JFK Birthplace

“[The house] would have blended perfectly into most of the main streets of America.” - Rose Kennedy

Matthew Teuten

Quick Facts

Location:

83 Beals Street, Brookline, MA

Significance:

Birthplace and early home of President John F. Kennedy

Designation:

National Historic Site, National Historic Landmark, National Register

Amenities

11 listed

Baby Changing Station, Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Junior Ranger Activity, Junior Ranger Booklet Available, Open Captioning, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible

On May 29, 1917, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy gave birth to her second son, future president John Fitzgerald Kennedy,  in an upstairs bedroom of her family home at 83 Beals Street, Brookline, MA.

Rose and Joseph P. Kennedy moved into this comfortable home in a streetcar suburb of Boston in 1914, shortly after their marriage. During their residence in this house they welcomed four children, three of whom were born in the house: Joe Jr., John "Jack," Rose Marie "Rosemary," and Kathleen. In 1920 they moved their growing family to a larger home in the neighborhood.

Over the house's history, it served as a modest family home, a landmark as a presidential birthplace, and a memorial to his life and legacy.