Jacqueline Kennedy First Spouse Gold Coin

Jacqueline Kennedy was born Jacqueline Lee Bouvier on July 28, 1929, in Southampton, New York. She attended private schools where she studied ballet and foreign languages. After graduating from George Washington University, she took a job as a photographer for a local newspaper in Washington, DC, where she met then-Senator John F. Kennedy. They married in 1953. In 1961, John F. Kennedy took office as the 35th U.S. president, making Jacqueline Kennedy the third youngest first lady in history.

Americans remember Jacqueline Kennedy for her contributions to the arts and preservation of historic architecture. The Kennedys hosted numerous social events and encouraged Americans to take pride in their artistic and political heritage. Gatherings at the White House celebrated American history and culture. Artists from around the world, such as famed cellist Pablo Casals, brought their talents to the White House.

Jacqueline’s passion for history and preservation moved her to transform the presidential mansion into an elegant space adorned with antiques and artifacts once owned by George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. She turned the sun porch on the third floor into a kindergarten school for 12 children. She also added a swimming pool, a swing set, and a tree house on the White House lawn for children, including her own — Caroline and John Jr. — to play.

In 1962, the first lady conducted a televised tour of the renovated rooms in the White House, attracting a record audience of 56 million viewers. “Every boy who comes to the White House should see things that develop his sense of history. For the girls, the house should look beautiful and lived-in,” said Mrs. Kennedy. The tour was a success and Jacqueline received an honorary Emmy Award for her achievement.

Fluent in French, Spanish, and Italian, Jacqueline Kennedy charmed world leaders at the White House and on trips abroad. Her knowledge of languages and cultures proved a valuable asset to her and President Kennedy’s political career.

She displayed courage and poise as first lady during many national and international events, including the assassination of her husband in 1963. Her strength and determination in the aftermath held the nation together and secured her place in history.

After her time in the White House, Jacqueline focused on building the John F. Kennedy Library to honor her husband’s life.