Skip to main content
Collections Menu
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Presidential Seal from State Department Lectern
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA

Presidential Seal from State Department Lectern

Artifact IDMO 76.888
Object Type Seal
Date 1961-1963
Medium fiberglass, pigment
DimensionsOverall Diam 16 in x D 1 3/4 in (4.4 cm x 40.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionPainted fiberglass circular seal with the President’s coat of arms. Eagle in center. Its right talon clutches an olive branch with 13 olives and 13 leaves to represent peace. The left talon clutches arrows which represents the need to go to war to protect the nation. The eagle holds a ribbon bearing the words “E Pluribus Unum,” the motto of the U.S., which means “out of many, one.” The number 13 is used to represent the 13 original colonies. A shield in front of the eagle has 13 red and white stripes, representing the colonies, with a blue bar above, representing both the unity of colonies into one nation and Congress. Above the eagle is a halo of gold. In it are 13 white clouds, 13 white stars and many tiny stars. The 50 stars on a field of deep blue circle the eagle and represent the 50 states. The words, "Seal of the President of the United States" surround the seal on a tan field.


Historical NoteThis Presidential Seal was affixed to the front of the podium used by President John F. Kennedy during his press conferences.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThis item is material associated with the White House, the Kennedy Administration and the Executive Offices of the President. It was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy.
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 SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Exhibitions
Not on view