Mercury Friendship 7 Lapel Pin
Artifact IDMO 63.1808
Object Type
Pin, Lapel
Date
1962
Medium
14K gold
DimensionsOverall Diam 3/4 in (1.9 cm)
Physical DescriptionGold lapel pin depicting an orbit around a globe. Globe engraved "MERCURY ORBITAL", orbital encicrling globe engraved "FRIENDSHIP 7." Back of pin engraved "J.F.K."
Historical NoteThis pin was likely brought into space by John Glenn during his celebrated manned orbital flight of the Earth on February 20, 1962. Months after the event, the astronaut made a gift to President Kennedy of what JFK described in a thank you letter as "special mementoes," including "the Mercury pin which you [Glenn] carried in your flight suit." An identical pin without the personalized engraving on the back is part of the John H. Glenn Archives at Ohio State University.
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 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 SeriesJohn F. Kennedy Personal Collection (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