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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Presentation Chest for the Grand Cross
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
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Presentation Chest for the Grand Cross

Artifact IDMO 63.1711.2a-b
Object Type Chest
Date 1961
Date Presented10/6/1961
Gifter
Place of GiftWashington D.C., United States
Place MadeJerusalem, Isreal
Medium Shell, wood, metal, velvet
DimensionsOverall H 2 3/4 in x W 5 1/2 in x D 10 1/2 in (7 cm x 14 cm x 26.7 cm)
Physical DescriptionLocking wood chest elaborately decorated with mother of pearl on the exterior. The top center of lid bears an inscription in relief: Blessing of the Holy Sepulchre of our lord to Mrs. John F. Kennedy. The lower center of the lid is inscribed: "Benedictos Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem 1961". The chest contains the Grand Cross and Grand Cross Star (c-d), conferring rank in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
Historical NoteThis award was bestowed upon First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy by His Beatitude Benedictos I, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, at the White House on October 6, 1961.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a foreign official to the President and First Lady received through the Executive office during the Kennedy Administration and transferred to the General Service Administration where it was held until 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; Gift of Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem
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