The 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago recently concluded, leaving behind a variety of memorabilia such as hats, pins, and signs. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History has been actively collecting and preserving items from political events like these to capture the spirit and pride of the convention for future generations. Visitors to the museum can see a wide range of items, from pins and peanuts to boxes of macaroni and cheese and ketchup bottles that were once used to win votes.
Claire Jerry and Jon Grinspan, political history curators at the Smithsonian, are responsible for collecting political memorabilia from events such as primaries, caucuses, conventions, and protests before they are discarded. They attended both the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to gather items that tell the story of the 2024 election. They collected signs made by delegates after Sen. JD Vance was announced as former President Donald Trump’s running mate, as well as shirts and other items from the DNC.
Hundreds of thousands of political memorabilia items are cataloged and stored at the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. They have items dating back to the 1844 Whig convention in Baltimore, as well as more recent acquisitions such as an at-home convention kit sent to Democratic delegates during the pandemic. These items hold significance because they were once used by individuals who participated in the political process, rather than just watched it on television. The items collected from the DNC in Chicago will be processed and cataloged for potential display at the museum in the future.
Preserving political memorabilia is important because it helps to document and share the history and significance of past events. According to Jerry, the items collected represent the experiences of individuals who were actively involved in the political process, rather than just passive observers. Objects like hats, signs, and shirts hold a special meaning for those who once used them, serving as tangible reminders of their participation in a particular political event. By preserving these items, the museum aims to ensure that future generations can learn from and appreciate the history of American politics.
The items collected by Jerry and Grinspan at the DNC in Chicago will add to the museum’s extensive collection of political memorabilia. The curators are always on the lookout for objects that represent the past, present, and future of American politics, as these items hold special significance for historians and visitors alike. While much of the collection remains in storage, some of the items gathered from the DNC may eventually be displayed at the Museum of American History for the public to view and learn from.Overall, the preservation of political memorabilia helps to capture the spirit and significance of important events in American history for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
