Freedom of the City of Cork Scroll
Artifact IDMO 63.6123b
Object Type
Scroll
Date
1963
Date Presented6/28/63
Gifter
Sean Casey
Place MadeIreland, Europe
Medium
Silk, dye
DimensionsOverall H 6 1/2 in x W 28 1/2 in (16.5 cm x 72.4 cm)
Physical DescriptionThe scroll is an illuminated inscription on long textile, with a wooden rod on one end and gold fringe on the other. The inscription is in Gaelic on the left and English on the right. The coat of arms for the City of Cork is in the middle: a ship between two watch towers and "Statio Bene Fide Carinis" meaning a "safe harbor for ships." The Kennedy Coat of Arms is on the left, and the Presidential Seal is on the right.
Historical NoteThis scroll and its accompanying casket were conferred on President Kennedy June 28th, 1963 during his visit to Ireland.
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 11th June 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 DetailsThe 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 11th June 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."
Custodial 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
