With the Presidential Debate coming to Cleveland on September 29^th, and the Presidential election that is fast approaching, WRHS will showcase its significant political collections at the debate media hub in the Intercontinental Hotel, Cleveland. WRHS is working closely with debate organizers at the Cleveland Clinic on a small exhibit that will provide additional content for media coverage and may serve as a backdrop for recording news segments.  

WRHS has one of the largest ever-growing collections of Presidential campaign memorabilia in the United States, with a special emphasis on campaign buttons, ribbons and badges. This extensive collection was built with the cooperation and generosity of many members, friends, and private collectors.

Collections on display at the Intercontinental Hotel will represent campaign memorabilia for Washington, Lincoln, and FDR. Eye-catching examples from the costume and textile collection complement the display, featuring a James A. Garfield bunting dress, I Like Ike poodle skirt, and former First Lady Lucretia Garfield’s ball gown. 

WRHS now offers a video series, presented by Curator of Collections & Exhibits Eric Rivet, that provides a brief look at the lives and careers of the eight Ohio men that have served as the nation’s chief executive. See below for the first video in the series, an introduction to Ohio's presidential past!

WRHS is also excited to announce that Ohio’s Presidential Past, an upcoming online exhibition, will delve deeper into the lives of the eight presidents with ties to the state. Follow us on social media (@CleStartsHere) to get updates on this exhibit and everything else going on at the Western Reserve Historical Society!

Want a more in-depth look at Ohio's presidential past? Book a Speaking of Cleveland program! Discover why Ohio is sometimes called the “Mother of Presidents” and learn about how our state has produced more U.S. Presidents than any other state. Join Chief Curator Eric Rivet to learn the truth behind these claims and to hear stories about the men from Ohio that have held the nation’s highest elected office.

The first visit of a sitting President of the United States to Cleveland was not for purposes of a debate, but, nevertheless, it opened a major debate on the President’s temperament and, indirectly, played a role his impeachment.

WRHS's collections include campaign garments as well as First Ladies’ clothing and other political and patriotic fashion. American fashion embraces political campaigns in whimsical ways, and Clevelanders were at the forefront of political style. Historians credit Ohio senator Mark Hanna with the invention of the modern campaign in 1896. Hanna systematically grew support for his friend William McKinley, and spent money on the highest quality posters, pins, and other campaign gear.

(James A. Garfield and Chester A. Arthur Bunting Dress, ca. 1880. WRHS Collection.)

People are loving our newest online exhibit, Women and Politics | Empowered to Lead, Empowered to Vote, presented by PNC!

From the comfort of your own home, trace the story of women’s empowerment, explore the early days of the suffragist movement, learn about the successful fight for the 19th Amendment, understand the birth and growth of the League of Women Voters as a force for clean government and examine the election of northern Ohio women to positions of power! Discover it for yourself when you click the button below!

Due to traffic and road closures resulting from the upcoming presidential debate, the Cleveland History Center will be closed from Sunday, September 27, through Wednesday, September 30. Road closures around the city may impact travel this weekend, so please confirm your route before visiting the CHC. Stay connected with the museum from home with our dynamic digital initiative, History at Home, featuring a variety of engaging online programs for people of all ages. Plan to visit and explore the rich history of Northeast Ohio on Fridays and Saturdays 10am to 4pm at the Cleveland History Center.