Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.
Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.
The Choate Brief Charm
Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.

The Choate Brief Charm

Artifact IDMO 75.711.3
Object Type Charm
Date 1935
Medium Gold
DimensionsOverall H 1 1/2 in (3.8 cm)
Physical DescriptionGold charm in the shape of a shield with the Choate School insignia in center, consisting of the lamp of knowledge sitting on top of a stack of books surrounded by a laurel wreath; "THE CHOATE BRIEF" at top, "1901" at bottom. Reverse engraved: "JFK Bus Mgr 1935" and stamped at bottom "PANIKOFF/10K."
Historical NoteJohn F. Kennedy attended high school at Choate School for Boys in Wallingford, Connecticut from 1931-1935. As a student, the future president was disorganized, undisciplined, chronically tardy, and utterly charming. He did well in English and history but struggled with his other subjects. French teacher Ben Davis' quarterly report was blunt on the subject of young Kennedy's academic performance: "Jack's work varies from excellent to extremely poor. Lack of preparation has, at times, been pretty disastrous to Jack's record.... Jack's worst enemy is himself and he has to make the decision between mediocrity and worth-while work,--and Jack should never be content with the former." Later reports by Choate faculty speak of Kennedy's increasing maturity and sense of responsibility. "His improvement even extends to the neatness of his room," wrote his delighted house-master.

During his senior year Kennedy served as business manager for the board of "The Brief," Choate's yearbook, which this charm commemorates.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem is from the personal collection of President Kennedy. It was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by Mrs. Joseph P. Kennedy in 1975.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of Mrs. Joseph P. 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