Political campaigns button collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
George Mason University
2400 Fenwick Library
Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library MS2FL
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Mieko Palazzo
Phone: (703) 993-2220
Fax: (703) 993-2669
Restrictions:

There are no access restrictions.

Terms of access:

The copyright and related rights status of this collection have not been evaluated (See http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/)

Preferred citation:

Political campaigns button collection, C0338, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Summary

Extent:
0.25 Linear Feet 114 buttons, one scarf; 115 items total
Creator:
Spencer, Lynn
Abstract:
114 buttons and one scarf made to advertise American political campaigns, created from circa 1956 - 1992.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Political campaigns button collection, C0338, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

- Stevenson-Kefauver presidential campaign (1956)

- Kennedy-Johnson presidential campaign (1960)

- Nixon-Lodge presidential campaign (1960)

- Goldwater-Miller presidential campaign (1964)

- McGovern-Shriver presidential campaign (1972)

- Clinton-Gore presidential campaign (1992)

Biographical / historical:

Political buttons have been used in the United States since Abraham Lincoln's presidential campaign in 1860. The mass produced election campaign buttons we know today were first created in 1896 for the presidential race between William McKinley and William Jennings Bryan. That very year a patent for a pin-back/celluloid front button design allowed for the mass production. Political buttons, whether to support a political candidate, cause, or party, are still used today.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Lynn Spencer in November 2019.
Processing information:

Processing and finding aid completed by Amanda Menjivar in March 2023.

Arrangement:

This is a single box collection.

Physical / technical requirements:

Most of the buttons were designed with the needle protruding off to the side. Care needed when handling.

Physical location:
R 72, C 4, S 1
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard