The final few months of 1963 were among some of the most tumultuous in modern American history. Tensions with Communist countries remained high, the United States’ military presence in South Vietnam was increasing astronomically, and most shockingly, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on November 22nd. Kennedy’s death stunned the nation, with the image of his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, covered in his blood and viscera at the swearing in of Kennedy’s successor, Lyndon B. Johnson, instantly becoming one of the most enduring images of American history.

     This Christmas card was signed sometime in 1963, and was intended to ring in 1964. Due to the tragic circumstances of that winter, the card was never sent, and very few signed copies exist today. This holiday card features the simple text “With best wishes / for a / Happy New Year” below a Presidential Seal. John F. Kennedy has signed this card in black marker, while Jacqueline Kennedy has signed in blue pen. This card is matted in a 15 x 25 inch framed display below a copy of the artwork from the front of the card, a photograph of an 18th century Neapolitan crèche displayed in the East Room of the White House. A small plaque near the bottom of the display reads “The 1964 White House New Year That Never Came”. This card is accompanied by a LOA from PSA/DNA (AD07106) and a LOA from SGC (AA03145).

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