Description:

Robert F. Kennedy
Washington, DC, May 27, 1961
RFK Signed JFK Birthday Book! Incredibly Rare & Unique
Pamphlet/Booklet

Original and highly desirable official program from President John F. Kennedy's Birthday Dinner, held on May 27, 1961, at the National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C. signed by over 10 attendees, including a prominently placed and bold signature of Robert F. Kennedy, who served at the time as U.S. Attorney General. RFK's autograph appears in bold blue ballpoint ink on the inside front cover. Among the additional signers is J. Lindsay Almond Jr., former Governor of Virginia and U.S. Solicitor General, along with other notable figures of the Kennedy era. The program features an interior black-and-white portrait of President John F. Kennedy labeled "President of the United States," a printed guest list and seating chart titled "Continuation of Contributors and Seating Arrangements," a dedicated autograph page filled with attendee signatures, and the original illustrated cover depicting a tiered birthday cake marked "JFK." A particularly charming element is a handwritten note from an admirer, Kitty Hope, addressed to President Kennedy and penned on the guest list page, reading in part "President Kennedy, will you please autograph my program…" The note was clearly left with the program in hopes of securing JFK's autograph, though this copy does not include the President's signature. Some wear, evidence of prior mounting on verso, boldly signed. The program measures 6" x 8.75".

Held just four months into John F. Kennedy's presidency, the 1961 Birthday Dinner was a carefully orchestrated celebration of youthful leadership and a hopeful national future. Hosted in Washington, D.C., it brought together political dignitaries, public servants, and supporters. Robert F. Kennedy, as Attorney General, was not only his brother's closest political confidant but also one of the most powerful voices for civil rights and justice reform in 20th-century America. This dinner preceded JFK's more famous Madison Square Garden birthday gala (where Marilyn Monroe serenaded the President) and is a key artifact from the earlier, more intimate celebrations of Kennedy's first year in office.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 6" x 8.75"
  • Medium: Pamphlet/Booklet

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January 7, 2026 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
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$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000