Description:

Kennedy Jacqueline

Jackie Kennedy Responds to a Bomb Threat Impacting Caroline at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

 

Two page autograph letter signed on light blue stationary stock, 5.75" x 7.75". Penned to the recto of both pages with the versos blank. Dated "December 9, 1984", and signed by Jacqueline Kennedy as "Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis". Accompanied by the autographed, postmarked mailing envelope, 6" x 4". Postmarked "December 11, 1984" to "Mr. Joseph Volpato, Security Department, Metropolitan Museum of Art …" Signed a second time by Jaqueline as "Onassis" on the verso of the envelope. Near fine with light handling marks.

 

An intriguing ALS by Jaqueline to Mr. Volpato, then a member of the security department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Jacqueline's daughter, Caroline was hired as a research assistant in the Film and Television Department of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York after graduation. She later became a "liaison officer between the museum staff and outside producers and directors shooting footage at the museum", helping coordinate the Sesame Street special Don't Eat the Pictures. On December 4, 1984, Caroline was threatened when a man telephoned the museum and stated his name and address while reporting that a bomb had been planted there. (Three days later, he was arrested for the threat.). However this gracious letter reflects on this incident, thanking Volpato for his involvement in keeping Caroline safe. Jackie's letter is shown in part below:

 

"There are no words with which to thank you for all that you have done for my daughter Caroline … in this latest incident your brilliant and effective action, and that of your wonderful staff, especially Mr. Jack Maloney, was truly outstanding.

 

I get so upset whenever these things happen, because I worry about how they will affect Caroline. What has made me so deeply happy, in talking to her this weekend, is to see that instead of feeling frightened of threatened or anxious, she feels so protected and safe because of you, and your constant solicitude, kindness and effectiveness.

 

So she can live her life with peace of mind and her wonderful sense of fun and trust in people - all the things you wish for someone you love -, and not be always in a state of apprehension.

 

The greatest gift in the world is that feeling of security you have given to my daughter. Please know how deeply grateful I am … "

 

At the time of this letter, Caroline was 27 years old, 2 years before her marriage to Edwin Schlossberg whom she met while working at the museum. 



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