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Old Guard Drum Base
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Old Guard Drum Base
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA

Old Guard Drum Base

Artifact IDMO 2023.4
Object Type Drum, Snare
Date 1961
Maker (The Rolling Drum Shop)
Place MadeBaltimore, Maryland, United States
Medium Wood, paint, varnish
DimensionsOverall H 21 in x Diam 53 1/2 in (53.3 cm x 135.9 cm)
Physical DescriptionWood cylindrical drum base painted with an image of a Tricorn hat above a shield encircled with lettering "3rd Infantry 1784 Noli Me Tangere". Above the shield and below the hat is the symbol of an eagle holding olive branch and arrows.
Historical NoteThis drum was part of a drum set that was hand-crafted for the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. This drums was played in every presidential inauguration from President John F. Kennedy to President George H.W. Bush, as well as at Kennedy's funeral, and other state functions, including when Queen Elizabeth or foreign dignitaries visited the White House. It retired from Old Guard use in 1989 when it was donated to the Army Museum Enterprise.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was transferred as government property fro the Center of Miliary History to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in 2023.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Transferred from the National Museum of the United States Army, Fort Belvoir, VA
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPost Presidential Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676966)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view