Using pedigree drawing software to reproduce JFK’s family tree

Last month I had to drop my doodle Banjo at JFK International airport in New York City for the start of his journey to Melbourne, Australia. John F Kennedy or JFK was a president of the United States, and has this airport named after him, but he is also often referred to as part of the American “royal family”. I have decided to write this blog about JFK’s family tree and have included a copy of his pedigree drawn using TrakGene’s software.

The Kennedy family is synonymous with American political royalty, and at the centre of this storied dynasty stands John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. Born on May 29, 1917, in Brookline, Massachusetts, JFK’s family tree is a tapestry woven with ambition, tragedy, and enduring public service.

John F. Kennedy’s lineage can be traced back to his paternal grandfather, Patrick Joseph Kennedy, who emigrated from Ireland in the 1840s. The Kennedy family rapidly ascended the social and political ladder, with Joseph Patrick Kennedy Sr., JFK’s father, becoming a prominent figure in American business and politics.

Joseph Kennedy Sr., a successful banker and investor, served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom during the crucial prelude to World War II. His influence on his children, particularly JFK, was profound. It was within the walls of the Kennedy household that a sense of duty, public service, and an unyielding commitment to the American dream took root.

John F. Kennedy’s journey into politics began when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1946, representing the 11th congressional district of Massachusetts. His meteoric rise continued, and in 1952, he was elected to the U.S. Senate. The Kennedy family had officially become a political powerhouse.

However, the Kennedy legacy is not just about JFK; it extends to his siblings and their individual contributions to American society. Robert F. Kennedy, the seventh of nine children, served as Attorney General under his brother’s administration and later as a U.S. Senator from New York. His commitment to civil rights and social justice left an indelible mark on the American political landscape.

Tragedy struck the Kennedy family in 1963 when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated as he drove through crowds in Dallas, Texas with his wife Jacqueline. The nation mourned, and the Camelot era came to an abrupt end. Yet, the Kennedy legacy endured. In the face of unspeakable grief, Robert Kennedy continued to champion the causes that he and his brother held dear.

The Kennedy family tree also extends to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to JFK, RFK, and Ted Kennedy. Eunice was a passionate advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities and the founder of the Special Olympics. Her dedication to inclusivity and compassion mirrored the values instilled in the Kennedy family from their earliest days.

The youngest Kennedy brother, Edward “Ted” Kennedy, carried the torch of public service throughout his long tenure in the U.S. Senate. Known as the “Lion of the Senate,” Ted Kennedy played a pivotal role in shaping American healthcare legislation, education policy, and immigration reform. Another famous member of this illustrious family is Arnold Schwarzeneggar who was married to JFK’s niece Maria Shriver.

The Kennedy family tree, however, is not without its shadows. The tragedies that befell the family, including the assassinations of JFK and RFK, as well as the plane crash that claimed the life of John F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife Carolyn, cast a somber hue over the family’s legacy.

Yet, the Kennedy name endures as a symbol of hope, resilience, and public service. The family’s impact on American politics and society is immeasurable, with countless individuals inspired by the Kennedy commitment to making a difference in the world.