A Golden Interval: The Kennedys in Bronxville

Bronxville was home to John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK), 35th president of the United States, from 1929 -1941 and May 29, 2017 marks the hundredth anniversary of his birth. The Bronxville Historical Conservancy (BHC) will recognize this ‘ hometown boy’ with two Centennial programs: a lecture on Saturday, May 6, in the Yeager Room, at the Bronxville Public Library; and a dedication ceremony on Monday, May 29 on the lawn of Village Hall after the Memorial Day Parade. These programs do not require a reservation and are free and open to the public.

Saturday, May 6 at 3 pm, Anthony Czarnecki, a member of the Westchester County Historical Society and the JFK Library Foundation, will give a power-point presentation: “A Golden Interval: The Kennedys in Bronxville.” Czarnecki has done extensive research using recently digitized local newspapers, including those published during the Kennedys’ time in Bronxville. The Bronxville Historical Conservancy contributed funds to establish this digital library and Czarnecki’s presentation will be a preview of the article the Westchester County Historical Society will publish this spring in its magazine. A tea reception will follow this free lecture and no reservations are required.

Memorial Day Weekend will also include a public dedication ceremony on Village Hall lawn following the parade. Mayor Marvin, Village Trustees and members of the board of the Bronxville Conservancy will unveil a bronze plaque recognizing the twelve years Bronxville was home to the Kennedy family. This Conservancy-designed plaque is the first official historic marker noting that Bronxville was home to a former U.S. President. Crownlands, the Kennedy family’s six-acre estate located off Pondfield Road no longer exists; the house was demolished and the property subdivided twelve years after the family sold the estate and moved from the village.