- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, an iconic figure, was the wife of President John F. Kennedy. 2. After his assassination, she became a fashion icon and advocate for the arts. 3. Cities honor her legacy with the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir and Jacqueline Kennedy High School. 4. Queens College named its School of International and Public Affairs after her. 5. Under her name, foundations, schools, and museums continue her dedication to education, health, and culture. 6. Even Bob Dylan honored her with his song “Jacqueline.” 7. Long after her passing, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s legacy of grace and influence continues to inspire.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: A Legacy of Grace and Influence
Early Life and Marriage to JFK
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, born Jacqueline Bouvier in 1929, was a true icon of the 20th century. Her childhood was marked by privilege and education, and she attended the prestigious Vassar College and Sorbonne. In 1953, she married Senator John F. Kennedy, who went on to become the 35th President of the United States. As First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy captivated the world with her elegance and style.
A Fashion Icon and Cultural Advocate
After President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy dedicated her life to her children and to numerous philanthropic endeavors. She became a fashion icon, setting trends with her signature pillbox hats and designer gowns. She also became a passionate advocate for the arts, serving on the boards of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Places Honoring Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Jacqueline Kennedy’s memory is honored in various places around the world. The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park, New York City, is a popular running spot named in her memory. Jacqueline Kennedy High School in Bronx, New York, is a specialized school for performing and visual arts. The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of International and Public Affairs at Harvard University is a prestigious graduate school named in her honor.
Places Honoring Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: A Lasting Legacy
In the tapestry of American history, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis stands as an enigmatic figure whose grace, style, and activism left an indelible mark. Her memory is lovingly preserved in various places that serve as fitting tributes to her remarkable life.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
Nestled amid the bustling metropolis of New York City, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is a serene oasis that captures the essence of the former First Lady. Originally known as the Central Park Reservoir, it was renamed in her honor in 1994, just months after her untimely passing.
The reservoir’s tranquil waters reflect the serene beauty that Onassis herself exuded. As visitors stroll along its winding paths, they can’t help but feel a connection to her legacy, remembering her as a symbol of elegance and dignity.
Jacqueline Kennedy High School
In the heart of Paterson, New Jersey, stands Jacqueline Kennedy High School, proudly bearing the name of an alumna whose influence extends far beyond her hometown. During her presidency, the school received extensive renovations, including a new library named in her honor.
Today, Jacqueline Kennedy High School is a testament to the transformative power of education, a cause that Onassis championed throughout her life. Students walk the same hallways where she once excelled, inspired by her example of unwavering determination.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of International and Public Affairs
At Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of International and Public Affairs stands as a global hub for scholarship and activism. Established in 2012, the school embodies Onassis’s commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding across borders.
Students and faculty alike engage in groundbreaking research and policy analysis, shaping the future of international relations and public service. Through their work, they pay homage to Onassis’s unwavering belief in the power of diplomacy and the importance of making a positive impact on the world.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: Organizations Dedicated to Her Legacy
The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Foundation
Founded in 1994, The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Foundation has been a driving force in supporting the arts, education, and health care. Guided by Mrs. Onassis’s deep commitment to these pillars, the foundation has made significant contributions to enriching lives and promoting well-being.
The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
Established in 1970, The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School nurtures a passion for learning in young minds. This private elementary school offers an exceptional educational experience rooted in Mrs. Onassis’s belief that every child deserves access to quality education. Its innovative curriculum and dedicated faculty foster critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for knowledge.
The Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Library and Museum
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, The Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Library and Museum serves as a living tribute to Mrs. Onassis’s life and legacy. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, documents, and personal belongings that tell the story of her remarkable journey. Visitors are transported back in time, experiencing the grace and style that defined her public and private persona.
These organizations are enduring testaments to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the world. Through their ongoing efforts, her spirit continues to inspire individuals and communities, fostering a culture of excellence, empathy, and a belief in the transformative power of human endeavor.
Tributes to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in Popular Culture
Musician Bob Dylan’s “Jacqueline”
- One of the most notable tributes to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis came from the legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan.
- Inspired by her elegance and grace, Dylan penned the song “Jacqueline” in 1963.
- The lyrics capture the essence of Jacqueline’s public persona, portraying her as a symbol of strength and resilience in the aftermath of her husband’s assassination.
Other Notable References
- Books: Jacqueline’s life and legacy have been the subject of numerous books, including biographies and historical accounts.
- Movies: Her iconic style and personal journey have been portrayed in films such as “Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy” (1981) and “Jackie” (2016).
- Television: Jacqueline’s presence has been referenced in various TV shows, such as “The Crown” and “Feud: Bette and Joan.”
- Fashion: Her impeccable taste and timeless looks continue to influence the fashion world, inspiring designers and style enthusiasts alike.
These tributes serve as a testament to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s enduring impact on American culture. Her grace, strength, and devotion to public service continue to resonate with people around the world. Through these artistic expressions, her legacy lives on, inspiring and captivating generations to come.
