Philadelphia, – From George Washington’s diary to Bill Clinton’s saxophone, new artifacts at the National Constitution Center provide a unique glimpse into the lives of the nation’s presidents.  Visitors   will experience firsthand the evolution of the voting process through a display of historic voting machines, including a wooden ballot box from the 1800s and a Palm Beach County voting booth from the controversial 2000 election.  The assortment of 30 artifacts from collections around the country will be on display in the Center’s main exhibition, The Story of We the People, beginning June 29.  The artifacts will remain on display until the end of the year. 

 

Highlights of the presidential artifact collection include:

 

George Washington’s Personal Pocket Diary, 1796

George Washington kept this pocket diary during the final year of his presidency.  In it, he recorded temperature, wind direction, and general observations on the weather, revealing his continued interests as a farmer even while serving in public office. Courtesy of the American Philosophical Society.

 

Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address, 1801

In this printed copy of his speech, the new president calls for peace between the political parties after a bitter campaign.  Thomas Jefferson’s inauguration marked the first change of power from one party to another.  Courtesy of a Private Lender.

      

William Henry Harrison Campaign Flag, ca. 1840

This flag shows William Henry Harrison standing confidently in front of a log cabin.  As the first presidential candidate to actively campaign for office, Harrison used log cabins and hard cider to promote himself as a common man.  Courtesy of the Chester County Historical Society.

Franklin Roosevelt’s Fedora, ca. 1937
Jaunty fedoras became one of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s trademarks as president.  President Roosevelt purchased this fedora while in office.  National Constitution Center Collection.

 

“I Like Ike” Stockings, ca. 1952

One of the catchiest campaign slogans of all-time, “I Like Ike” captured the positive feelings toward Republican candidate Dwight Eisenhower.  The phrase appeared everywhere during the 1952 presidential campaign – even on women’s stockings.  Courtesy of the Chester County Historical Society.

 

Ronald Reagan’s Jellybean Jar, 1980s

Ronald Reagan began eating jellybeans in the 1960s to help quit smoking.  During his presidency, a crystal jar of Jelly Belly jellybeans was kept in the Oval Office and passed around during Cabinet meetings. Courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.

    

Bill Clinton’s Tenor Saxophone, 1994

The saxophone is a lasting part of President Bill Clinton’s public image.  This instrument was played by Clinton in the Oval Office during his first term.  Courtesy of the National Music Museum.

 

Barack Obama’s “A More Perfect Union” Speech, 2008

Then-Senator Barack Obama’s speech on race at the National Constitution Center was considered a pivotal moment of the 2008 campaign.  This signed original copy was used by Obama  when he delivered the speech from the Center’s F.M. Kirby Auditorium on March 18, 2008.  National Constitution Center Collection.

 

Also on display are several impeachment items, including:

 

Andrew Johnson Impeachment Trial Ticket, 1868
This ticket admitted spectators into the Senate gallery for America’s first presidential impeachment trial.  President Andrew Johnson was acquitted by a single vote on May 26, 1868.  Courtesy of North Carolina History Museum.

 

Gerald Ford’s Pardon of Richard Nixon, 1974
This ceremonial copy of impeached president Richard Nixon’s pardon was one of many signed by Gerald Ford in 1974.  In the months following the pardon, President Ford gave these copies as souvenirs to visiting dignitaries and heads of state.  On loan from the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.

 

In addition, visitors can explore firsthand how ballots and voting systems have changed over the years as a response to political, social, and technological change.  Voting artifacts include:

 

 

Circular Wooden Ballot Box, early 1800s

This wooden ballot box was designed by Philadelphia architect Thomas Ustick Walter.  Beads or pebbles called “tallies” were dropped into numbered holes, each assigned to a different candidate.  The drawers were opened to count the results.  Courtesy of the American Philosophical Society.

 

Metal Voting Box, early 1900s

This simple, metal ballot box was used in Northampton Township, Pennsylvania.  Voters placed paper ballots in an open slot, which was padlocked until they were ready to be tallied.  Courtesy of the Mercer Museum.

 

Gear-and-Lever Demo Voting Machine, early to mid-1900s 

Models like this help voters become familiar with new technology before entering the voting booth.  This model is for a gear-and-lever voting machine.  First introduced in 1892, it became the most widely used type of voting machine throughout most of the 1900s.  Courtesy of the Mercer Museum.

 

Punch Card Voting Machine, 2000

This voting machine was used in Palm Beach County, Florida during the controversial 2000 presidential election.  The punch card system with its confusing “butterfly ballots” led to a dispute over Florida’s decisive electoral votes.  National Constitution Center Collection.

 

The National Constitution Center is at 525 Arch Street, Independence Mall, Philadelphia
  For more information, call 215.409.6700 or visit www.constitutioncenter.org.

Information submitted by The National Constitution Center