Lot 54

John F. Kennedy Full Ticket to 1962 Birthday Party Where Marilyn Sung "Happy Birthday Mr. President"

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John F. Kennedy Full Ticket to 1962 Birthday Party Where Marilyn Sung "Happy Birthday Mr. President"

Estimate: $600 - $800

Current Bid: $350

(8 Bids)

by University Archives
July 28, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
88 Danbury Road
Suite 2A
Wilton, CT, US 06897

John F. Kennedy
[New York, NY], May 19, 1962
John F. Kennedy Full Ticket to 1962 Birthday Party Where Marilyn Sung "Happy Birthday Mr. President"
Ticket/Invitation

A colorful and complete ticket to the iconic Birthday Party Gala held for President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden. 1p, measuring 8" x 3.75", [New York, NY], May 19, 1962. The ticket is marked for section 112, with a suggested contribution of $10. Two hole punches are present below the row designation. Exhibits light handling wear and rubbing to Kennedy's image at far left. Small puncture repair visible on verso near lower right margin. Otherwise, near fine.

On the evening of May 19, 1962, 17,000 people filled Madison Square Garden to celebrate the birthday of President John F. Kennedy. The star-studded gala featured appearances and musical numbers by many noted celebrities including Maria Callas, Peggy Lee, and Diahann Carroll. The song that stole the show, however, was Marilyn Monroe's now-infamous rendition of 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President.' Wearing a dazzling, skintight dress, the spotlight was on Monroe as she delivered the breathy number to the thrilled crowd. President Kennedy was then presented with a massive birthday cake, and he humorously remarked: 'I can now retire from politics after having had Happy Birthday sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way.'

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8" x 3.75"
  • Medium: Ticket/Invitation

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000