Voyage (PT-109)
Artifact IDMO 63.4859
Object Type
Paperweight
Date
c. 1961
Maker
Steuben Glass
(American, Founded 1903)
Gifter
Peter Tare Inc.
Place MadeCorning, New York, United States, North America
Medium
Glass, wood
DimensionsOverall H 4 1/2 in x W 11 in x D 2 1/4 in (11.4 cm x 27.9 cm x 5.7 cm)
Physical DescriptionColorless glass paperweight, fin-like shape, engraved with depiction of PT-109 boat at lower left, and Presidential seal at upper right; set into black wood base.
Historical NotePresident Kennedy displayed this glass sculpture on his desk in the Oval Office of the White House. Officially titled "Voyage," the piece was designed by Donald Pollard and engraved by Max Erlacher of Steuben Glass in Corning, New York. Peter Tare Inc., an association of former World War II patrol torpedo boat officers, commissioned the sculpture from Steuben to honor the President's journey from PT boat commander to Commander in Chief of the United States.
"Voyage" was given to President Kennedy at the White House on March 14, 1962. In making the presentation, Peter Tarre Inc's president William Von Bergen noted "the fact that a PT man distinguished himself by crowning a dedicated service to his country, has allowed each of us to bask in his reflection and has inspired each of us to reach higher in the pursuit of his own goals."
Additional Details"Voyage" was given to President Kennedy at the White House on March 14, 1962. In making the presentation, Peter Tarre Inc's president William Von Bergen noted "the fact that a PT man distinguished himself by crowning a dedicated service to his country, has allowed each of us to bask in his reflection and has inspired each of us to reach higher in the pursuit of his own goals."
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a member of the general public to the President and Mrs. Kennedy received by the Executive Office of the President betwen 1961-1963 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.On view