Courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum, National Archives & Records Administration.
Robert F. Kennedy Crystal Ashtray
Artifact ID1981.02565.01
Object Type
Ashtray
Maker
Waterford Crystal
(Irish manufacturer, active 1783-present)
Date
mid 20th-late 20th Century
Medium
Glass (crystal)
Dimensions7 in. (17.8 cm)
Physical DescriptionA round waterford crystal ashtray with “RFK” engraved in the center.Historical NoteOn June 5, 1981, President Ronald Reagan presented Ethel Kennedy with a Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Robert F. Kennedy. The medal was authorized by the 95th Congress on November 1, 1978, but never presented. President Reagan gave Ethel Kennedy the medal in a presentation in the White House Rose Garden with other members of the Kennedy family, including Sen. Ted Kennedy, in attendance. President Reagan wrote in his diary that day, “Did however give a medal to Ethel Kennedy honoring Robt. K. It was voted by Cong. in 1978 and the former Pres. never presented it.” During the private meeting with the family, Ethel Kennedy gave President Reagan this Waterford crystal ashtray with Robert Kennedy’s initials –RFK—in the center.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© Waterford Crystal
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Related Links
President Reagan's Diary entry for Friday, June 5, 1981
Monday Minute: Robert F. Kennedy's Congressional Gold Medal and the Waterford Crystal Ashtray
Photograph: Meeting with the Kennedy family in the Oval Office before the presentation of the Robert F. Kennedy award medal 06/05/1981: c02291-02
Speech: Remarks on Presenting the Robert F. Kennedy Medal to Mrs. Kennedy June 5, 1981