Early Life and Education of Robert F. Kennedy: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Robert F. Kennedy, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) was a prominent American politician and lawyer. He served as the 64th U.S. Attorney General from 1961 to 1964 and as a U.S. Senator from New York from 1965 until his assassination in 1968. At the time of his death, he was a leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination. Like his brothers, John and Ted, RFK was a key figure in the Democratic Party and a symbol of modern American liberalism.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

November 20, 1925: Robert F. Kennedy Born

Robert Francis Kennedy, also known as RFK, was born on November 20, 1925. He later became an American politician and lawyer, serving as the 64th United States Attorney General and a U.S. Senator from New York.

Others born on this day/year

1938: Family Moved to London

In 1938, Robert F. Kennedy's family moved to London, where his father served as the U.S. ambassador to the Court of St James's.

1940: Kennedy Family Returned to US

In 1940, the Kennedy family returned to the United States just before the outbreak of World War II in Europe.

September 1942: Attended Milton Academy

In September 1942, Robert F. Kennedy attended Milton Academy, a preparatory school near Boston, Massachusetts, for 11th and 12th grades.

1943: Enlisted in US Naval Reserve

In 1943, six weeks before his 18th birthday, Robert F. Kennedy enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve as a seaman apprentice.

March 1944: Released from Active Duty

In March 1944, Robert Kennedy was released from active duty and left Milton Academy early to report to the V-12 Navy College Training Program at Harvard College.

May 1944: Graduation from Milton Academy

Robert F. Kennedy graduated from Milton Academy in May 1944.

August 1944: Death of Joseph Kennedy Jr.

In August 1944, Robert Kennedy's oldest brother, Joseph Jr., died when his bomber exploded during a volunteer mission known as Operation Aphrodite. This profoundly affected Robert and his family.

November 1944: Relocated to Bates College

In November 1944, Robert Kennedy was relocated to Bates College in Lewiston, Maine from Harvard.

June 1945: Returned to Harvard

Robert Kennedy returned to Harvard in June 1945 after attending Bates College.

December 15, 1945: USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Commissioned

On December 15, 1945, the U.S. Navy commissioned the destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., named after Robert's deceased brother.

December 1945: Meeting Ethel Skakel

In December 1945, Robert F. Kennedy met Ethel Skakel during a skiing trip to Mont Tremblant Resort in Quebec, Canada.

January 1946: Completed Post Training Requirements

In January 1946, Robert Kennedy completed his post-training requirements at Harvard.

February 1, 1946: Served on USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.

On February 1, 1946, Robert Kennedy served aboard the USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. as a seaman apprentice on the ship's shakedown cruise in the Caribbean.

May 30, 1946: Honorable Discharge From Navy

On May 30, 1946, Robert Kennedy received his honorable discharge from the Navy. He was eligible for the American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

June 1948: Reported on the Berlin Blockade

In June 1948, Robert F. Kennedy, working as a correspondent for The Boston Post, reported on the Berlin Blockade.

September 1948: Enrolled at University of Virginia

In September 1948, Robert F. Kennedy enrolled at the University of Virginia School of Law in Charlottesville.

1948: Graduated from Harvard

In 1948, Robert Kennedy graduated from Harvard with a bachelor's degree in political science.

June 17, 1950: Marriage to Ethel Skakel

On June 17, 1950, Robert F. Kennedy married Ethel Skakel at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenwich, Connecticut. They had met on a skiing trip in December 1945 and would later have 11 children together.

June 1951: Graduated From Law School

In June 1951, Robert F. Kennedy graduated from law school, finishing 56th in a class of 125.

September 1951: Covered Treaty of Peace with Japan

In September 1951, The Boston Post sent Robert Kennedy to San Francisco to cover the convention that concluded the Treaty of Peace with Japan.

October 1951: Asian Trip with John and Patricia Kennedy

In October 1951, Robert F. Kennedy traveled on a seven-week trip to Israel, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Japan with his brother John and sister Patricia. This trip deepened the relationship between the two brothers.

1951: Birth of Kathleen Kennedy

In 1951, Kathleen Kennedy, Robert and Ethel Kennedy's first child, was born.

1951: Admitted to Massachusetts Bar

In 1951, Robert Kennedy was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar and started work as a lawyer in the Internal Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

February 1952: Transferred to Criminal Division

In February 1952, Robert Kennedy was transferred to the Criminal Division to help prepare fraud cases against former officials of the Truman administration before a Brooklyn grand jury.

June 6, 1952: Resigned to Manage Senate Campaign

On June 6, 1952, Robert Kennedy resigned from his position in the Criminal Division of the Justice Department to manage his brother John's U.S. Senate campaign in Massachusetts.

December 1952: Appointed Assistant Counsel

In December 1952, Robert Kennedy was appointed as one of 15 assistant counsel to the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations by Senator Joseph McCarthy.

1952: Birth of Joseph Kennedy

In 1952, Joseph Kennedy, Robert and Ethel Kennedy's second child, was born.

July 1953: Resigned From Subcommittee

In July 1953, Robert Kennedy resigned as assistant counsel to the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

January 1954: Professional and Personal Nadir

From July 1953 to January 1954 was a "professional and personal nadir" for Robert Kennedy, as he tried to prove himself to his family.

February 1954: Rejoined Senate Committee Staff

In February 1954, Robert Kennedy rejoined the Senate committee staff as chief counsel for the Democratic minority.

1954: Birth of Robert Kennedy Jr.

In 1954, Robert Kennedy Jr., Robert and Ethel Kennedy's third child, was born.

January 1955: Became Chief Counsel

When Democrats gained a Senate majority in January 1955, Robert Kennedy became chief counsel and was a background figure in the Army–McCarthy hearings of 1954.

1955: Birth of David Kennedy

In 1955, David Kennedy, Robert and Ethel Kennedy's fourth child, was born.

1956: Birth of Mary Courtney Kennedy

In 1956, Mary Courtney Kennedy, Robert and Ethel Kennedy's fifth child, was born.

1956: Aide to Adlai Stevenson II

In 1956, Robert Kennedy worked as an aide to Adlai Stevenson II during the presidential general election, which helped him learn how national campaigns worked.

1956: Purchase of Hickory Hill Estate

In 1956, the Kennedys purchased Hickory Hill, a six-acre estate in McLean, Virginia, from Robert's brother John. They were known for hosting gatherings with impressive and eclectic guest lists.

1956: Massachusetts Delegate at Democratic National Convention

Robert Kennedy served as a Massachusetts delegate at the 1956 Democratic National Convention, joining in what was ultimately an unsuccessful effort to help JFK get the vice-presidential nomination.

1957: Chief Counsel to McClellan Committee

From 1957 to 1959, Robert Kennedy served as the chief counsel to the U.S. Senate's Select Committee on Improper Activities in Labor and Management, known as the McClellan committee, to investigate labor racketeering.

1958: Birth of Michael Kennedy

In 1958, Michael Kennedy, Robert and Ethel Kennedy's sixth child, was born.

1959: Served as Chief Counsel to McClellan Committee

From 1957 to 1959, Robert Kennedy served as the chief counsel to the U.S. Senate's Select Committee on Improper Activities in Labor and Management.

1959: Birth of Mary Kerry Kennedy

In 1959, Mary Kerry Kennedy, Robert and Ethel Kennedy's seventh child, was born.

1960: Experiences with Anti-Catholicism

In 1960, during his brother's presidential campaign, Kennedy was deeply shaken by the anti-Catholicism he encountered, especially among Protestant intellectuals and journalists, leading him to state, "Anti-Catholicism is the anti-semitism of the intellectuals."

1962: Visit to the Vatican

In 1962, Robert and Ethel Kennedy visited the Vatican, where Pope John XXIII gave them medals and rosaries for themselves and their children.

August 1963: Death and Re-interment of Patrick Bouvier Kennedy

In August 1963, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, son of President Kennedy, died two days after his birth and was re-interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

November 22, 1963: Assassination of John F. Kennedy

On November 22, 1963, Robert Kennedy was at home when J. Edgar Hoover called to inform him that his brother, President Kennedy, had been shot. Following the call, Kennedy instructed McGeorge Bundy to change the locks on the president's files, ordered the Secret Service to dismantle the hidden taping system in the Oval Office and cabinet room, and met with CIA director John McCone to ask about CIA involvement in the assassination.

December 5, 1963: Burial of President Kennedy's Infants

On December 5, 1963, after President Kennedy was interred in Arlington Cemetery, his two infants, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy and Arabella, were buried next to him in a private ceremony.

1963: Birth of Christopher Kennedy

In 1963, Christopher Kennedy, Robert and Ethel Kennedy's eighth child, was born.

April 1964: Vice-presidential prospects

An April 1964 Gallup poll indicated that Robert Kennedy was the vice-presidential choice of 47 percent of Democratic voters.

June 1964: Offer to become U.S. ambassador to South Vietnam

In June 1964, Robert Kennedy offered to succeed Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. as U.S. ambassador to South Vietnam, but President Johnson rejected the idea. Kennedy also considered leaving politics after his brother Ted Kennedy's plane crash on June 19.

July 1964: Johnson rules out cabinet members as running mates

In July 1964, President Johnson issued an official statement ruling out all of his current cabinet members, including Robert Kennedy, as potential running mates. This decision caused disappointment and drew angry letters directed towards both Johnson and his wife.

August 25, 1964: Announcement of U.S. Senate candidacy

On August 25, 1964, Robert Kennedy announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate representing New York. He resigned as attorney general on September 2. President Johnson supported Kennedy's campaign.

September 27, 1964: Statement on the Warren Commission report

On September 27, 1964, Robert Kennedy issued a statement asserting his conviction that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination of President Kennedy. He stated that he had been briefed on the report and was satisfied that the commission had investigated every lead and examined every piece of evidence.

1964: Reviewing the Economic Opportunity Act

In 1967, Kennedy reviewed the effectiveness of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 as a member of the Senate committee. Kennedy sought to remedy the problems of poverty and urban decay through legislation to encourage private industry through tax breaks to locate in poverty-stricken areas.

1964: Legal Residence on Cape Cod

Until 1964, Robert Kennedy and his family maintained their legal residence in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts on Cape Cod.

June 1965: Kennedy's Senate Speech on Nuclear Proliferation

In June 1965, Robert F. Kennedy delivered a speech in the Senate on nuclear proliferation, drawing a large audience of over 50 senators. This event highlighted his early influence in Congress due to his connection to President Kennedy.

December 1965: Kennedy Advised McNamara to Counsel Johnson for Ceasefire

In December 1965, Robert Kennedy advised Defense Secretary Robert McNamara to counsel Johnson to declare a ceasefire in Vietnam, a bombing pause over North Vietnam, and to take up an offer by Algeria to serve as an "honest broker" in peace talks.

1965: Birth of Maxwell Kennedy

In 1965, Maxwell Kennedy, Robert and Ethel Kennedy's ninth child, was born.

1965: Purchase of Manhattan Apartment

In 1965, Robert F. Kennedy purchased an apartment at United Nations Plaza in Manhattan.

March 1966: Kennedy Investigates Farm Workers' Conditions in Delano

In March 1966, Robert F. Kennedy attended a Senate Labor Committee hearing in Delano, California to investigate farm workers' conditions at the request of Walter Reuther. Moved by what he saw, Kennedy engaged with Sheriff Leroy Galyen and emphasized the importance of recognizing migrant workers as human beings.

June 1966: Kennedy Visits Apartheid-Era South Africa

In June 1966, Robert F. Kennedy visited apartheid-era South Africa, accompanied by his wife, Ethel, and aides. Kennedy spoke against the oppression of the native population, receiving praise internationally and being welcomed by the black population.

1966: Meeting with Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.

After a meeting with Robert Kennedy in 1966, historian Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. wrote that Kennedy believed that the Warren Commission's report was poorly done and would not endorse it but was unwilling to criticize it and reopen the tragic business.

1966: Amendment to the Economic Opportunity Act

In 1966, Kennedy sought to remedy the problems of poverty and urban decay through an amendment to the Economic Opportunity Act. This encouraged private industry through tax breaks to locate in poverty-stricken areas, thus creating jobs for the unemployed.

1966: Algeria to serve as a mediator in peace talks

In 1966, the left-wing Algerian government indicated in 1965–1966 that it was willing to serve as a conduit for peace talks between North Vietnam and the National Liberation Front, but most of Johnson's advisers were leery of the Algerian offer.

April 1967: Kennedy Visits the Mississippi Delta

In April 1967, as a member of the Senate committee, Kennedy visited the Mississippi Delta, witnessing poverty and starvation and becoming deeply moved and outraged, which altered Marian Wright Edelman's perception of him.

1967: Birth of Douglas Kennedy

In 1967, Douglas Kennedy, Robert and Ethel Kennedy's tenth child, was born.

1967: Support of Israel Following Six-Day War

In 1967, Robert Kennedy supported Israel following the Six-Day War, which later became a motive for his assassination.

February 1968: Kennedy Visits Eastern Kentucky

In February 1968, Kennedy visited eastern Kentucky as a member of the Senate committee, reviewing the effectiveness of "War on Poverty" programs.

April 4, 1968: Indianapolis Speech Quoting Aeschylus

On April 4, 1968, following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., Kennedy quoted Aeschylus in his Indianapolis speech, finding solace in ancient Greek playwrights and poets.

June 5, 1968: RFK Shot After Winning Primary

Shortly after winning the California primary around midnight on June 5, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy was shot by Sirhan Sirhan.

1968: Birth of Rory Kennedy

In 1968, Rory Kennedy, Robert and Ethel Kennedy's eleventh child, was born.

1971: Publication of We Band of Brothers

In his 1971 book We Band of Brothers, aide Edwin O. Guthman recounted Kennedy admitting to him an hour after receiving word of his brother's death that he thought he would be the one "they would get" as opposed to his brother.