A collection of items from President John F. Kennedy's June 26 to June 29, 1963 trip to Ireland. Includes a stapled typewritten informational packet for the President and his staff that provides lists of restaurants, information about the country, and churches where Mass could be observed. Also included are three Dublin White House directories, various hotel and airport bills, an "Events of the Week" pamphlet, and two booklets, one with handwritten annotations, detailing the President's itinerary while in Ireland. The itinerary booklets are lightweight cream cardstock with "Visit to Ireland of the President of the United States of America John Fitzgerald Kennedy / 26th to 29th June, 1963" in both English and Gaelic, with an Irish harp, or stringed argent, emblazoned above the text in gold. One of the booklets has a ring stain on the cover. Inserted into each booklet is a slip of paper with the revised arrangements for President Kennedy's departure from Ireland.

There are also dated handwritten notes by Lt. Hirschy for a lunch menu and the offical menu itself, dated "Friday, June 28, 1963" on cream cardstock with the Presidential Seal in gold at the top. This lot also includes three color photographs depicting the President laying a wreath at the statue of John Barry in Wexford, receiving an honorary Doctor of Law degree at the National University of Ireland, and the review of the Honor Guard in Dublin.

Kennedy was quite proud of his Irish roots. Growing up Irish and Catholic, with parents who were both from Irish immigrant families, shaped who he was and was an important part of his identity. While in Ireland, Kennedy made a special visit to his ancestral home in Dunganstown, County Wexford, prior to speaking before the Irish parliament condemning Britain's history of persecuting Irish Catholics. During his visit to Dunganstown, Kennedy was greeted by a crowd waving both American and Irish flags and was serenaded by a boys choir that sang "The Boys of Wexford." According to the BBC report that day, Kennedy broke away from his bodyguards and joined the choir for the second chorus, prompting misty-eyed reactions from both the observers and the press. This collection of items from Kennedy's visit captures the essence of a trip that was important both politically and personally for the President.

Photographs: 8 x 10''
"Events of the Week": 4 x 6.25''
Ireland itinerary: 6.25 x 4.75''
White House directory: 6 x 3.5''
informational packet: 10.5 x 8''
Menu card: 6 x 4''

Lieutenant Hirschy was Supply and Logistics Officer for the Military Aides to the President and Officer-in-Charge of the Navy Mess in the White House during both the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. Lt. Hirschy served in the White House from May 1, 1961, through May 31, 1965. These items come directly from the Hirschy family.