WEST PALM BEACH, FL .- Leslie Hindman Auctioneers will bring to auction the contents of what has come to be known as the Kennedy Winter White House. The Palm Beach property was not simply the residence of Joseph P. Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, but a home that was instrumental in shaping their children, their family legacy and John F. Kennedy’s time in public office.

The Kennedy home in Palm Beach became an epicenter for not only family, but for publicity, and politics. And while political and professional success was the foundation upon which the family’s legacy was built, it was their sense of togetherness that was perhaps equally influential.

Having been in the family for over sixty years as the permanent residence of Joseph and Rose Kennedy, the home was a frequent retreat for President John F. Kennedy and his siblings: Joseph, Rose, Kathleen, Eunice, Patricia, Robert, Jean, Ted and their families.
 It was here that John recovered from back surgery, penned Profiles in Courage, wrote his inaugural address and enjoyed intimate family holidays.

Significant presidential meetings and appointments took place at the home during the Kennedy administration. Because many cabinet members and high ranking military personnel were regular guests at the Palm Beach home, both the United States Department of the Navy and United States Secret Service made alterations to the property for security measures. As such, it has acquired the name Winter White House.

The oceanfront estate played host to many important guests such as Vice President Lyndon Johnson, Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn and Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield. President Kennedy wrote his inaugural speech and also interviewed all of his Cabinet members (with the exception of Robert McNamara and Robert Kennedy) at the Palm Beach home.

The Palm Beach residence remained in the Kennedy family for 62 years until it was sold in 1995 to Mr. and Mrs. John Castle, who purchased the home with a large selection of its contents, including the original Mizner furniture. The renovated 15,000 square foot estate recently sold for $31 million, but the Castle family retained ownership of the Kennedy articles, which have now been brought to auction.

The catalogue pays homage to the Kennedy’s affinity for Palm Beach. The auction of the contents from the home will be presented in sessions that showcase property from important rooms within the house. Rooms that held groundbreaking press conferences. Rooms where pressing political decisions were made. Rooms where family gathered around one table. Rooms where legendary figures found rest.