Ethel Kennedy lived in several significant homes during her decades of public service and family life, from the bustle of New York City to more secluded estates along the Eastern Seaboard. Her residences reflected both her commitment to privacy and her deep ties to historic locations connected to her husband Robert F. Kennedy and their large family.
Below is a concise overview of key residences and properties associated with Ethel Kennedy, along with details about locations, time periods, and their current status.
| Residence | Location | Years Occupied | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGrath Estate | Hyde Park, New York | 1969–present (family home) | Primary residence; purchased after Robert F. Kennedy assassination |
| Virginia Compound | McLean, Virginia | 1960s–1970s | Overlooks Potomac River; frequently visited during RFK political career |
| New York City Apartment | Upper East Side, New York, NY | 1960s–1970s | Active during RFK Senate years and cabinet service |
| Hickory Hill | McLean, Virginia | 1960s–1990s | Originally Robert F. Kennedy family home; Ethel remained there for years |
| Cape Cod Home | Barnstable, Massachusetts | Summers 1960s–1970s | Seasonal retreat for family gatherings and campaigning breaks |
Early Family Homes and Formative Years
Ethel Skakel grew up in a large, close-knit family in Chicago and Greenwich, Connecticut, long before marriage brought her into the Kennedy political orbit. Her childhood residences in the Midwest and Connecticut shaped her values and set the stage for the public role she would later embrace alongside her husband.
Life with Robert F. Kennedy in Washington and Virginia
During Robert F. Kennedy's service as Attorney General and U.S. Senator, the family maintained homes in McLean, Virginia, and a high-profile apartment in New York City. The Virginia residence, often called Hickory Hill, became a hub for political strategizing, family activities, and quiet refuge from the national spotlight.
Hyde Park as the Primary Residence
After Robert F. Kennedy's assassination, Eerald Kennedy chose to settle at the McGrath Estate in Hyde Park, New York, to raise her children away from constant media scrutiny. This home remains closely associated with her ongoing work in social advocacy and her stewardship of the RFK legacy.
Later Years and Preservation Efforts
In her later decades, Ethel Kennedy remained engaged with residences tied to her family history, supporting preservation initiatives at key Kennedy properties while continuing to reside primarily in Hyde Park. Her choices reflected a balance between honoring the past and maintaining a manageable private life.
Key Takeaways on Ethel Kennedy's Residences
- Grew up in Chicago and Greenwich, Connecticut before joining the Kennedy family.
- Lived in McLean, Virginia at Hickory Hill during the height of RFK's political career.
- Maintained a New York City apartment through the 1960s and 1970s.
- Settled at the McGrath Estate in Hyde Park, New York after 1969.
- Continued to support preservation and advocacy from her longtime Hyde Park home.
FAQ
Reader questions
Where did Ethel Kennedy live after Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated?
She moved to the McGrath Estate in Hyde Park, New York, which became her primary home and a base for raising her children and continuing her advocacy work.
Did Ethel Kennedy maintain any residences in Washington, D.C. or Virginia?
Yes, she lived for many years at Hickory Hill in McLean, Virginia, and also had an apartment in New York City during her husband's Senate and cabinet years.
Is the Hyde Park home open to the public or used privately?
The McGrath Estate remains a private family home; nearby, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston honors the broader legacy, but Ethel's residence is not a public museum.
What properties does the Ethel Kennedy House legacy include today?
Key sites associated with her legacy include the Hyde Park estate, Hickory Hill in Virginia, and her long-term involvement with preserving RFK landmarks and social justice initiatives.