The hidden life of JFK's sister in a Wisconsin institution

The Tragic Life of JFK's Sister · 8:18 · Video: Today I Found Out · Watch at the source

In short: While John F. Kennedy delivered his iconic inaugural address to the nation, his younger sister lived in near-total isolation. This video explores the stark contrast between the public presidency and the private tragedy of Rosemary Kennedy.

On January 20, 1961, as President Kennedy called on Americans to serve their country, his sister Rosemary was living at the St. Coletta School for Exceptional Children in Jefferson, Wisconsin. At 43 years old, she remained largely out of the public eye, separated from her brother's political life by over 800 miles.

The video highlights the domestic reality of a family member living in an institution during one of the most famous moments in American history. It contextualizes Rosemary's experience as a poignant counterpoint to the high-profile presidency of her brother.

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