Freedom of the City of Cork Casket
Artifact IDMO 63.6123a
Object Type
Chest
Date
ca. 1963
Date Presented6/28/63
Gifter
Sean Casey
Place MadeIreland, Europe
Place of GiftIreland
Medium
Silver gilt, marble, wood, velvet.
DimensionsOverall H 7 1/2 in x W 10 1/8 in x D 5 1/2 in (19.1 cm x 25.7 cm x 14 cm )
Physical DescriptionThe casket is a rectangular box with hinged lid and tapered sides, mounted on Connemara marble and wood base. The lid has a Gaelic inscription on one side and an English inscription on the other. The lid handle bears the coat of arms for the City of Cork: a ship between two watch towers and "Statio Bene Fide Carinis" meaning a "safe harbor for ships." The front of the box bears the Great Seal of the United States flanked by incised shamrocks. Each end of the box bears a harp, the coat of arms of Ireland. The box interior is lined with green velvet and contains a key.
Historical NoteThis casket with accomanying illuminated scroll was conferred on President Kennedy June 28th, 1963 during his state visit to Ireland by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Ireland, Sean Casey. The custom of awarding the "Freedom of the City," whereby persons distinguished for public service become Honorary Burgesses of a City, dates from the 14th century. President Kennedy was elected Honorary Burgess on June 11, 1963, "in token of pride that this descendant of Irish emigrants should have been elected to such an exalted office and appreciation of his action in coming to visit the country of his ancestors; as a tribute to his unceasing and fruitful work towards the attainment of prosperity and true peace by all the people of the world; and in recognition of the close ties that have always existed between Ireland and the United States."
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteItem was a gift from the Mayor of Cork, Ireland to the President Kennedy received during his State Visit to Ireland 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 SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
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