Kennedy Family Dinner Bell
Artifact IDMO 77.61
Object Type
Bell
Date
20th century
Medium
Brass
DimensionsOverall H 3 1/2 in x W 6 1/2 in (8.9 cm x 16.5 cm)
Physical DescriptionBrass dinner bell with 4 dome shaped bells attached by a handle.
Historical NoteOutdoor dinner bells were once common on large farmsteads and in rural areas to call people in from the fields at mealtime. Most common were the single, traditional bell shape made of cast iron that could be mounted on the outside of houses, taverns and inns. According to Patricia Kennedy Lawford, this more unusual example comprised of four bells hung outside the Kennedys' Hyannis Port, Massachusetts home and was used to summon all those outside into the house for dinner.
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteItem is from the personal collection of President and Mrs. Kennedy. It was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by Patricia Lawford in 1977.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of Patricia Lawford
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Family Collection (National Archives Identifier 1677120)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view