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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
James Hoban Vase
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
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James Hoban Vase

Artifact IDMO 63.1576
Object Type Vase
Date before 1963
Date Presented3/15/1963
Maker (founded in 1783)
Place of GiftWashington D.C., United States
Medium Crystal
DimensionsOverall H 13 1/2 in x Diam 5 3/4 in (34.3 cm x 14.6 cm)

Physical DescriptionCrystal vase cut with an intricate etching of a profile portrait of James Hoban, Irish-born architect of the executive mansion. Below the profile is etched: "JAMES HOBAN 1758-1831" and below lettering is a frontal view of the White House.
Historical NoteThis vase was presented, filled with shamrocks, to President John F. Kennedy by the Ambassador of Ireland, Thomas Kiernan at the White House on March 15, 1963 as a St. Patrick's Day gift. The subject of the engraved portrait, Irish-American architect James Hoban, was responsible for designing and building the White House between 1793 and 1801. After the original structure was destroyed by fire during the War of 1812, Hoban oversaw its reconstruction.
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
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyUse Restriction NoteCopyright and other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Not on view