Details:

A substantial Edward M. “Ted” Kennedy archive originating from the estate of Benjamin A. Smith II, longtime friend of the Kennedy family, Harvard roommate of President John F. Kennedy, and former United States Senator from Massachusetts. The collection includes six personally signed letters by Senator Kennedy spanning multiple decades, two additional secretarially signed letters, a vinyl record album of Kennedy’s historic 1980 Democratic National Convention address, invitations, commemorative postal material, and related Kennedy family ephemera.

The archive offers a remarkable glimpse into the enduring friendship between the Kennedy and Smith families. The signed correspondence reflects Kennedy’s personal relationship with Benjamin and his wife Barbara Smith, with letters discussing family matters, expressions of gratitude, condolences, personal visits, photographs, and holiday greetings. Several letters contain substantial handwritten postscripts and annotations by Kennedy. Included among the material is the record album Address of Senator Edward M. Kennedy - Democratic National Convention, August 12, 1980, preserving one of the most memorable speeches of Kennedy’s political career.

Benjamin A. Smith II (1916–1991) was among John F. Kennedy’s closest lifelong friends. The two met as students at Harvard University and remained close throughout Kennedy’s political career and presidency. Following the death of Senator John F. Fitzgerald Kennedy in 1960, Smith was appointed by Massachusetts Governor Foster Furcolo to fill Kennedy’s vacant United States Senate seat until a special election could be held. Smith subsequently served as a United States Senator from Massachusetts from December 1960 until November 1962. Throughout his life he remained closely connected to the Kennedy family and was regarded as one of JFK’s most trusted friends and confidants.

Accompanying the archive is a signed letter of provenance from Benjamin A. Smith III documenting the family’s ownership of the material and its direct descent from the estate of Senator Benjamin A. Smith II.

Good condition overall with expected handling, mailing folds, and light age wear throughout.

Provenance: From the estate of Benjamin A. Smith II, Harvard roommate and lifelong friend of President John F. Kennedy, former United States Senator from Massachusetts; accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from Benjamin A. Smith III.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11691 1416370-1