From George to George:
Presidential Elections in the United States
from 1789 to the Present

10 September 2004 - 20 January 2005 

Every four years, the American people—the press, the politicians, and the voters—turn their attention to one of the most quintessential of American institutions, the presidential campaign. The event can be alternately exciting and monotonous, stirring and soporific, dignified and indecorous. To understand the phenomenon and in recognition of the current presidential campaign, Bridwell Library organized an exhibition on the history of presidential campaigns in America from 1789 to the present. The exhibition was curated by American historian and SMU professor R. Hal Williams and collector Hervey Priddy, who had recently donated an important presidential campaign collection that served as the basis for the exhibition. Using historical documents and memorabilia such as letters, buttons, books, ribbons, banners, medals, cartoons, and music, the curators explored significant themes in presidential campaigns over the last 215 years. In addition to Bridwell’s holdings, the exhibit showcased items on loan from the Smithsonian Institution, the Museum of American Political Life, the DeGolyer Library at SMU, the Amon Carter Museum, and several private collectors in the area.

A variety of events were planned in conjunction with the exhibit, including a lecture series, a film festival, an election watch, and opportunities to register to vote. View the complete schedule of events with an online PDF version of our printed brochure or a three-month calendar.

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