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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
New Testament Bible
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
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New Testament Bible

Artifact IDMO 63.1460.1
Object Type Bible
Date before 1963
Date Presented10/1/63
Gifter
Place MadeEthiopia, Africa
Medium Gold, silver, paper, velvet
DimensionsOverall H 14 in x W 10 1/2 in x D 3 in (35.6 cm x 26.7 cm x 7.6 cm)
Physical DescriptionA New Testament bible handwritten in Amharic and Ge'ez languages. The cover is bound in silver with a gold relief figure of Jesus on the cross flanked by two angels set in the center on red velvet. An inscription in Ge'ez is engraved in gold at the base of the cross.
Historical NoteThis bible was presented to President John F. Kennedy by Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia (1930-1974), during his state visit to the White House October 1, 1963.
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
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
Related Links
Welcome address to Haile Selassie: