Kerry Kennedy — Ethel: The Extraordinary Life and American Legacy of Ethel Kennedy - with Michael Beschloss — at Conn Ave
Kerry Kennedy presents an intimate biography of her mother, Ethel Skakel Kennedy, drawing on personal memories, family recollections, private papers, unpublished letters, and exclusive access to her mother’s writings. She will discuss Ethel’s life and legacy with presidential historian Michael Beschloss.
The book portrays Ethel as a courageous, compassionate, witty, and politically engaged figure in her own right—not merely Robert F. Kennedy’s widow or the keeper of his legacy. It explores her Chicago working-class roots, her romance with Robert F. Kennedy, life at Hyannis Port and Hickory Hill, the experience of raising eleven children amid prominent political and cultural figures, the losses of her husband and two children, and her decades-long commitment to human rights. The book also considers Ethel’s faith, resilience, humor, and determination to continue Robert’s work after his assassination in 1968. It includes sixteen pages of color photographs.
When: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Showtimes: The event begins at 7:00 p.m.
Venue: Politics and Prose at 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW, 5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Tickets: Free, with first-come, first-served seating.
Participants: Kerry Kennedy is a human rights lawyer, activist, New York Times bestselling author, and president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, the organization Ethel founded in 1968. She has led international human-rights delegations and negotiations for four decades and previously chaired the Amnesty International USA Leadership Council. Her books include Robert F. Kennedy: Ripples of Hope, Speak Truth to Power, and Being Catholic Now.
Conversation partner: Michael Beschloss is the author of nine books on presidential history, including Presidents of War, Presidential Courage, and The Conquerors. He also edited Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy, serves as NBC News’s Presidential Historian, contributes to PBS NewsHour, and has received an Emmy and six honorary degrees.
Accessibility: Accommodation and accessibility requests should be sent to events@politics-prose.com, ideally at least one week before the event. The venue will make an effort to accommodate requests submitted up to the event time.
Run time: Not specified on the event page.
Ages: No age restriction is specified.
Related book: A presigned hardcover edition of Ethel Kennedy: The Extraordinary Life and Bold Legacy by Kerry Kennedy is listed for preorder at $36.00, with a publication date of October 13, 2026.