Plaque of the Island of Fayal of the Azores
Artifact IDMO 63.229
Object Type
Plaque
Date
1962-1963
Maker
Antonio P. Goulart
Medium
Wood
DimensionsOverall H 15 in x W 12 in (38.1 cm x 30.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionWooden plaque carved with an outline of the island of Fayal of the Azores, a Seal of the United States, and coat of arms with text: "we are grateful, god bless you"
Historical NoteThis plaque was given as a token of appreciation to President John F. Kennedy by the people of the Island of Fayal, the Azores who settled in Rhode Island and Massachusetts after an earthquake on the Island.
The island of Fayal experienced intense earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In 1958, then Senator John F. Kennedy, along with Senator John Pastore of Rhode Island, championed the Azorean Refugee Act, which authorized special non-quota immigrant visas for victims of the Capelinhos volcano eruption on the island of Faial in the Azores. This act allowed thousands of Azoreans, displaced by the volcanic eruptions and subsequent earthquakes, to immigrate to the United States, primarily settling in New England.
Additional DetailsThe island of Fayal experienced intense earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In 1958, then Senator John F. Kennedy, along with Senator John Pastore of Rhode Island, championed the Azorean Refugee Act, which authorized special non-quota immigrant visas for victims of the Capelinhos volcano eruption on the island of Faial in the Azores. This act allowed thousands of Azoreans, displaced by the volcanic eruptions and subsequent earthquakes, to immigrate to the United States, primarily settling in New England.
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from people of the Island of Fayal to the President Kennedy received by the Executive Office of the President in June 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 NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view