Replica of the Brian Boru Harp
Artifact IDMO 63.2465a-b
Object Type
Harp
Date
before 1963
Place MadeDublin, Ireland, Europe
Medium
Wood, nylon, metal
DimensionsOverall H 37 in x W 24 1/2 in (94 cm x 62.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionReplica of Brian Boru harp, a Gaelic wire-strung harp. It is a single course harp having only one row of strings. At the top of the neck is a small dedicatory brass plaque inscribed: "Presented to President John F. Kennedy on the occasion of his visit to Ireland June 1963." It sits in a wooden base.
Historical NoteThis reproduction Brian Boru harp, made by Waltons Music Ltd., was received by President Kennedy at the United States Embassy in Dublin, Ireland during his visit to the country in June of 1963. The original Brian Boru harp (also known as the Trinity harp, belonging to Trinity College, Dublin) is one of only three Gaelic harps that survive from the middle ages. The image of this type of harp was incorporated into the coat of arms of the Republic of Ireland.
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteItem was a gift to the President Kennedy received during a State Visit in 1963 and held by the General Service Administration until it was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteThis material is not subject to any known copyright or other image use restrictions.Subjects
In Collection(s)
On view