The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots Of An American Dynasty

Today, we remember this iconic American family as the vanguard of wealth, power, and style rather than as the descendants of poor immigrants. Neal Thompson introduces us to the first American Kennedys, Patrick and Bridget, who arrived as thousands of others did following the Great Famine–penniless and hungry. Less than a decade after their marriage in Boston, Patrick’s sudden death left Bridget to raise their children single-handedly. Her rise from housemaid to shop owner in the face of rampant poverty and discrimination kept her family intact, allowing her only son P.J. to become the first American Kennedy elected to public office–the first of many. Written by the grandson of an Irish immigrant couple and based on first-ever access to P.J. Kennedy’s private papers, The First Kennedys is a story of sacrifice and survival, resistance and reinvention.

This is a hybrid event. Register for how you plan to attend at https://www.masshist.org/events/first-kennedys-humble-roots-american-dynasty

The in-person reception starts at 5:30 and the program will begin at 6:00.

The MHS maintains a high standard of COVID protection. We require all people entering our building to wear a face mask and provide proof of vaccination. As of 1 February 2022, this includes receiving an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccination along with a follow-up booster. Learn more about our COVID-19 protocols.

The virtual program begins at 6:00 PM and will be hosted on the video conference platform, Zoom. Registrants will receive a confirmation message with attendance information.