennedys and has been the location of family sacraments, including the wedding of Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Colloquially, this church is known as the “Kennedy Church” and is still an active parish.
The JFK Hyannis Museum
This museum details Kennedy’s life and relationship to Cape Cod. During Kennedy’s presidency, he established the Cape Cod National Seashore. The exhibits here trace his life’s path from growing up in a prominent Boston family to his years as president, with an emphasis on his continued legacy and that of his politically influential brothers.
JFK Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park
This park and beach is located in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and also contains a memorial to John F. Kennedy, not far from the family compound. The park offers a welcome respite from the bustling downtown area of Hyannis or the crowded Cape beaches in this region. There’s a lawn, a beach, a playground, and of course, the ocean to splash around in. The memorial includes a large bronze bust of Kennedy in the midst of a large stone wall. It overlooks Lewis Bay, a popular sailing destination for Kennedy.
Our eastern Massachusetts presidential road trip has chronicled the life of John Fitzgerald Kennedy in the region. From stops in the greater Boston area through Cape Cod, Kennedy’s legacy is alive and well in his home state.
