John F. Kennedy Date of Birth: Verified Details
John F. Kennedy was born on May 29, 1917, in Brookline, Massachusetts, United States. He was the second child of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. His birth occurred during a period of significant global transition, preceding the United States’ entry into World War I. This verified profile provides clear, sourced details about his birth date and early biographical context, focusing on authoritative references to ensure accuracy for long-term informational utility.
Biographical Timeline and Key Birth Context
Understanding Kennedy’s birth date situates his life within early 20th century American history. His date of birth is well-documented across archival records, presidential libraries, and published biographies. The following table summarizes core birth-related attributes for quick reference and verification.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | John Fitzgerald Kennedy | Official records |
| Date of Birth | May 29, 1917 | Birth certificate, family archives |
| Place of Birth | Brookline, Massachusetts, USA | Town records, biographies |
| Parents | Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy | Family genealogy |
| Siblings | Older brother Joseph Jr.; younger siblings Rosemary, Kathleen, Eunice, Patricia, Robert, Jean, Edward | Family records |
Historical and Familial Context
Kennedy’s birth in 1917 positioned him as a member of a prominent political family that would later shape mid-century American politics. His childhood in Brookline and later in Riverdale and Bronxville influenced his formative experiences before he attended Choate Rosemary Hall, Princeton, and Harvard. Multiple biographies corroborate these details, noting that his birth date is consistently recorded as May 29 across official and private archives.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Occasionally, confusion arises around the exact date due to calendar differences or informal reporting. However, authoritative sources including the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, the National Archives, and peer-reviewed biographies confirm May 29, 1917, as his official birth date. No credible alternative dates exist in verified records.
Significance of Birth Documentation
Accurate birth documentation is essential for historical research, genealogical study, and legal records. For public figures like Kennedy, the date of birth anchors timelines for leadership, policy analysis, and biographical writing. Reliable sourcing ensures continuity of factual understanding across academic and public domains.
Comparative Snapshot: Kennedy’s Birth in Context
Placing Kennedy’s birth alongside notable contemporaries provides perspective on generational cohorts in early 20th century politics.
- Date: May 29, 1917 — John F. Kennedy, U.S. President
- Date: June 14, 1916 — George H. W. Bush, U.S. President (senior to Kennedy but served later)
- Date: October 2, 1869 — Mahatma Gandhi, leader in Indian independence (preceding generation)
- Date: January 30, 1882 — Franklin D. Roosevelt, sitting U.S. President during Kennedy’s childhood
Primary Sources and Further Verification
Key repositories that confirm Kennedy’s birth date include the JFK Presidential Library, the Massachusetts State Archives, and the United States National Archives. Reputable biographies by authors such as Robert Dallek and Theodore Sorensen also reference the May 29, 1917, date. When verifying historical dates, prioritize original documentation and established institutional records over informal or secondary mentions.
Evergreen Relevance and Usefulness
Details surrounding John F. Kennedy’s date of birth remain stable and are unlikely to change with new historical research. Accurate knowledge of his birth date supports reliable timeline construction, scholarly analysis, and public understanding of his life and presidency. This profile is intended to serve as a durable reference for readers seeking verified information.