Summer Author Series
Join us in the Scudder Family Center for Civic Engagement at the JFK Hyannis Museum for a captivating journey back to the summer of 1944, a pivotal moment that forever altered the course of the Kennedy family. Delve into “The Kennedys at Cape Cod, 1944: The Summer That Changed Everything,” an insightful exploration by Dr. Leigh Straw, Associate Professor of History at The University of Notre Dame Australia. Against the backdrop of World War II, the Kennedys found solace and transformation in their Hyannis Port retreat, known affectionately as ‘The big white house.’ Discover how this summer shaped their legacy and continues to resonate in history. Don’t miss this compelling event and discussion, where history comes alive.
Book signing to follow the event.
RSVP below to attend in person or via Zoom.
About the Book
Beginning in the May 1944, The Kennedys at Cape Cod 1944 paints an intimate picture of those few months. As the younger Kennedy children and their parents settled into their summer home, it follows the family drama that unfolded. From the scandal of the eldest daughter, Kick, marrying William ‘Billy’ Cavendish, and the eldest son, Joe Jr’s, dangerous and secret bombing missions over Europe, to second son Jack’s quiet recovery from injury sustained in the line of duty, younger daughter Rosemary’s conspicuous absence and the youngest son, Ted’s, loneliness, it explores the innermost hopes, fears and anxieties of each Kennedy. Following these events as they played out over the summer of 1944, it culminates with the event that would change them forever: the tragic death of Joe Jr.
Offering a close account of the months leading up to this momentous moment, The Kennedys at Cape Cod 1944 is an unparalleled and never-before-revealed account of how the family experienced and responded to this tragedy, which was later described as a ‘turn in the road’ for their family. The summer of 1944 changed all their lives, and in propelling the second brother, Jack Kennedy, into the political limelight, changed the course of American political history.
About the Author
Dr Leigh Straw is Senior Lecturer in History at the University of Notre Dame, Fremantle. She specializes in Australian history, modern U.S. history, and crime studies.