Uploads from national museum of american history, tagged nmah

2008 Republican National Convention delegate hats in the ring

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 07:59:17 -0700

national museum of american history posted a photo:

Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota, September 3, 2008

Smithsonian Curators to Collect 2012 Political Convention Memorabilia
Tampa, Charlotte Next on Collecting Trail

Wielding large portfolios under their arms, Political History Curators Larry Bird and Harry Rubenstein of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will wind their way through the crowds at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, not to find a better vantage, but to scout out the best political memorabilia. Since the late 1980s, the duo have been attending party primaries and conventions to collect signs, buttons, posters, hats, sunglasses and other novelties for the museum. It is just one step in the ongoing effort to preserve materials for future generations to study the American political movements.

Every four years, “Harry and Larry” as they are known, attend both conventions to speak with delegates, volunteers, vendors, supporters and protestors about the ways they personally engage in the political process. The curators’ goal is to bring back material that speaks to the atmosphere of the conventions. Their collecting forms part of a large research collection in American presidential politics and the objects are used to tell campaign stories in museum exhibitions such as “The American Presidency” and “The First Ladies.”

Through their long-time collecting, Rubenstein and Bird have achieved notable national recognition for their collecting at both major party conventions, the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primaries, and have appeared on national news shows. “By actively collecting various pieces from the conventions, whether it’s mass generated or self-made, we can document the larger democratic process of America and learn how people personally engage with this process,” said Rubenstein, who chairs the museum’s political history division.

During the conventions, the two curators look to collect memorabilia from various parts of the process and from a variety of people. The collection allows researchers and visitors to study and compare how each election season brings new materials, trends and strategies to the political forefront.

“Politics isn’t just what happens up on the podium. It’s also what happens on the convention floor, outside the building and at vendors’ stalls,” Bird said. “These objects give a texture and a feel to the convention. We can’t easily collect the electronic portion of a campaign, but we can collect the material that makes that electronic affect work—that makes the spectacle.” To get a well-rounded example of memorabilia, they often ask vendors which are their three or four most popular buttons and then buy those.

Putting their own political ideologies aside, the curators aim to collect from both parties equally. As a tradition, they make sure to pick up some of the red, white and blue confetti that inevitably accompanies the end of both conventions.

Today, the museum’s political history collection includes objects related to presidential history and political campaigning, as well as the history of the White House and first ladies; the civil rights, women’s suffrage and reform movements; the World War II home front; and labor history. The political history collection includes some of the most important national treasures, such as the small portable desk on which Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence; the top hat Abraham Lincoln wore the night he was assassinated; and small metal buttons made to celebrate George Washington’s inauguration in 1789.

2008 Republican National Convention state standards

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 07:59:17 -0700

national museum of american history posted a photo:

Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota, September 4, 2008

Smithsonian Curators to Collect 2012 Political Convention Memorabilia
Tampa, Charlotte Next on Collecting Trail

Wielding large portfolios under their arms, Political History Curators Larry Bird and Harry Rubenstein of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will wind their way through the crowds at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, not to find a better vantage, but to scout out the best political memorabilia. Since the late 1980s, the duo have been attending party primaries and conventions to collect signs, buttons, posters, hats, sunglasses and other novelties for the museum. It is just one step in the ongoing effort to preserve materials for future generations to study the American political movements.

Every four years, “Harry and Larry” as they are known, attend both conventions to speak with delegates, volunteers, vendors, supporters and protestors about the ways they personally engage in the political process. The curators’ goal is to bring back material that speaks to the atmosphere of the conventions. Their collecting forms part of a large research collection in American presidential politics and the objects are used to tell campaign stories in museum exhibitions such as “The American Presidency” and “The First Ladies.”

Through their long-time collecting, Rubenstein and Bird have achieved notable national recognition for their collecting at both major party conventions, the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primaries, and have appeared on national news shows. “By actively collecting various pieces from the conventions, whether it’s mass generated or self-made, we can document the larger democratic process of America and learn how people personally engage with this process,” said Rubenstein, who chairs the museum’s political history division.

During the conventions, the two curators look to collect memorabilia from various parts of the process and from a variety of people. The collection allows researchers and visitors to study and compare how each election season brings new materials, trends and strategies to the political forefront.

“Politics isn’t just what happens up on the podium. It’s also what happens on the convention floor, outside the building and at vendors’ stalls,” Bird said. “These objects give a texture and a feel to the convention. We can’t easily collect the electronic portion of a campaign, but we can collect the material that makes that electronic affect work—that makes the spectacle.” To get a well-rounded example of memorabilia, they often ask vendors which are their three or four most popular buttons and then buy those.

Putting their own political ideologies aside, the curators aim to collect from both parties equally. As a tradition, they make sure to pick up some of the red, white and blue confetti that inevitably accompanies the end of both conventions.

Today, the museum’s political history collection includes objects related to presidential history and political campaigning, as well as the history of the White House and first ladies; the civil rights, women’s suffrage and reform movements; the World War II home front; and labor history. The political history collection includes some of the most important national treasures, such as the small portable desk on which Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence; the top hat Abraham Lincoln wore the night he was assassinated; and small metal buttons made to celebrate George Washington’s inauguration in 1789.

2008 Republican National Convention state standards

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 07:59:16 -0700

national museum of american history posted a photo:

2008 Republican National Convention finale balloon drop

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 07:59:16 -0700

national museum of american history posted a video:

2008 Republican Convention sign installation

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 07:59:17 -0700

national museum of american history posted a photo:

Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota, September 1, 2008

Smithsonian Curators to Collect 2012 Political Convention Memorabilia
Tampa, Charlotte Next on Collecting Trail

Wielding large portfolios under their arms, Political History Curators Larry Bird and Harry Rubenstein of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will wind their way through the crowds at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, not to find a better vantage, but to scout out the best political memorabilia. Since the late 1980s, the duo have been attending party primaries and conventions to collect signs, buttons, posters, hats, sunglasses and other novelties for the museum. It is just one step in the ongoing effort to preserve materials for future generations to study the American political movements.

Every four years, “Harry and Larry” as they are known, attend both conventions to speak with delegates, volunteers, vendors, supporters and protestors about the ways they personally engage in the political process. The curators’ goal is to bring back material that speaks to the atmosphere of the conventions. Their collecting forms part of a large research collection in American presidential politics and the objects are used to tell campaign stories in museum exhibitions such as “The American Presidency” and “The First Ladies.”

Through their long-time collecting, Rubenstein and Bird have achieved notable national recognition for their collecting at both major party conventions, the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primaries, and have appeared on national news shows. “By actively collecting various pieces from the conventions, whether it’s mass generated or self-made, we can document the larger democratic process of America and learn how people personally engage with this process,” said Rubenstein, who chairs the museum’s political history division.

During the conventions, the two curators look to collect memorabilia from various parts of the process and from a variety of people. The collection allows researchers and visitors to study and compare how each election season brings new materials, trends and strategies to the political forefront.

“Politics isn’t just what happens up on the podium. It’s also what happens on the convention floor, outside the building and at vendors’ stalls,” Bird said. “These objects give a texture and a feel to the convention. We can’t easily collect the electronic portion of a campaign, but we can collect the material that makes that electronic affect work—that makes the spectacle.” To get a well-rounded example of memorabilia, they often ask vendors which are their three or four most popular buttons and then buy those.

Putting their own political ideologies aside, the curators aim to collect from both parties equally. As a tradition, they make sure to pick up some of the red, white and blue confetti that inevitably accompanies the end of both conventions.

Today, the museum’s political history collection includes objects related to presidential history and political campaigning, as well as the history of the White House and first ladies; the civil rights, women’s suffrage and reform movements; the World War II home front; and labor history. The political history collection includes some of the most important national treasures, such as the small portable desk on which Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence; the top hat Abraham Lincoln wore the night he was assassinated; and small metal buttons made to celebrate George Washington’s inauguration in 1789.

2008 Democratic National Convention finale fireworks

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 07:39:23 -0700

national museum of american history posted a video:

Invesco Field, Denver, Colorado, August 28, 2008

Smithsonian Curators to Collect 2012 Political Convention Memorabilia
Tampa, Charlotte Next on Collecting Trail

Wielding large portfolios under their arms, Political History Curators Larry Bird and Harry Rubenstein of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will wind their way through the crowds at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, not to find a better vantage, but to scout out the best political memorabilia. Since the late 1980s, the duo have been attending party primaries and conventions to collect signs, buttons, posters, hats, sunglasses and other novelties for the museum. It is just one step in the ongoing effort to preserve materials for future generations to study the American political movements.

Every four years, “Harry and Larry” as they are known, attend both conventions to speak with delegates, volunteers, vendors, supporters and protestors about the ways they personally engage in the political process. The curators’ goal is to bring back material that speaks to the atmosphere of the conventions. Their collecting forms part of a large research collection in American presidential politics and the objects are used to tell campaign stories in museum exhibitions such as “The American Presidency” and “The First Ladies.”

Through their long-time collecting, Rubenstein and Bird have achieved notable national recognition for their collecting at both major party conventions, the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primaries, and have appeared on national news shows. “By actively collecting various pieces from the conventions, whether it’s mass generated or self-made, we can document the larger democratic process of America and learn how people personally engage with this process,” said Rubenstein, who chairs the museum’s political history division.

During the conventions, the two curators look to collect memorabilia from various parts of the process and from a variety of people. The collection allows researchers and visitors to study and compare how each election season brings new materials, trends and strategies to the political forefront.

“Politics isn’t just what happens up on the podium. It’s also what happens on the convention floor, outside the building and at vendors’ stalls,” Bird said. “These objects give a texture and a feel to the convention. We can’t easily collect the electronic portion of a campaign, but we can collect the material that makes that electronic affect work—that makes the spectacle.” To get a well-rounded example of memorabilia, they often ask vendors which are their three or four most popular buttons and then buy those.

Putting their own political ideologies aside, the curators aim to collect from both parties equally. As a tradition, they make sure to pick up some of the red, white and blue confetti that inevitably accompanies the end of both conventions.

Today, the museum’s political history collection includes objects related to presidential history and political campaigning, as well as the history of the White House and first ladies; the civil rights, women’s suffrage and reform movements; the World War II home front; and labor history. The political history collection includes some of the most important national treasures, such as the small portable desk on which Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence; the top hat Abraham Lincoln wore the night he was assassinated; and small metal buttons made to celebrate George Washington’s inauguration in 1789.

2008 Democratic National Convention posters

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 07:39:25 -0700

national museum of american history posted a photo:

2008 Democratic National Convention flags

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 07:39:24 -0700

national museum of american history posted a photo:

2008 Democratic National Convention souvenir sales tent

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 07:39:26 -0700

national museum of american history posted a photo:

Denver, Colorado, August 27, 2008

Smithsonian Curators to Collect 2012 Political Convention Memorabilia
Tampa, Charlotte Next on Collecting Trail

Wielding large portfolios under their arms, Political History Curators Larry Bird and Harry Rubenstein of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will wind their way through the crowds at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, not to find a better vantage, but to scout out the best political memorabilia. Since the late 1980s, the duo have been attending party primaries and conventions to collect signs, buttons, posters, hats, sunglasses and other novelties for the museum. It is just one step in the ongoing effort to preserve materials for future generations to study the American political movements.

Every four years, “Harry and Larry” as they are known, attend both conventions to speak with delegates, volunteers, vendors, supporters and protestors about the ways they personally engage in the political process. The curators’ goal is to bring back material that speaks to the atmosphere of the conventions. Their collecting forms part of a large research collection in American presidential politics and the objects are used to tell campaign stories in museum exhibitions such as “The American Presidency” and “The First Ladies.”

Through their long-time collecting, Rubenstein and Bird have achieved notable national recognition for their collecting at both major party conventions, the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primaries, and have appeared on national news shows. “By actively collecting various pieces from the conventions, whether it’s mass generated or self-made, we can document the larger democratic process of America and learn how people personally engage with this process,” said Rubenstein, who chairs the museum’s political history division.

During the conventions, the two curators look to collect memorabilia from various parts of the process and from a variety of people. The collection allows researchers and visitors to study and compare how each election season brings new materials, trends and strategies to the political forefront.

“Politics isn’t just what happens up on the podium. It’s also what happens on the convention floor, outside the building and at vendors’ stalls,” Bird said. “These objects give a texture and a feel to the convention. We can’t easily collect the electronic portion of a campaign, but we can collect the material that makes that electronic affect work—that makes the spectacle.” To get a well-rounded example of memorabilia, they often ask vendors which are their three or four most popular buttons and then buy those.

Putting their own political ideologies aside, the curators aim to collect from both parties equally. As a tradition, they make sure to pick up some of the red, white and blue confetti that inevitably accompanies the end of both conventions.

Today, the museum’s political history collection includes objects related to presidential history and political campaigning, as well as the history of the White House and first ladies; the civil rights, women’s suffrage and reform movements; the World War II home front; and labor history. The political history collection includes some of the most important national treasures, such as the small portable desk on which Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence; the top hat Abraham Lincoln wore the night he was assassinated; and small metal buttons made to celebrate George Washington’s inauguration in 1789.

Summer Slideshow - 09

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 07:12:23 -0700

national museum of american history posted a photo:

Behind the scenes with the museum textiles preservation crew. They introduced onlookers to Benjamin Franklin’s suit.

(photo: Tyrone Clemons for Smithsonian, 2012)

Summer Slideshow - 07

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 07:12:22 -0700

national museum of american history posted a photo:

Museum guests learnt what it meant to do laundry before the invention of washing machines. They tried their hand at washing, rinsing, wringing, and repeating as Americans did at home during the 19th century.

(photo: Tyrone Clemons for Smithsonian, 2012)

Summer Slideshow - 11

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 07:12:17 -0700

national museum of american history posted a photo:

AIDS quilts laid out on National Mall for everyone to see during Folklife festival.

(photo: Tyrone Clemons for Smithsonian, 2012)

Summer Slideshow - 01

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 07:12:18 -0700

national museum of american history posted a photo:

Actor Amie Cazel portraying Mary Pickersgill, the seamstress who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner in 1813, interacting with museum guests.

(photo: Tyrone Clemons for Smithsonian, 2012)

Summer Slideshow - 06

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 07:12:22 -0700

national museum of american history posted a photo:

National Museum of American History celebrates Flag Day with a performance of Civil War music by Bob Schieffer and Honky Tonk Confidential in Flag Hall, right outside the gallery that houses the Star Spangled Banner.

(photo: Tyrone Clemons for Smithsonian, 2012)

Summer Slideshow - 10

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 07:12:24 -0700

national museum of american history posted a photo:

Gen. Joe McNeil, one of the Greensboro four, answers visitors' questions at the Greensboro lunch counter.

(photo: Tyrone Clemons for Smithsonian, 2012)

Summer Slideshow - 04

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 07:12:21 -0700

national museum of american history posted a photo:

Smithsonian Jazz Orchestra performing Stan Getz: The Girl from Ipanema during National History Day at the Museum.

(photo: Tyrone Clemons for Smithsonian, 2012)

Summer Slideshow - 02

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 07:12:19 -0700

national museum of american history posted a photo:

Museum guests participate in flag folding event during Flag Day, 2012.

(photo: Tyrone Clemons for Smithsonian, 2012)

Summer Slideshow - 08

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 07:12:23 -0700

national museum of american history posted a photo:

The Museum kicked off its "Music from the Hearts of America" series with the Enduring Freedom Honor Team. The group of student instrumentalists from the Faith Baptist Schools in Fredericksburg, Virginia, performed patriotic and period music from wartime eras in American history.

(photo: Tyrone Clemons for Smithsonian, 2012)

Barack Obama campaign headquarters, Manchester, NH

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:49:49 -0800

national museum of american history posted a photo:

Volunteers canvass voters by telephone in the last days of the presidential primary campaign, January 8, 2012.

Division of Political History collection

Newt Gingrich campaign bus, Manchester, NH

nobody@flickr.com (national museum of american history) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:11:31 -0800

national museum of american history posted a photo:

Portrait of the candidate at a primary campaign meet-and-greet, January 9, 2012, Public Service of New Hampshire Co., Manchester, New Hampshire.

Division of Political History collection