JFK Memorabilia Set for Display

A controversial collection of John F. Kennedy memorabilia--said to be the largest in private hands--will go on display Friday at the Florida International Museum in St. Petersburg.

The items were gathered by Evelyn Lincoln, the late president’s personal secretary, who willed them to Maryland collector Robert White. His attempt to auction some items last year drew objections from JFK’s children, who said that Lincoln had taken items from the White House. (White denied the allegation.) In November 1998, the museum signed a 30-year lease with an option to buy the White collection, a spokesman said.

Among more than 500 objects on display at the museum--about 80% from White and the rest from 13 other sources--will be Kennedy’s Oval Office rocking chair, the watch he wore at his inauguration, his wallet and flags flown from the car he rode through Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, the day he was assassinated. His doodles during the Cuban missile crisis and letters to his girlfriend after the World War II PT-109 boat incident are included.

An entire gallery is devoted to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, including a letter she wrote to Lincoln after the assassination: “Dearest Evelyn, there will never be Camelot again.”

“John F. Kennedy: The Exhibition” runs daily through May 29, 2000. Tickets are $13.95 for adults, $5.95 for children 6 to 18, free under 6. Information: telephone (877) 535-7469, Internet https://www .floridamuseum.org.