34 Rare Photos Depicting Life Inside the Kennedy Compound, Through the Camelot Years and Beyond
The Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, is one of the most storied family properties in American history. This sprawling six-acre waterfront estate, with three white-clapboard houses, has been the backdrop for nearly a century of Kennedy family history.
Born from an unexpected snub at an exclusive country club, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr.’s purchase of the Malcolm Cottage in 1928 laid the foundation for what would become a legendary family retreat. Over the years, the compound expanded to include the “Big House,” a 21-room mansion meticulously decorated by Rose Kennedy, and two additional properties acquired by John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy in the 1950s.
This haven has witnessed the family’s triumphs and tragedies, from JFK’s presidency to intimate family gatherings following the loss of a loved one. It served as a summer White House, a political headquarters, and most important, a cherished home where the Kennedys sailed, played touch football, and created lasting memories. Read on to see rare photos of the family at home, from their earliest days right through the Camelot years and beyond.
1947
John F. Kennedy at his home in Hyannis Port with his dog after winning the nomination for congressman from Massachusetts. Look at that smile!
1948
Three of the Kennedy brothers, John, Robert, and Edward (Ted), at the Kennedy Family Compound.
1948
John F. Kennedy, Jean Ann Smith, Rose Kennedy, Joseph Kennedy Sr., Patricia Lawford, Robert F. Kennedy, Eunice Mary Shriver, and Edward Kennedy on Thanksgiving at the Kennedy Family Compound. Twenty years earlier, Joseph and Rose began remodeling the cottage, beginning the transformation into the compound we know today.
1953
Senator John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier stroll across the lawn of his family’s home after announcing their engagement.
1953
Jackie playing baseball with Edward and John at the compound, where games were commonly held on the lawn.
1953
Eunice Kennedy and Jean Kennedy together on the grass at the family compound.
1953
When this stunning photo was taken, John was still a senator, and he and Jackie were only engaged. We are loving the beachy, carefree vibes of 1953!
1953
Jackie and JFK preparing for an interview together inside one of the estate’s light-filled living rooms.
1953
We’re never getting over this one. JFK and Jackie run toward the compound after spending the day on the beach, and it’s oh-so-magical.
1953
Senator John F. Kennedy and Jackie are interviewed for a Life magazine story at the Kennedy Compound. Currently swooning over that floral chair!
1953
Summers in Hyannis Port were a much-needed respite for the Kennedys. JFK is photographed here playing baseball with his soon-t0-be wife.
1953
An adorable JFK and Jackie enjoying each other’s company on the shore of the Kennedy Compound.
1953
A barefoot JFK and Jackie chat with Eunice and Patricia Kennedy driving up the entryway of the Kennedy Compound.
1953
Jean, Jacqueline, and Eunice Kennedy sitting on the lawn of the family compound. Jackie and Jean were especially close.
1953
A gorgeous Jackie sitting on the ledge of the porch at the compound, while her fiancé at the time plays football on the lawn.
1953
Eunice, Jacqueline, Jean, and Patricia Kennedy with John and Teddy sailing in the waters near the compound.
1953
John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier sit together in the sunshine at the family home a few months before their wedding.
1960
Jacqueline Kennedy and JFK, still a senator at the time, are seen here reading a story to their daughter, Caroline, outside of the Hyannis Port home.
1960
John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline with their daughter, Caroline, on Election Day in 1960. The next day, Kennedy was declared the winner and became the president-elect.
1961
This isn’t your average White House meeting—this one has floral decor and cozy vibes! Here, President Kennedy meets with some of his top advisers to discuss military spending. The chief executive also discussed civil defense and foreign trade with officials who flew from Washington to Cape Cod to meet with the president at the family compound.
1963
The first family on the patio of their home with their pets, lounging on outdoor furniture. JFK’s favorite dog was Charlie, a Welsh terrier gifted to him by his wife during his presidential campaign.
1964
A young Caroline Kennedy in the yard at the Kennedy Compound.
1972
How sweet! Senator Edward M. Kennedy and his mother, Rose, at the Kennedy Compound. (The sunglasses are everything.)
1973
This look! Caroline Kennedy, Jackie (now Onassis), and Ted Kennedy during Caroline’s graduation party at the compound.
1980
Even in the ’80s, the Kennedy family still gathered at the compound. Here, Eunice Shriver, Jacqueline Onassis, Kara Kennedy and her dad, Teddy (at the time a Democratic candidate for president), and Ethel Kennedy hanging out together.
1980
Jackie, in an adorable jersey print peasant skirt, walking into the Kennedy Compound during a gathering of family members and friends.
1980
Well, hello! John F. Kennedy Jr. near the Kennedy Compound pier during Labor Day weekend.
1981
Kerry Kennedy and David Kennedy during the RFK Pro-Celebrity Tennis Tournament. The tournament featured tennis stars, Hollywood celebrities, and members of the Kennedy family.
1981
Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her daughter, Maria Shriver, attending the annual RFK Pro-Celebrity Tennis Tournament at the compound.
1981
How cute is this?! Courtney Kennedy and niece Meaghan Anne Kennedy Townsend at the RFK tennis tournament.
1981
Another dog lover! Courtney Kennedy is seen petting this good boy at the family compound.
1981
Maria Shriver and the actress Susan Saint James laughing together during the RFK Pro-Celebrity Tennis Tournament. The tournament was an annual event that raised money for underprivileged children while also providing a chance for celebrities to mingle.
1989
Ted Kennedy greets friends before a boat ride around Hyannis Port Harbor during a clambake at the Kennedy Compound.
1991
Ethel Kennedy, John Dougherty, and Bob Duffy rowing in Hyannis Port Harbor during a picnic held at the Kennedy Compound.
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