The Tom Buckley Collection on Virginia Political Campaign Memorabilia, 1963-2009 (bulk 1969-1983)

Access and use

Location of collection:
Fairfax County Public Library
Fairfax County Public Library
City of Fairfax Regional Library
Virginia Room
10360 North Street
Fairfax, VA 22030-2514
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Chris Barbuschak
Phone: (703) 293-2142
Phone: (703) 293-6227 ext. 6 (Virginia Room)
Fax: (703) 293-2155

Summary

Extent:
5.5 linear feet
Creator:
Buckley, Tom
Abstract:
The Tom Buckley Collection consists of 5.5 linear feet spanning the years 1963-2009 (bulk 1969-1983), contains political pamphlets, newsletters, sample ballots, bumper stickers and other campaign stickers, buttons, posters, and various campaign paraphernalia.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The Tom Buckley Collection consists of 5.5 linear feet spanning the years 1963-2009 (bulk 1969-1983), contains political pamphlets, newsletters, sample ballots, bumper stickers and other campaign stickers, buttons, posters, and various campaign paraphernalia. The materials relate primarily to local (particularly Fairfax City and Fairfax County offices) campaigns, Virginia state legislature races, and Congressional campaigns in Northern Virginia. In addition, the collection contains materials from state-wide Virginia and Presidential campaigns. Offices represented include Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax City Sheriff, Commonwealth Attorney, House of Delegates, State Senate, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and President. Candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties as well as some independent candidates are represented. The majority of the materials are for Democratic candidates.

Materials are organized within each Series primarily by individual candidate. A candidate’s materials are filed together regardless of the number of campaigns or offices that he or she ran in. Materials related to multiple candidates are filed at the end of each series by level of office and date of the campaign. “Election - General” designates materials that include candidates from multiple levels. “Election - Virginia” designates materials for multiple candidates running on a state-wide ticket, such as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General. “Election - Local Issues” designates materials related to local issues such as bonds for schools or parks.

Materials related primarily to political party activities are filed under the name of the party, e.g., “Election - Democratic Party”. Local offices are for Fairfax City or Fairfax County unless stated otherwise, e.g. Arlington County Board of Supervisors.

Series 1: Pamphlets, 1963-2009, Boxes 1-7

This series contains paper documents which include pamphlets, brochures, newsletters, broadsheets, sample ballots, and matchbook covers related to local (Fairfax City and Fairfax County), state, and national political campaigns. Candidates with substantial materials include Herbert E. Harris, II (House of Representatives), Henry E. Howell, Jr. (Governor) and Andrew P. Miller (Attorney General, Governor, U.S. Senate). The collection also includes a brochure from George Wallace’s 1968 Presidential campaign.

Series 2: Bumper stickers, 1965-2009, Boxes 7-9

This series contains bumper stickers and other campaign-related stickers related to local (Fairfax City and Fairfax County), state and national political campaigns.

Series 3: Buttons, 1963-1994, Boxes 9-11

This series contains campaign buttons and pins related to local (Fairfax City and Fairfax County), state and national political campaigns. (Be aware that many of these buttons still have the pins attached so handle carefully!) Notable materials include Henry E. Howell, Jr. buttons with a variety of slogans and “shoeprint” pins for Ira M. Lechner’s 1977 “the candidate who walked across Virginia” campaign for Lieutenant Governor.

Series 4: Posters, 1966-1994, Oversize Drawers

This series contains posters related to local (Fairfax City and Fairfax County), state and national political campaigns. Posters are filed alphabetically by name of the candidate.

Biographical / historical:

Tom Buckley grew up in Fairfax County and graduated from Hayfield Secondary School in 1973. He was active in Virginia politics from 1973-1983, working in many local and statewide political campaigns, both as a staffer and volunteer. He was a member of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee and worked in the field and advance operations for Congressman Herb Harris from 1974-1982, was the 8th District Field Director for Henry Howell for Governor in 1977, and assisted in many House of Delegates, State Senate, and Fairfax County campaigns. Tom left Virginia in 1983 for the District of Columbia where he has been employed at WUSA9 as a studio technician for over 40 years.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Tom Buckley, August 2017