Four Fine Gael election posters Tom O'Higgins (1973 Presidential Election) a double sided poster, published by AF Hussey, Solr. 17 Northumberland Road.

A piece of rock from Nelson's Pillar from after it was blown up in 1966.

This piece of granite is from Nelson’s Pillar on O’Connell Street, which was blown up by the IRA at 2am on 8 March 1966. Bombs destroyed the upper half of the pillar and threw the statue of Nelson into the street. Several days later, the Irish army demolished the remains of the pillar, causing more damage to O’Connell Street than the original blast. Nelson’s head was stored in a shed on Clanbrassil Street, before being stolen by students from the National College of Art and Design as a fund-raising prank. It was leased to a London antique store owner, and later appeared on the stage of the Olympia when the Dubliners performed. The head of Nelson’s Pillar is now on display in the excellent Dublin City Library and Archive on Pearse Street.

A wooden music stand that was used as a lectern by John F Kennedy. on the centre of the stand is a small metal plaque inscribed with 'This stand was used by John F. Kennedy President, United States of America when addressing Dáil and Seanad Eireann in Leinster House 28th June 1963. It was loaned for the occasion by Comdt John P. Brennock Asst Director Army School of Music.'

On 28 June, President John F Kennedy addressed both houses of the Oireachtas. It was a historic visit, not least because Kennedy, a young, dynamic Irish-American, had long made much of his Irish roots. Speaking at this lectern, Kennedy described his heritage, made an attack on literary censorship and noted – to the delight of the assembled politicians – that Leinster House “does not inspire the brightest ideas.”
The ‘lectern’ is actually a music stand that was owned by John Brennock, who bought it in an antique shop on Fishamble Street. During one of many meetings to prepare for President Kennedy’s visit, it was realised that the Dáil chamber did not have a lectern that could be used for a speech – TDs address the Dáil from where they are seated. Mr Brennock offered to lend his music stand to the Oireachtas. By the time the stand was returned – strapped to the top of a car – Kennedy had already been shot.

A small green book containing a transcript of the speech given by American President John F. Kennedy to the joint Houses of the Oireachtas.

The Irish Times front page for Dublin, Thursday, June 27, 1963 when American president John F Kennedy visited Ireland. Big picture of Kennedy greeting the crowds with De Valera also in the car. Includes articles on the Kennedy trip, transcript of De Valera and Kennedy’s greetings and an article on Kennedy’s trip to Berlin.

The visit of US President John F. Kennedy was seismic. Kennedy was mobbed by autograph-hunters at a garden party held in his honour at the home of the President. Six months later he was killed in Dallas. His address to both houses of the Oireachtas during his trip was a bravura performance; a sort of homecoming, as the Irish Times noted.