NAU and the Museum of Democracy are proud to share “Path to The American Presidency: Road to The White House,” an exhibition showcasing an array of rare campaign memorabilia and other objects related to American democracy.
The partnership, made possible by a grant from the Arizona Board of Regents, features items from the extensive Wright Family Collection, the foundation for the Museum of Democracy. The exhibition contains the nation’s largest and most comprehensive collections of historical and political art and campaign memorabilia, covering presidential campaigns from George Washington to the modern day. The collection also features material from major social causes and movements pertaining to freedom and democracy, reflecting the history of politics and political reform in America as well as central civil rights issues, including women’s rights and social justice.
The free exhibition is inside Cline Library’s first floor exhibit gallery and is available for public viewing during library hours.
“There couldn’t be a better time to have this powerful and fascinating exhibition on display at NAU’s Cline Library,” said Cynthia Childrey, Cline Library’s dean and university librarian. “‘Path to the American Presidency’ is as compelling as political campaigns themselves. It serves to give students and the community a window into the rich history of presidential elections past and present, encourages civic engagement and encourages students to consider pathways to leadership roles themselves. We appreciate the support of the Arizona Board of Regents as well as the opportunity to work with the Museum of Democracy and the Wright family to bring this exhibition to NAU and the Flagstaff community.”
The exhibition examines the potency of mass-marketing campaigns and visual advertising, and particularly the role of buttons, in political campaigns of American leaders from George Washington to Joe Biden. It even includes items from the current Harris-Walz and Trump-Vance campaigns.
The exhibition tells the story of American democracy through unique campaign methods used throughout history, including flags, posters, parade lanterns, games and stickers. These images and objects provide tangible insight into the tactics and powerful slogans candidates used to attain the highest office.
Open to students, faculty, staff and the Flagstaff community, visitors can step into the role of a United States president, a White House Cabinet member or a reporter navigating an important issue. They can even snap a photo of themselves in a true-to-scale replica of the White House press room. Already, the exhibition has played host to NAU clubs, classes and other members of the university community, sometimes aiding in students’ learning process.
“With a historical election right around the corner, this exhibition is opening at a pivotal time,” said Austin C. Wright, chairman of the Museum of Democracy. “We are grateful to the Arizona Board of Regents and Northern Arizona University for believing in the importance of our efforts to get students engaged in the democratic process by understanding where we’ve been and hope that those who explore the exhibition find inspiration among its contents and remain engaged in the process, doing their part to ensure our democracy continues to thrive this fall and beyond.”
“Path to the American Presidency” will be on display through March 2025. Call (928) 523-2173 for more information or visit the Cline Library website for building hours, location and parking information.
The installation comes on the heels of the release of the book “Campaigning for President,” written by Jordan M. Wright, Austin C. Wright, and New York Times bestselling author Mark Bego. The book brings the fascinating history behind the Museum of Democracy to light through scintillating commentary and one-of-a-kind artifacts.
Jill Kimball | NAU Communications
(928) 523-2282 | jill.kimball@nau.edu