Political Bandwagon

Opening April 2020

Political Bandwagon explores how presidents, governors, and assorted statesmen and stateswomen have courted the Commonwealth’s voters over the past two centuries. Showcasing the Rather-Westerman Political Memorabilia Collection, this exhibition aims to educate visitors on how politicians market themselves and their ideologies, while exploring the importance of critical thinking and democratic debate during the electoral process.

The exhibition will feature sections including:

• Campaigning in Kentucky from 1830 to the present, with stories of political scoundrels and scandals.
• Expanding democracy, such as women's suffrage and the Civil Rights Movement.
• Dissent and Protest as part of a democratic society, exploring moments such as the Vietnam War protests, Black Lives Matter, Women's March, and March for Our Lives.
• How you can participate in American democracy during elections.

 

 

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The Rather-Westerman Political Memorabilia Collection

Composed of more than 10,000 examples, the Rather-Westerman Collection consist of political memorabilia representing three main areas - candidates running for office in Kentucky. Kentuckians running for national office and candidates campaigning for national office in Kentucky between 1830 and the present. Abraham Lincoln, Henry Clay, James Buchanan, Harry S. Truman, and Alben Barkley are among the politicians best represented. More recent additions include campaign items associated with politicians like Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, Walter Mondale, Jimmy Carter, Michael Dukakis, and George H. W. and George W. Bush. Important Kentucky politicos include William Goebel, Albert "Happy" Chandler, Mitch McConnell, and John Sherman Cooper. The collection is held jointly by the Kentucky Museum and Department of Library Special Collections.

 

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