The
Kennedy family is an American family of
Irish descent that is prominent in
American politics, government, and business. The first Kennedys to reside in America were
Patrick Kennedy and Bridget Murphy, who sailed from Ireland to America in 1849. Their son
P. J. went into politics and business. P. J. and his wife, Mary Hickey, were the parents of businessman and politician
Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. The four sons of Joe, Sr. and
Rose Fitzgerald were
Joe, Jr.,
John,
Robert, and
Ted. John served as
president, while Robert and Ted both became prominent
senators. The Kennedys' political involvement has revolved around the
Democratic Party.
Harvard University educations have been common among them, and they have contributed heavily to that university's
John F. Kennedy School of Government. The wealth and glamour of the family members, as well as their extensive and continuing involvement in public service, has elevated them to
iconic status over the past half-century, with the Kennedys sometimes referred to as "America's Royal Family".