About the Kennedy Cape House

The Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy House (commonly known as the Kennedy Cape House, part of the Kennedy Compound) was constructed in 1904 and has been owned by the Kennedy family since 1928. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, reflecting its importance in American history. In 1982, the Cape House became the primary residence of Senator Edward M. Kennedy until his passing in 2009. Ambassador Victoria Reggie Kennedy donated the Cape House to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in 2012, and since then the Institute has carefully maintained the property, safeguarding its historic features and legacy.

The Cape House is a site of exceptional importance in American history. It served as the summer residence of the Kennedy family and played a central role in the lives of a remarkable family which produced three United States Senators, one who went on to become President, and influential daughters who have impacted American society through the Special Olympics and Very Special Arts. During the 1960 presidential campaign the home functioned as the campaign headquarters, where John F. Kennedy learned of his victory in the 1960 presidential election. The Cape House later served as the Summer White House during the Kennedy presidency, hosting cabinet meetings, foreign leaders, and senior government officials.

The Kennedy Cape House will be available for limited visitor groups three days a week from September-June for docent-led tours, offering guests an in-depth educational experience about the Kennedy family’s deep ties to Massachusetts, American politics, and the nation’s history. Proceeds from the tours will help support the Institute’s civic engagement mission as well as their efforts to stabilize and restore the home’s historic elements, ensuring that this iconic landmark is preserved for future generations.