John F. Kennedy was born + raised in Brookline, and the youngest man elected president in the US certainly left his mark on his hometown. JFK’s birthday is coming up on Monday, May 29 — to honor the Massachusetts native, take a tour of five iconic local landmarks with ties to the the late president.
John F. Kennedy Library Presidential Library and Museum
Dedicated to the legacy of the 35th president, this building holds a collection of historical materials from JFK’s life and administration. The library is located on a 10-acre park on Columbia Point and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Omni Parker House
JFK entered the congressional race in 1946 from this historic hotel and proposed to Jackie at the Parker House restaurant. Make a reservation to sit at the same table and enjoy a Boston Cream Pie at the place that created the famous dessert.
Harvard University
Weld Hall was JFK’s first home while attending Harvard. He eventually moved into Winthrop House, and the rooms he resided in are now referred to as the JFK Suite. Bonus: Stop by the John F. Kennedy School of Government, which the Ivy League school dedicated to the late president in 1966.
Union Oyster House
The Kennedy family were regulars at America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. Guests can now request to dine in “The Kennedy Booth” and enjoy the famous clam chowder and oysters from Table No. 18 in the upstairs dining room.
John F. Kennedy Park
The public park is located in Harvard Square off John F. Kennedy Street. The Cambridge green space features a fountain inscribed with famous quotes from JFK and is planted with flowers that reach peak blooms around his birthday.
