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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA. Photography credit Joel Benjamin.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA. Photography credit Joel Benjamin.
Leinster Harp Plaque
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA. Photography credit Joel Benjamin.
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Leinster Harp Plaque

Artifact IDMO 63.1189
Object Type Plaque
Date 1961-1963
Date Presented6/27/1963
Maker (Dublin Jeweler)
Gifter
Place MadeIreland, Europe
Place of GiftIreland, Europe
Medium Gilt silver, Connemara marble
DimensionsOverall H 22 in x W 12 in x D 9 in (55.9 cm x 30.5 cm x 22.9 cm)
Physical DescriptionGilt bas relief of a Leinster harp surrounded by a gilt Celtic knot work attached to a Connemara marble plaque that has tapered sides and cut away corners at top. A bas relief of the Great Seal of the United States is attached to the marble above the harp. The plaque sits on a black stone base of Kilkenny marble with a silver inscription plate engraved in Gaelic, which translates to:" To the President of the United States John Fitzgerald Kennedy with Esteem and Respect from the Wexford County Committee of the Gaelic Athletic Association 27th June 1963." The Kennedy Coat of Arms is in a silver relief on one side of the base, and the Arms of the Four County Wexford towns is on the other. Hallmark date letter [V in rectangle] for 1963 from Dublin Assay Office is stamped above the registered mark for John Miller [J.M. in rectangle].
Historical NoteThis presentation piece was given to President John F. Kennedy by the Wexford County Board Gaelic Athletic Association on June 27, 1963 during his state visit to Ireland. Dublin jeweler John Miller Jr. (1904-1965) was commissioned to create the plaque, which features a gold harp on a green background (the emblem of Leinster).

The Miller firm started around 1907 under John Miller Sr. (1874-1926) and became noted for its work on sports trophies and medals, as well as religious pieces. By the time he was 13, John Miller Jr.'s son Kieran was helping his father in the family business, including the creation of the Leinster Harp, which Kiernan recalls polishing before its presentation to President Kennedy.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a foreign official to the President received during his State Visit to Ireland in 1963. It was 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
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)
Exhibitions
Not on view
Related Links
You Tube video of President Kennedy’s State Visit to Ireland: "President Kennedy’s State Visit to Ireland"