Political memorabilia has been part of the United States’ cultural landscape as far back as the founding fathers. All over the country people collect memorabilia – from scrapbooks and buttons to posters and pens, there has always been an interest in promoting and preserving the campaigns of our elected officials, sometimes in unexpected ways.

Election Reflection: Memorabilia from Holland, MI explores the history of political memorabilia and the way it has shaped the campaign trail by taking a look at the types of objects people collect, and how they fit into the political process. This exhibit features national and state election artifacts and images collected by members of the Holland community; campaign buttons, political ads, and even cigarettes.