Objects - Political History

Ashtray

2022.5.1

Blue-glazed ashtray molded with the word "LEAHY" [raised] radiating out from around the year "1975" [impressed] in the center. The back is stamped with the inscription, "Commemorating Vermont's / First Democratic Senator / Elected November 5, 1974 / benningtonpotter[s] / bennington vermont." The back is unglazed with blue glaze inside the impressed letters.

Made by Bennington Pottery in Bennington, Vermont, to celebrate the election of Patrick Leahy as US Senator.

Ashtray

2022.5.2

Ashtray molded with the words "WALKING DOWN TO WASHINGTON IN 1960 WITH KENNEDY AND JOHNSON". The ashtray is glazed with a matte, green glaze. The bottom is unglazed and stamped with the mark, "VERMONT DESIGN COOPERATIVE BENNINGTON POTTERS *1290".

Made by Bennington Pottery in Benninton, Vermont. In 1960, "Walkin' Down to Washington" was the official song of the Democratic Party.

Banner

2016.42.2

Rectangular burgundy polyester banner. White felted letters glued to the front read, "Kunin". There are metal grommets in each corner.

Made for the gubernatorial election of Madeleine Kunin. Originally hung in Barre, Vermont

Banner

1947.6.3

White canvas banner with the hand-painted inscription, "ALL TRUE, FOR OLD TIP." The edges of the banner are folded back and the top and bottom and tacked onto wooden boards.

Carried by Captain John Barrett to a political rally for William Henry Harrison on Stratton Mountain, 1840.

Banner

2000.57.1

A large white banner with a purple image and slogan that reads, "Now More Than Ever, 1987, Lesbian & Gay Pride"

This was a banner that was carried in the fifth Lesbian and Gay Pride March held in Burlington on June 20, 1987. According to an account in the newspaper "Out in the Mountains," more than 400 people marched through the downtown in that parade.

Banner

1995.12

Square cotton banner with the painted inscription, "VERMONT THE STAR THAT NEVER SETS CORINTH DELECTI[ON] FIRM FOR OLD TIP". The top and bottom edges of the banner have nail holes evenly spaced all the way across.

Made in Corinth, Vermont, during the election of William Henry Harrison. Possibly carried to a political rally at Stratton Mountain.

Banner

1994.42

Rectangular maroon banner with the word "Kunin" appliqued to one side in white felt.

Produced to promote the gubernatorial campaign of Madeleine Kunin.

Banner

2006.71.5

Painted banner that reads, "ED GRANAI STATE SENATE". The banner has a white ground on the upper half and a green ground on the lower half, with the lettering in the opposite colors. The ends are folded back and held with 4 large metal grommets.

Made to support Ed Granai's 1990 campaign for Vermont State Senate.

Bell

1976.17.8

Small bell on leather strap with buckle. Bell says "Ring for Coolidge". Bell is brass colored, strap is medium brown color.

Produced for the presidential campaign of Calvin Coolidge of Plymouth, Vermont

Button

2025.13.3

Button or cuff link that is covered in red and white strips cloth with a blue field in one corner with two white stars. The name Harrison runs across the center.

Benjamin Harrison was president from 1889-1893. This button was patented in 1888.

Campaign Button

2006.12.16

Round metal button. There is a border around the pin that has become yellowed with age. At the top of the pin, in this border "FOR GOVERNOR" is written in black and at the bottom of the pin "PERCIVAL W. CLEMENT" is written in black as well. In the center of the pin is a black and white photo of Clement. The reverse side has a paper backing which reads: "The Whitehead & Hoag Co./ Newark, N.J./ Allied Printing/ Newark, N.J./ Patented July 17, 1894/ April 14, 1898/ July 21, 1898."

Percival W. Clement of Rutland, Vermont, ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1902 and 1906. He ran successfully in 1918.

Campaign Button

2002.36.19

Round metal button printed red on the top and blue on the bottom with a white stripe across the center. The words "COOLIDGE AND DAWES" are printed in white and blue.

Calvin Coolidge was the 30th president of the United States, assuming the role in 1923 at the death of Warren Harding. Charles G. Dawes was his vice president when he ran and won election in 1924. Coolidge was born in Plymouth, Vermont.

Campaign Button

2022.5.6

Round green button with the white inscription, "harvey".

Produced in support of the campaign of Harvey Denison Carter, Jr.

Campaign Button

1997.13.2

Rectangular campaign button. The background is a wide band of red at the top, a wide band of dark blue at the bottom, and a thin stripe of white in the middle. On the left middle of the button is a white oval outlined in dark blue with "VoTe" printed in letters alternating dark and light blue. The "V" and "T" are in a larger font size than the "O" and "E". In the center is "CLINTON" written in white on the red section, "DEAN" in dark blue on the white section directly beneath, and "RACINE" in white on the blue section directly beneath. On the middle right side "96" is printed in light blue. There is a small logo at the bottom edge.

Democratic campaign button for presidential candidate Bill Clinton, Vermont gubernatorial candidate Howard Dean and Vermont lieutenant governor candidate Doug Racine. Clinton was running for re-election and so was Dean. This was Racine's second try for lieutenant governor, having lost to Republican Barbara Snelling in 1994. He would go on to win re-election three more times, as would Dean, both leaving these offices in 2003.

Campaign Button

1992.87.16b

Two political pins, identical except for their size. Each has a white background and a large red heart in which is written, "In your heart, you know he's right!"

Produced for the unsuccessful 1964 presidential campaign of Barry Goldwater.

Campaign Button

2000.43.3

Round metal button striped red (top), white (center), and blue (bottom) with the words "FLETCHER AND HOWE" in blue across the center.

Produced for the 1912 gubernatorial campaign of Allen M. Fletcher. Frank E. Howe ran for Lieutenant Governor. Both were successful.

Campaign Button

2022.5.7

Round red button with the white inscription, "KIRK".

Campaign Button

2012.50.1

Round white button with the black, hand-written inscription, "Douglas 90".

Made for James Douglas' 1990 campaign for Secretary of State of Vermont.

Campaign Button

2012.50.2

Round green button with the white inscription, "PETER SMITH Governor '86".

Made for the unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign of Peter Smith in 1986. Owned by Governor James Douglas.

Campaign Button

2012.50.3

Round white button with blue border and the blue inscription, "Peter P. Smith for Lieutenant Governor".

Made by the campaign of Peter Smith for lieutenant Governor in 1983. Owned by Governor James Douglas.

Campaign Button

2012.50.4

Round blue button, with a semi-circular white wedge on the lower half and the inscription, "EASTON GOVERNOR '84".

Made for the unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign of John Easton in 1984. Owned by Governor James Douglas.

Campaign Button

2012.50.5

Round green button with the white sans-serif inscription, "Jim Jeffords Senate '94".

Made for Jim Jeffords' senatorial campaign of 1994. Owned by Governor James H. Douglas.

Campaign Button

2012.50.7

Round blue and white button with the inscription, "I Like MIKE BERNHARDT FOR GOVERNOR". In tiny letters along edge is the inscription, "Versitile Graphics Burlington, VT 862-3762"

Made for the unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign of Michael Bernhardt in 1988. Owned by Governor James Douglas.

Campaign Button

2012.50.8

Round blue and white button with the inscription, "I Like MIKE BERNHARDT FOR GOVERNOR". In tiny letters along edge is the inscription, "Versitile Graphics Burlington, VT 862-3762"

Made for the unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign of Michael Bernhardt in 1988. Owned by Governor James Douglas.

Campaign Button

2012.50.9

Round button with three green mountains over a blue ground. A red line spans the middle with the white inscription, "Hilton Wick for Governor".

Made for the unsuccessful gubernatorial of Hilton Wick in 1984. Owned by Governor James Douglas.

Campaign Button

2012.50.10

Round white button with two equally-spaced concentric green circles with the inscription, "VOTE SARTY R-3 He's for ALL of us". There is a maker's mark on the reverse saying, "Badg/A/Minit - LASALLE/ILL 61301". The design on the front is printed on a round piece of paper.

Peter G. Sarty, a Republican from Rutland was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives in 1986, 88 and 90. R-3 on the pin is the designation for the district he represented, Rutland-3. Owned by Governor James Douglas.

Campaign Button

2012.50.11

Round red-and-white striped button with the inscription, "RE-ELECT EDSON SHERIFF" in blue and white. Above the inscription is a five-pointed star with the word "sheriff" in the center.

Produced for the reelection of Donald Edson for Washington County Sheriff. Edson was sheriff from 1987 to 2004 when he resigned as part of a plea bargain for felony fraud.

Campaign Button

2012.50.12

Round button with a black-and-white photograph of a woman with short, curly white hair and large glasses. She is shown smiling, and is wearing pearl earrings, a white shirt, and a suit jacket. The inscription, "YOU CAN BET ON BETTY" rings the top edge in black letters.

Produced for one of the Senate campaigns of Betty Ferraro in 1992 or 1994. Owned by Governor James Douglas.

Campaign Button

2012.50.13

Round, green button with the white inscription, "MURPHY for MIDDLEBURY Representative 4-2". The reverse bears the maker's label, "BADGE/A/MINIT/LASALLE/ILL 61301".

William Murphy of Middlebury ran twice to be one of the two District 4-2 representatives in the Vermont House. Both time, 1986 and 1994, the Republican came in fourth. Democrats won the two seats in both elections.

Campaign Button

2012.50.14

Round, white button with a green silhouette of an elephant at the time and the green sans-serif inscription, "Vermonters are Telling... "WE NEED DICK SNELLING" U.S. Senate 1986 Don McNally, Derby, Vt."

Worn by Gov. James Douglas. Produced for Richard Snelling's unsuccessful US Senate campaign in 1986. He lost to Democrat Patrick Leahy. This campaign came after he had been governor of the state from 1977 to 1985.

Campaign Button

2012.50.15

Round pin printed with a photograph of a man's face. He is smiling with an open mouth and has curly hair. He is wearing a white, colored shirt, and a grey suit jacket. The pin is stamped on the reverse with "Badge-A-Minit/LASALLE/ILL. 61301".

Owned by Governor James Douglas. Shows Governor Richard Snelling.

Campaign Button

2012.50.16

Round blue button with a red-outlined six-pointed star. In the center of the star is the inscription "AMOS COLBY" in red.

Made for the election of Amos Colby for Essex County Sheriff. Owned by Governor James Douglas.

Campaign Button

2012.50.17

Round white button with the blue inscription, "HACKETT", across the center. The maker's name is tucked under the edge: "RUSSELL BADGE MFG WAKEFIELD MASS".

Made for the unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign of Luther Hackett, 1972. Owned by Governor James Douglas.

Campaign Button

2012.50.19

Round red pin with the white sans-serif inscription, "DION".

Frank E. Dion, a Republican, ran for mayor of Burlington in 1971. He lost to Gordon Paquette, a Democrat. Paquette would serve as mayor for the next ten years.

Campaign Button

2012.50.23

Round white button with safety clasp. At the very top of the pin is a waving American flag printed in blue. Underneath the flag, in the center of the pin, are the words "VERMONT / RIGHT / WITH REAGAN" in blue. At the very bottom in tiny print are the words "By Barbara Cummings, Springfield, Vt."

Produced for the presidential campaign of Ronald Reagan

Campaign Button

2012.50.24

Round button with two layers of green mountains and a dark blue sky. It has the inscription "Vermont BUSH COUNTRY" in white along with a small, white eight-pointed star and a white falling leaf.

This was the official button for the Vermont delegation to the Republican National Convention in 1992, at which George H. W. Bush, vice president under President Ronald Reagan and president as of 1988, received the party's nomination (for reelection).

Campaign Button

2012.50.25

Round white button with the green sans-serif inscription, "GO 4 WEST". The 4 is within a shield shape (route symbol).

Owned by Governor James Douglas, who said this might have come from Robert "Bob" West's unsuccessful bid to become attorney general in 1972. He lost in the Republican primary. The victor, Kimberly Cheney was elected AG in the general election.

Campaign Button

2022.5.8

Round green-and-white button with the inscription, "PAUL LAFAYETTE for MAYOR".

Campaign Button

2000.32.15

Round red button with the white inscription, "BURGESS IS BEST."

John A. Burgess, Democrat, ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Congress in 1976. He lost to Republican Jim Jeffords.

Campaign Button

2000.32.16

Bright orange / red pin with "ALDEN" in black block letters.

Democrat John T. Alden had the most votes of the three candidates for lieutenant governor in 1976 election but didn't have a majority (50 percent plus 1), so the election went to the Legislature which chose the second place finisher, Republican T. Garry Buckley, instead of Alden.

Campaign Button

2000.32.18

Green with white block letters. "DIAMOND / '80" The '80 are outlines only

Jerome Diamond served as Attorney General of Vermont from 1975-1981. This campaign pin was from his last run for that office.

Campaign Button

2000.32.19

Burgundy campaign pin with the inscription, "Kunin! '80" in white and grey. The pin back is missing.

Produced for Madeleine Kunin's 1980 campaign for reelection for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont.
Madeleine M. Kunin served as Lieutenant Governor for the State of Vermont from 1979-1982, and as Governor from 1984-1991.

Campaign Button

2000.32.21

White with "Cain" in black letters on green background and "congress" below. Metal tab extending from top can be bent to attach button.

Francis Cain of Burlington, a Democrat, was defeated in his bid for U. S. Representative by Jim Jeffords in 1974.

Campaign Button

2000.32.22

White with "Cain" in black lettering on green background and "congress" below.

Francis Cain of Burlington, a Democrat, was defeated in his bid for U. S. Representative by Jim Jeffords in 1974.

Campaign Button

2000.32.29

Round white button. The word "Leahy" is printed with a blue outline four times going down the center of the pin. The third Leahy is filled in with "For U.S. Senator" written underneath.

Produced for one of the senatorial campaigns of Patrick Leahy.

Campaign Button

2000.32.36

Burnt orange with "BURNS/ LT. GOVERNOR" in cream lettering.

Brian D. Burns, Democrat, won the election for Lt. Governor in 1974.

Campaign Button

2009.9

Round button printed red on the top and blue on the bottom with a white map of the contiguous United States. A red line is across the map, labeled with the words, "LINCOLN TOUR". Flanking the map at top and bottom are the words, "COOLIDGE / DAWES".

The Lincoln Tour was a long, 1924 campaign parade starting in Plymouth, Vermont, then following the Lincoln Highway across the country.

Campaign Button

2008.38.17

Round button, striped red, white, and blue, with the sans-serif inscription, "MY FIRST VOTE/HARDING/IS FOR". (My first vote is for Harding.)

Pin presumably from the presidential campaign of Warren Harding in 1920. No information about who the first-time voter was.

Campaign Button

2013.9.2

White campaign button with the inscription, "JESSE JACKSON NOW IS THE TIME 1984" in blue and red letters. Between the name and the slogan, a red and a blue line form a representation of a rainbow.

Produced for Jesse Jackson's 1984 campaign for US President.

Campaign Button

2013.9.4

Red button with the white inscription, "Re-Elect Bernie 2004". Three lines go across the middle of the button, flanking the year. The "i" is dotted with a star, and there is a second star on the three-line stripe. There is a small oval maker's mark and the number 7 at the bottom of the button.

Produced for Bernie Sanders' 2004 campaign for reelection to the US House of Representatives

Campaign Button

2013.9.5

Blue button with the inscription, "1-800-LEAHY '86", in white text. In small white text around the edge of the button where it is turned to the back are the words, "Paid for by Patrick Leahy for Senator".

Produced for Senator Patrick Leahy's 1986 campaign. The number provided voters with information and the option to donate to the campaign via credit card.

Campaign Button

2013.9.8

Red, white and blue button with "RE-DEFEAT/ BUSH" in black letters in center. Pin on back.

This is a pin from the 2004 presidential campaign. "Re-defeat" is a reference to the fact that George W. Bush lost the popular vote for president to Democrat Al Gore, but won the presidency based on the electoral college count.

Campaign Button

2013.9.9

White political button with picture of George W. Bush and a red circle and slash across center. Pin on back.

George W. Bush ran for and was elected president of the United States twice, in 2000 and in 2004.

Campaign Button

2022.5.9

Round button. The button has a blue background with an illustration of a dark green hill with a tree on the center right edge, and a light green hill offcenter in the middle of the button. In the top third "BEV / MAJOR" is written in white. On the bottom of the pin, in the dark green mountain, "VERMONT SENATE" is printed in white.

Campaign Button

2013.9.25

Round white metal campaign button printed with the inscription, "WIN JESSE WIN "IN 1984"". It is printed with a full-color photograph of Jesse Jackson's head and collar beneath a green, yellow, and red rainbow with the word "President" on it. The head is flanked by a capitol dome and flying eagle.

Produced in support of Jesse Jackson for the Democratic Party's nomination for president in 1984

Campaign Button

2013.13.1

Round red button. In the center "Amestoy / ATTORNEY GENERAL" is written in white. There is a thin green line underlining Amestoy.

Made for one of Jeffrey Amestoy's campaign for Attorney General of Vermont.

Campaign Button

2013.13.2

Round white button with the blue inscription, "JOHN S. BURGESS U. S. CONGRESS", and a blue line crossing the center.

Made for the 1974 campaign of Republican John S Burgess in his bid to represent Vermont in Congress. He lost to Republican Jim Jeffords in the primary and Jeffords went on to win the election.
Burgess previously ran for attorney general in 1962 and lost in the Republican primary. He was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1970 and re-elected in 1972.

Campaign Button

2013.13.3

Round red button. In the center is a yellow stripe with the word "GARLAND" written in it in red. Printed along edge in yellow letters is the label "Garland for Senate Campaign Committee Horn Co., Phila., PA 19126".

Made for the senatorial campaign of Margaret "Peg" Garland. Margaret P. Garland was the Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 1980, and lost to Democrat Madeleine Kunin.

Campaign Button

2013.13.4

Round blue button with the white inscription, "JIM Gilson for MAYOR".

Made for the campaign of Republican Jim Gilson for mayor of Burlington in 1983. He lost to Independent Bernie Sanders. Judith Stephany was the Democratic candidate.

Campaign Button

2013.13.6

Round green button with the white inscription, "HOGAN FOR CONGRESS".

Campaign Button

2013.13.7

Small round red and blue button with the white inscription, "NIXON LODGE". The words are separated by a white stripe with blue five-point stars. The side edge has a manufacturers marks saying, "Green Duck Co., Chicago".

Republican Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994) ran for the U.S. Presidency in 1960 with Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. (1902-1985) as his running mate for Vice President. He lost to Democrat John F. Kennedy.

Campaign Button

2013.13.8

Round blue button with the white inscription, "DOUG RACINE Lt. Governor".

Made for one of the campaigns of Democrat Doug Racine for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont. He served in that position from 1997-2003.

Campaign Button

2013.13.9

Round white button with two blue lines crossing the center. The lines bisect an image of an elephant that is blue with white stars on the top and red on the bottom (the symbol of the Republican Party). Within the lines is the blue inscription, "ROLAND SEWARD", and the inscription, "for NATIONAL COMMITTEEMAN" rings the bottom edge of the button.

Made for the campaign of Roland Quincy Seward for Republican national committeeman of Vermont.
Seward, of East Wallingford, was Republican party chair from 1961-63 and a Republican national committeeman from 1972-77 and was selected again in 1984, a year before his death from cancer in 1985.

Campaign Button

2013.13.10

Round green button with the yellow inscription, "SEC OF Thomas STATE".

Made for the campaign of Republican Richard Thomas (1937-1991) for Vermont Secretary of State. He served four terms from 1968-1977, and then lost to Democrat James Guest when he ran for re-election in 1976. He also ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 1971, losing in a Republican primary.

Campaign Button

2013.13.11

Round white button with the inscription, "Evslin U.S. Senate". The first word is green, and the rest is white over a green strip.

Made for the unsuccessful senatorial campaign of Tom Evslin in 1980. He came in third in the Republican primary. The winner, Stewart Ledbetter, lost to Democrat Patrick Leahy in the general election.

Campaign Button

2013.13.12

Round white button with black border and the black inscription, "TOM EVLIN 1980 U.S. SENATE".

Made for the unsuccessful senatorial campaign of Tom Evslin in 1980. He came in third in the Republican primary. The winner, Stewart Ledbetter, lost to Democrat Patrick Leahy in the general election.

Campaign Button

2013.13.13

Round button that is white on the top half and red on the bottom half. The upper has the blue inscription "HACKETT" and the lower has the white inscription "BURGESS". A maker's mark along the edge reads "RUSSELL Badge Mfg., Wakefield, Mass."

Made to support Republican Luther Hackett for Governor and Republican John Burgess for Lieutenant Governor, 1972. Hackett lost to Democrat Tom Salmon. Burgess was re-elected to his second term as lieutenant governor, having first been elected in 1970. In 1974 he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, but lost in the Republican primary. He had also run unsuccessfully for attorney general in 1962, losing in the primary.

Campaign Button

2013.13.14

Round white button with the blue inscription, "VOTE MULLIN U.S. SENATE".

Made for the 1980 U.S. senatorial campaign of Republican James E. Mullin. He came in second to Stewart Ledbetter, who subsequently lost to Democrat Patrick Leahy in the general election.

Campaign Button

2013.13.15

Round blue button with the white inscription "MADELINE". There is a maker's mark along the edge that reads, "J. Freides Co., Mamaroneck, NY 10543".

Though it is unclear which Madeline this button was made for, it could be Madeline Harwood of Madeline Manahan. Madeline Harwood went for the U.S. House in 1974 but lost in the Republican primary. She ran for state representative from Bennnington-Rutland 2 and won in 1988, but lost her bid for re-election in 1990. Madeline Manahan was a Democrat elected as state representative from the Franklin-2 district in 1994 and 1996.

Campaign Button

2000.28

Round white campaign button with the blue words, "CRAIG for GOVERNOR".

William G. Craig ran against Richard Snelling in the Republican gubernatorial primary election in 1976 and lost.

Campaign Button

2003.89.13

A white political campaign button with blue lettering that says, "Mike Bernhardt for governor 90."

Mike Bernhardt, a Republican from Windham County, ran for governor in 1988 and lost to Democrat Madeleine Kunin. Despite what this pin says, Bernhardt did not run for governor in 1990, he ran for Lieutenant governor and lost to Democrat Howard Dean. He had previously served a term in the Vermont House of Representatives (87-88) and tried to return to the House in 1992, but lost in the Republican primary.

Campaign Button

2000.43.2

Round metal button with a full-color copperplate image of a clover flower and the words, "FOR GOVERNOR / JOHN A. MEAD".

Produced for the successful 1910 gubernatorial campaign of John Abner Mead.

Campaign Button

1992.87.5

Round white metal button with the blue inscription, "Mallary of Vermont".

Produced for one of the congressional campaigns of Richard Mallary (1929-2011), a Republican. He was a successful candidate for the state House and Senate and later for the U.S. House of Representatives. He ran for the U.S. Senate in 1974, losing to Democrat Patrick Leahy.

Campaign Button

1976.36.2

Round white button printed with an American flag at the top and the inscription, "BUCKLEY LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR" in red and blue beneath.

Produced for the successful 1975 campaign of T. Garry Buckley for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont.

Campaign Button

2022.5.10

Round metal button with the inscription, "VOTE Liz McLoughlin FOR Brattleboro Select Board Pragmatic. Optimistic. Wise. POW!"

Campaign Button

1992.87.6

Small, white metal button with a green-tone image of a man in glasses in the center and the words, "For governor Roger MacBride" on the perimeter in green lettering.

Produced for the unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign of Roger MacBride in 1964.

Campaign Button

2011.70.1

Round orange pin. Written in the center of the pin, in black, are the words "Fred for / U.S. Senate / from / Vermont". A maker's mark is stamped on the back and reads, "BADGE-A-MINIT / 1-800-223-4103".

Made for the campaign of Fred Tuttle for US Senate in 1998.

Campaign Button

2005.9.16

A campaign pin for Richard W. Mallary, in the race for United States Senate of 1974. The button's upper half has a white background with blue lettering that reads, "I say what I think." The lower half of the button has a red background with white text that reads, "Mallary for Senate." On the lower edge of the button in white text is the maker's name. The pin was made by Votes Unlimited of Ferndale, NY. The button itself is steel with a copper pin.

Richard Mallory, (1929-2011)
He was a graduate of Bradford Academy and Dartmouth College, ran a dairy farm for 20 years, then moved into politics and government.

In 1961, he began his rise through Vermont politics. He served eight years in the Vermont House, two of them as speaker. He moved on to the state Senate and then won election to Congress, where he served for two terms.

Mallary lost a U.S. Senate election to Patrick Leahy in 1974. He served in the Cabinet and in other positions under three governors. In 1999, he decided to run again for a seat in Vermont’s House. He won and served four more years.

Besides his long political career, Mallary also was an executive at a bank, two different utilities and a heating company. He was vice president of Central Vermont Public Service Corp. and president of Vermont Electric Power Corp., which oversees transmission lines throughout the state.

Campaign Button

2022.5.11

Round white button. There is a blue ring around the edge of the pin that has a break in the center of the pin due to the word "MEYER" that is written in red. Along the top edge of the button, in the blue, "RE-ELECT" is written in white. Along the bottom edge of the button, in the blue, "CONGRESS" in written in white. In the center of the pin above MEYER is a stamped logo and the year 36 and below MEYER is "TO" written in blue.

Campaign Button

2005.9.22

The background for the button is blue, with white lettering that reads, "Burgess is best." On the lower edge of the button has white lettering that reads, "Alan S. Frignon, Treas, Box 1776, Montpelier, VT." The itself button is metal with a cooper pin.

John Burgess (1920-2007) was a Brattleboro attorney. He ran for Attorney General in 1962 but lost in the Republican primary. He ran for lieutenant governor in 1970 and won, and served two terms. He made a bid in 1976 to represent Vermont in the House of Representatives, but lost in the Republican primary to Jim Jeffords.

Campaign Button

2010.11.44

Round white pin. In the center, written in cursive, is "Madeleine!" in red.

Produced for one of the gubernatorial campaigns of Madeleine Kunin

Campaign Button

2010.11.45

Round blue button with the white inscription, “Pat Leahy U.S. Senate”.

Produced for one of the senatorial campaigns of Patrick Leahy.

Campaign Button

2010.11.47

White campaign button with the red inscription, "Another Vermonter for Kunin".

Produced for one of Madeline Kunin's campaigns for Governor of Vermont, 1985-1991.

Campaign Button

1986.24.1

A small green and white campaign pin with the name, "Babbitt" in green letters on the white top half of the pin, and "for governor" in white letters on the green lower half.

Frederick H. Babbitt (1859-1931) was a businessman in Bellows Falls who served as Senate President Pro Temp 1912-13 and made a run for governor in 1920. He lost in the Republican primary to James Hartness. Source: Wikipedia as of 11/4/2020.

Campaign Button

1992.87.7

Small, white, round button with blue lettering. "SIMPSON" is printed and underlined in the center of the pin. Along the top edge "GOOD ROADS" is printed and along the bottom edge "ECONOMY" is printed.

A campaign pin for W. Arthur Simpson (1888-) of Lyndon, who ran for governor four times -- 1930, 1932, 1944 and 1960 -- and lost each time in the Republican primary. One of his campaign promises was to improve roads, pave roads and provide funding for rural roads without raising taxes. He served in the Legislature and served as on the social welfare commission and the state highway board and was well-liked by Democratic as well as Republican politicians.

Campaign Button

2022.5.12

Round yellow button with the black inscription, "MOSHOVETIS BELONGS IN THE SENATE".

Campaign Button

1995.26.2

Small round button with the words, "FOR / BRANON / GOVERNOR" (Branon for Governor). Branon is blue on a white horizontal stripe across the center of the button. The other words on white on blue, flanking the stripe.

Produced for the 1954 or 1956 of E. Frank Branon for Governor of Vermont.

Campaign Button

2011.70.4

Round red button with the white inscription, "Bernie '92". In tiny white letters around under side of edge is the inscription, "SANDERS FOR CONGRESS BOX 391, BURLINGTON, VT 05402 DONNELLY/COLT BUTTONS 203-455-9621"

Made for Bernie Sanders' campaign for the US House of Representatives in 1992. In that election he defeated Republican Tim Philbin and Democrat Lewis Young.

Campaign Button

2011.70.5

Round blue button with three green mountains across the bottom quarter. It has the white inscription, "Susan Sweetser FOR CONGRESS" on the blue, and "'96" on the mountains. In tiny print along the reverse edge of the top is the inscription, "PD. FOR BY SWEETSER '96 COMM. 139 MAIN STREET MONTPELIER, VERMONT 05602 (802) 229-1996".

Made for Republican Susan Sweetser's unsuccessful campaign for US House of Representatives in 1996. She lost to Bernie Sanders, the independent incumbent. Jack Long, a Democrat, was also on the ballot.
Sweetser had previously served two terms in the Vermont Senate as one of six senators from Chittenden County. She tried to return to the state senate in 1998, but failed to make the cut.

Campaign Button

2011.70.6

Round white button with the blue inscription, "JACK LONG '96 Democrat for Congress.

Made for the unsuccessful campaign of Jack Long for US House of Representatives in 1996.

Campaign Button

2011.70.7

Round white button with the green inscription "Bill Gray U.S. SENATE". There is a small maker's logo at the bottom center.

Made for the unsuccessful senatorial campaign of Democrat Bill Gray in 1988. He lost to Republican Jim Jeffords.

Campaign Button

2011.70.10

Round white button. Along the top edge of the button are the words "TAKE BACK VERMONT" printed in blue. In the center there is an image of the Republican elephant, top half blue with three white stars and the bottom half red, and the word "VOTE" written in red directly beneath the elephant. Along the bottom edge "REPUBLICAN" is written in red.

Made for the 2000 election in opposition to Civil Unions.

Campaign Button

2011.70.11

Round white button. In the center of the pin is a light-green silhouette of an evergreen tree. Written on top of the tree are the words "Hogan / for / Governor" in dark green. Along the bottom edge of the button, in very tiny print are the words "Paid for by Hogan for Governor, P.O. Box 466, Barre, VT Douglas Hull, Treasurer" in dark green.

Made for the unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign of Cornelius "Con" Hogan in 2002. He ran as an independent, having previously identified as a Republican. The Republican candidate and eventual winner was Jim Douglas with 103,436 votes. The Democrat, Doug Racine, received 97,565 votes and Hogan received 22,353.

Campaign Button

2011.70.12

Round white button with a narrow green border. In the center of the pin is a color photograph of a man in an indigenous American feathered war bonnet. Around the top half of the image is the inscription "HOMER ST. FRANCIS" in red. Along the bottom of the image is the inscription "FOR GOVERNOR" in blue. The button is formed by two sheets of plastic sandwiching a round piece of paper.

Made for the gubernatorial campaign of Homer St. Francis in 1990, but the Vermont Secretary of State doesn't list him as a candidate in any primary or the general election that year. In fact, he isn't listed as a candidate in any election in that state database.

Campaign Button

2011.70.13

Round yellow button with the green inscription, "JIM MILNE Secretary of State". There is a maker's mark on the back reading, "Badg-a-Minit 1-800-223-4103".

Made for the campaign of Jim Milne for Secretary of State.

Campaign Button

2011.70.14

Round red button with the white inscription, "MENDICINO FOR SECRETARY OF STATE".

Made for the campaign of Jane Daley Mendicino for Secretary of State in 1994. She ran in the Republican primary and lost to Jim Milne who went on to win the election, defeating Democrat Don Hooper.

Jane Mendicino of Essex Junction served four terms in the Vermont House of Representatives before her run for Secretary of State. She was first elected in 1986.

Campaign Button

2011.70.15

Round blue button with the light green inscription "DON HOOPER FOR Secretary of State 92". There are several horizontal lines running across the button.

Made for the successful campaign of Democrat Don Hooper for Secretary of State in 1992. Hooper, of Brookfield, Vermont, had previously served four terms in the in the Vermont House of Representatives for four terms. He ran for re-election in 1994, but lost to Republican Jim Milne.

Campaign Button

2011.70.16

Round white button with the green inscription, "POIRIER For State Senate"

Made for the one of Paul Poirier's campaigns for Vermont state senate. Poirier, of Barre, Vermont, ran many times for the state legislature, starting with an unsuccessful bid for a House seat in 1986. He ran several times for the state senate in the early 1990s without success, but won election to the House in 1996 and again in 1998. He tried again for the state senate in 2000 and lost. He tried unsuccessfully to return to the House in 2006 but was successful in 2008, winning re-election in 2010, 2012 and 2014 before losing in 2016.

Campaign Button

2011.70.18

Round red button with the white inscription, "I'm For CONNIE". The first two words are in a script-style font.

Made for the campaign of Connie Johnson for Vermont representative.

Campaign Button

2011.70.19

Blue button with the white inscription, "Elect CPA BOB THORN Auditor". The pin is formed to two pieces of clear plastic surrounding a round piece of paper. There is a white sticker on the back with the address of the manufacturer and the handwritten inscription, "Jim, Thanks for all of your help. Bob".

Made for the campaign of Bob Thorn for Auditor of Vermont. Given by him to Jim Milne.
Robert Thorn was the Republican candidate for auditor in 1994, but lost to Democrat Edward Flanagan.

Campaign Button

1965.14.19

Small red, white and blue political campaign pin with the names “Willkie and McNary” printed in blue on the white bar in the middle.

Wendell Lewis Willkie received the Republican nomination for president in 1940 and chose Oregon Senator Charles McNary as his vice presidential running mate. This pair challenged Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat seeking his third term, and his running mate, Henry Wallace.

Campaign Button

1981.42

Round metal button with a green border around a red-white-and-blue striped center printed with the words, "HOME TOWN COOLIDGE CLUB PLYMOUTH VERMONT" and a photograph of Calvin Coolidge.

Coolidge, a Republican, became President of the United States in 1923 at the death of Warren Harding and was elected to a four-year-term the following year.

Campaign Button

1992.65.1

White metal campaign button with blue and red letters that says "Bush" at the top and "Quayle" underneath with two red stripes and three blue stars in the middle between the names and a blue "92" at the bottom.

Produced to promote the unsuccessful 1992 reelection campaign of George H. W. Bush and Dan Quayle for US President and Vice-President.

Campaign Button

2022.5.13

Round white button with the blue inscription, "Raiche GOVERNOR".

Campaign Button

2021.24.4

Round white metal button printed with an image of a brown marijuana leaf and the inscription, "HEMP for VICTORY Vote Grassroots!"

Made to promote the Grassroots Party, who campaigned for the legalization of marijuana in Vermont

Campaign Button

1988.28.16

Round, metal button. The button is solid red with "BERNIE" written in white in the center and "'86" in white beneath.

Produced for the 1986 campaign of Bernie Sanders for mayor of Burlington, Vermont

Campaign Button

1988.28.17

Blue campaign pin with white lettering that reads, "Leahy '86."

Produced for Patrick Leahy’s third campaign for US Senator.

Campaign Button

1988.28.22

Round burgundy button with the white inscription, "Bernie '88".

Produced for the 1988 campaign of Bernie Sanders for Mayor of Burlington, Vermont

Campaign Button

1988.28.23

Round white metal button with the black inscription, "ANDERSON of ILLINOIS for PRESIDENT". There are two wavy red stripes before the second line.

Produced for the unsuccessful 1980 presidential campaign of John B. Anderson.

Campaign Button

2022.5.14

Round red button with the white inscription, "Scott Williams U.S. REPRESENTATIVE".

Campaign Button

1989.32.1a-b

Button and Membership card. Pin has an image of Calvin Coolidge on the left, the words "Home Town" at the top in white in a red background, the words, "Coolidge Club" in green in a white background in the center right, and the words, "Plymouth, Vermont" in white on a blue background at the bottom. The pin has a green rim. The pin is accompanied by a card that said it was for a charter member of the Home Town Coolidge Club.

Coolidge, a Republican, became President of the United States in 1923 at the death of Warren Harding and was elected to a four-year-term the following year.

Campaign Button

1990.10.1

White political button with the blue words, "Mike Bernhardt for lieutenant governor."

Michael Bernhardt of Londonderry served as a Republican representative in the Vermont House from 1981-1988, including two terms as Republican House leader. He was the Republican candidate for governor in 1988, losing to incumbent Democrat Madeleine Kunin. He ran for lieutenant governor (again as a Republican) in 1990 but lost to Democrat Howard Dean.

Campaign Button

2015.37.8

This dark blue campaign button/pin with yellow letters spelling DALEY

John J. Daley served as Mayor of Rutland City from 1961 through 1965 and again in 1981-1982. He served two terms as Lieutenant Governor (1965-1969) with Philip Hoff as Governor, and ran for Governor in 1968, losing to Deane C. Davis. He served two terms in the House of Representatives in 1991-1994, representing Rutland City.

Campaign Button

2021.24.5

Round white metal button printed with an image of a bald eagle carrying a United States flag and a large marijuana leaf. The image is surrounded by the inscription, "LANE for President / 2000 Grassroots Party".

Made to promote the unsuccessful 2000 campaign of Vermonter Dennis Lane for President of the United States.

Campaign Button

1992.87.10

White political pin with big red letters for the words "Senior Power" and smaller, blue lettering for the words "For the President."

One source suggests this pin was part of the Richard Nixon re-election campaign in 1972. "Senior Power" would be a reference to older voters, a demographic most likely to vote.

Campaign Button

1986.24.2

Round metal button with the words, "AGAN FOR GOVERNOR", printed in blue on a white ground.

Frank Walter Agan (1869-1934) was one of four Republicans vying for the party's nomination for governor in 1920. He lost to James Hartness who was subsequently elected governor. Agan had previously run for lieutenant governor in 1902 as the Local Option candidate, but lost to Zed Stanton, a Republican. Agan was in woolen mill manufacturing in Ludlow. He had two wives, Cora, who died in the late 1890s, and then Maria.

Campaign Button

2022.5.3

Round political button with the green inscription, "ELECT Ethel BROSNAHAN SIDE JUDGE".

Ethel Brosnahan was the first woman side judge elected in Windham County, Vermont.

Campaign Button

1998.45.2

White, round aluminum and plastic campaign button with dark blue lettering, "Re-elect Dan Davis State's Attorney."

Dan Davis served as Windham County state's attorney from 1986-2007.

Campaign Button

1998.45.3

Round, blue metal button with the white inscription, “Leahy ‘98”. Along the bottom edge is a small, white inscription reading, "Paid for by Leahy for U.S. Senator Committee."

Produced for the the 1998 campaign of Patrick Leahy for US Senate.

Campaign Button

2021.24.6

Round white metal button printed with an image of a bald eagle carrying a United States flag and a large marijuana leaf. The image is surrounded by the inscription, "DENNY LANE for President / 2000 Grassroots Party".

Made to promote the unsuccessful 2000 campaign of Vermonter Dennis Lane for President of the United States.

Campaign Button

1998.45.1

Green, round aluminum and plastic campaign button with yellow lettering, "Dan Davis" (in upper case).

Dan Davis served as Windham County state's attorney from 1986-2007.

Campaign Button

2021.24.7

Round white metal button. Printed in the center is an image of a bald eagle carrying a United States flag and a large marijuana leaf. Above the image are the words "DENNIS LANE / for / GOVERNOR" printed in black and below the image are the words "VT. GRASSROOTS / PARTY" also printed in black.

Made to promote the unsuccessful 1994 or 1996 campaign of Dennis Lane for Governor of Vermont

Campaign Button

1992.87.12

White campaign pin with green and black lettering that reads, "Think HEJNY / THINK HEMP! / GOVERNOR / VT GRASSROOTS PARTY".

Patricia Hejny was the Vermont Grassroots Party's gubernatorial candidate in 2002 and 2004. The winner in those two races was Republican Jim Douglas. The Vermont Grassroots Party was formed in 1994. Hejny advocated allowing farmers to grow hemp arguing it would safely replace throw-away plastic bags and cups.

Campaign Button

1992.87.16a

Two political pins, identical except for their size. Each has a white background and a large red heart in which is written, "In your heart, you know he's right!"

Produced for the unsuccessful 1964 presidential campaign of Barry Goldwater.

Campaign Button

2022.5.4

Round, black-and-white button with the inscription, "ELECT BURGESS LT. GOV."

Produced in support of John S. Burgess' campaign for Lieutenant Governor.

Campaign Button

2014.55.13

Campaign pin, dark blue with a flag at top and BUSH/ CHENEY/ '04" in white letters below.

George W. Bush and Dick Cheney were the Republican President and Vice President seeking re-election in 2004, having been elected to a first term in 2000. The pair defeated Democrats John Kerry and John Edwards.

Campaign Button

1992.87.18

Pink pin with green writing and a green star. The message on the pin says, "Ann Blackham, For NFRW Second Vice President."

Produced for a campaign of Ann Blackham of Winchester, MA, for a top office in the National Federation of Republican Women.

Campaign Button

1994.21.1

Round blue metal button with the white inscription, "DUMP KRAUSS".

Matt Krauss was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives from Barre in 1988 and re-elected in 1990. He was a Republican. He was elected twice to the Vermont Senate -- in 1992 and again in 1994. This button was produced by a critic in his last run for the state senate in 1994.

Campaign Button

1994.48

Round white metal button with the inscription, "KERIN FOR REP".

Produced for one of the campaigns of Karen Kerin.

Campaign Button

1994.49

"Bernie '94" pin; red background with white lettering. On the edge is "Sanders for Congress" and the address of his Burlington headquarters.

Produced for the Bernie Sanders' successful 1994 campaign for reelection to the US Congress.

Campaign Button

2022.5.5

Round blue button with the white inscription, "VERMONT DEEN SENATE".

Produced in support of the campaign of David L. Deen for Windham representative.

Campaign Pin

1955.25

Pin with medallion suspended by a ribbon. The upper gilt pin has the Vermont state seal above a rectangular space with the word "Vermont" on it. Under that is a scroll saying "The Green Mountain State". The ribbon is red, white, and blue striped. The gilt medallion is round with a round photograph of Calvin Coolidge attached at the center front. Around the picture is text "Vermonter elect him again" and "President Calvin Coolidge".

Produced for the re-election campaign of Calvin Coolidge for US President, 1925.

Campaign Pin

2000.12.32

Gold-toned metal pin shaped like the letters "IKE".

Worn by Louis Provost Peck of Montpelier, Vermont, as a member of the Montpelier Republican committee. "Ike" refers to Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Campaign Sign

1996.46

Blue and white sign that reads: "ELAINE ALFANO STATE REPRESENTATIVE." The sign is made up of a piece of waxed paperboard folded over a wire pole that has been squared off and then is pressed into the ground. The same information is on both sides of the sign.

Produced to promote the 1996 campaign of Elaine Alfano for State Representative of Washington County district 2.

Campaign Sign

1998.44.4

Blue rectangular campaign sign that is outlined with a white line and fixed to a wooden post to carry in a rally. White letters reads, "DOUG RACINE/ Lieutenant Governor".

Campaign Sign

1999.51

Wooden profile of a man cut from a piece of plywood and painted black. The man is shown with his head pushed slightly forward, a short haircut, and a large nose.

These signs were placed anonymously throughout Windham County for Peter Shumlin's 1992 campaign for State Senate.

Campaign Sign

1998.44.2

Campaign sign on a wooden stake. The sign is printed with a black-and-white photograph of a woman from the shoulders up. She has short hair and glasses, and is shown smiling. The words, "A VISION FOR VERMONT IN THE 21st CENTURY," are printed at the top in red. The bottom reads, "BARBARA Snelling LT. GOVERNOR 98".

Produced for Barbara Snelling's 1998 campaign for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont.

Campaign Sign

1998.44.1

White campaign sign printed in black with the words, "BILL DOYLE STATE SENATE".

Campaign Sign

1998.44.3

Red campaign side on a wooden stake. It is printed with the white words, "Re-Elect ANN CUMMINGS/ SENATOR WASHINGTON COUNTY," in white letters. The sign is double-sided.

Campaign Sign

1998.43

Red campaign yard sign printed in white with the words, "Re-Elect Bernie" and a shooting star as the dot of the I.

Campaign Sign

1998.42

White campaign sign printed with a light blue rectangular field with white lettering that reads, "Re-elect REP. PAUL CILLO".

Campaign Sign

2021.3.7

White, rectangular yard sign with inscription, "VERMONTERS FOR BIDEN HARRIS" in blue. The hole in the D of Biden is in the shape of the state of Vermont. The E of Biden is formed by three horizontal red lines.

Produced by the Vermont Democratic Party for the 2020 presidential election.

Campaign Sign

2007.32.6

White paperboard sign printed with the red inscription, "VOTE / GOOD SCHOOLS THE / [heart shape] / of Burlington / YES".

Campaign Sign

2014.55.1

White corrugated plastic sign with the words, "Randy Brock / Vermont State Auditor / www.randybrock.com" in large red and blue letters on both sides. There is a red lightning bolt beside the candidate's name. In small letters across the bottom are the words, "Paid for by Brock for Auditor, PO Box 910, Montpelier, VT - Chuck Verderber, Treasurer."

Produced for the campaign of Randy Brock for Vermont State Auditor in 2005

Campaign Sign

2014.55.2

White corrugated plastic sign with the words "Martha Rainville FOR CONGRESS" in large green and blue letters across one side. The word "Rainville" is underlined by a blue shooting star. In a green rectangle at the bottom is the inscription, "www.MarthaRainville.com Paid for by Martha Rainville for Congress". A smaller, cardboard version of the sign with the same design is stapled to the reverse.

Produced for Martha Rainville's unsuccessful campaign for Vermont State Representative in 2006

Campaign Sign

2014.55.3

Corrugated plastic sign printed on both sides with a large green rectangle with the inscription, "BRIAN DUBIE GOVERNOR www.BrianDubie.com" in large white letters. The words, "PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF BRIAN DUBIE P.O. BOX 133 ESSEX JUNCTION, VT 05453 KATE MITCHELL, TREASURER", run along the bottom edge in small letters.

Made for the unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign of Brian Dubie in 2010

Campaign Sign

2014.55.4

White corrugated plastic yard sign printed on both sides with a blue silhouette of Camel's Hump Mountain over an orange side. The top right and bottom left corners of the image are rounded. Above the image is the inscription, "mark SNELLING For Lt. Governor www.nellingvermont.com" in white and orange letters.

Made for Mark Snelling's unsuccessful 2010 campaign for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont

Campaign Sign

2014.55.5

White corrugated plastic sign printed on both sides in blue with the inscription, "Jim Black Vermont State Senate Lamoille County" in large letters across the center. The inscription is surrounded by blue-and-white stars, and there is a blue border around the sign. The words, "Paid for by Jim Black For Senate, David Jaqua Treasurer" are in small letters at the bottom right corner.

Made to support Jim Black's unsuccessful 2006 or 2008 campaign for Vermont State Senate representing Lamoille County

Campaign Sign

2014.55.6

Round white corrugated plastic sign printed on both sides with the inscription, "Salmon CPA", within a green oval. The word "AUDITOR" arches beneath the oval, and the words, "Paid for by SFA, Mary Farino, Treas." ring the bottom edge is small letters.

Made to support Tom Salmon's successful 2007 or 2013 campaign for Vermont Auditor of Accounts

Commemorative Plate

1999.50.63

Clear glass plate with a wide border. The US Senate seal is engraved at the top of the border, and the signature of George D. Aiken is engraved at the bottom of the border.

George Aiken represented Vermont in the US Senate from 1941 to 1975.

Commemorative Ribbon

2020.26.11a-b

Button and ribbon attached to a yellow cardstock card. The button is brown plastic, and the ribbon is lime green. The card reads, "Mother's Day Peace Buttons" across the top. The sides read, "Mother's Day was first organized in 1872 in opposition to the Franco-Prussian War. Wear a peace button this mother's Day, symbolizing the caring commitment we hope to build in contrast to the havoc caused by pushing the nuclear button. SPONSORED BY THE BURLINGTON PEACE COALITION."

Produced by the Burlington Peace Coalition in protest to nuclear warfare. Owned by Sarah Dopp in Burlington, Vermont.

Counterpane

2005.11

White cotton counterpane with corner cutouts for footposts. There is fringe on three sides. The counterpane is heavily embroidered with thick white yarn in chain stitches in religious and political assertions and symbolism.

Made by Amy Brackett Pike of Stowe, Vermont, and Northfield, Vermont.

Delegate Ribbon

2024.8.3

Delegate ribbon worn by Robert Stafford during the Republican National Convention of 1960. The grosgrain silk ribbon has vertical stripes in red, white, and blue, and a gold bar pin at the top with the eagle and enameled shield of the United States and the words "HONORED GUEST" enameled with a blue background below it. The pin has loops to attach additional stamped pins that read "ROBERT T. STAFFORD," "DELEGATE," "GOVERNOR," and "VERMONT" down the front of the ribbon. One lower edge of the ribbon is looped to secure another gold pin that reads "REPUBLICAN / NATIONAL / CONVENTION / 1960/ CHICAGO" with Abraham Lincoln's face in profile between the date numerals.

Delegate Ribbon

2024.8.2

Delegate ribbon worn by Robert Stafford during the Republican National Convention of 1960. The blue grosgrain silk ribbon has a gilt metal pin at the top with the eagle and shield of the United States and the word "DELEGATE" below it. The ribbon has a decorative knot tied that holds a stamped bronze pin that reads "REPUBLICAN / NATIONAL / CONVENTION / 1960/ CHICAGO" with Abraham Lincoln's face in profile between the date numerals.

Ribbons worn by Robert Stafford to Republican National Convention, 1960.

Desk

1976.54

Narrow wooden desk with two lifting writing surfaces. The desk has a slanted top that opens into two shallow storage boxes. The desk sits on H-shaped piers, supported by a stretcher across the bottom. The piers are stained a dark color than the top of the desk and are scrolled and decorated with applied, carved bull's eyes. The right side of the desk has two metal plaques, one reading, "Seat of Consuela Northrup Bailey 1951 First lady speaker of the House", and the other reading, "Seat of Miss Edna L. Beard First lady member 1921".

Used by both Edna Beard, first female member of the Vermont State House of Representatives, and Consuela Northrup Bailey, first female Speaker of the House of the Vermont State House of Representatives

Display Board

2017.18

Large, bi-fold display board constructed of two pieces of pressed fiber board framed with wood and hinged together in the center (vertically). Both sides are sponge painted to resemble a brick wall. One side is pinned with letters, emails, bumper stickers, and newspaper clippings relating to and/or opposing the construction of a Walmart in Williston, Vermont. The other side is filled with signatures and messages in blue, black, and red marker.

Used as a portable, interactive protest display by Citizens for Responsible Growth in opposition of building a Walmart in Williston, Vermont

Doyle Poll

2016.31.29

Ink and marker drawing showing an elderly man clinging to the top of a leaning wooden pole. The man is wearing a loose-fitting suit and a small propeller beanie. The words "Doyle Poll" are written to the right in pink outlined with purple.

Bill Doyle was a Republican member of the Vermont Senate representing the Washington District from 1969 to 2017. He is the longest-serving state legislator in Vermont history. The artis, Don Hooper, also served as a state legislator.

Dress

2020.5.3

Black velvet dress with large, white satin collar. The dress features a wide, surplice neckline decorated with a large, shawl-like collar. The collar follows the entire surplice, and falls almost to the elbows at the sides.

The bodice features a bias cut that is gathered at the proper left hip, where it is accentuated by a self-fabric bow held with a crystal pin.

Worn by Governor Madeleine Kunin, the first female governor of Vermont, to her third Inaugural Ball on January 7, 1989.

Dress

2020.5.2

Dark blue dress consisting of a nylon velvet bodice and blue-black shot polyester taffeta skirt. The bodice is decorated with a large bow at the center front in the same taffeta. The long sleeves sit slightly off the shoulder, and the fullness of the upper arm is gathered around elastic to create a "puffed" effect. The narrow cuffs are held with a single blue button each.

Worn by Governor Madeleine Kunin, the first female governor of Vermont, to her second Inaugural Ball on January 9, 1987 at Plumley Auditorium, Norwich University.

Dress

2020.5.1a-c

Burgundy velvet dress with overskirt and shawl. The dress features a slightly dropped waist and puffed upper sleeves, reminiscent of mutton-chop sleeves. The bodice is decorated with two applique vines in pink chiffon, accentuated with clear crystals. The cuffs of the long sleeves are decorated with the same pink chiffon held in a pleated ruffle.

The over skirt is made in a narrow A-line cut and features a wide waistband decorated in an appliqued, curly line with a stylized daisy at the center. The hem of the skirt is split in the center front, allowing the skirt of the dress to show.

The shawl consists of a long rectangle of the same burgundy velvet as the dress and skirt, lined with the same pink chiffon used to decorate the bodice.

Worn by Governor Madeleine Kunin, the first female governor of Vermont, to her first Inaugural Ball on January 11, 1985.

Figurine

1989.62.2

Brass figurine of an elephant. One side of the figure is molded with the initials, "GOP". It stands on a heavy, black rectangular base.

Owned by George Aiken, former US Senator from Vermont.

Figurine

2016.37.1a

Vinyl figurine showing a man with an oversized head and small body. He has unruly white hair and rectangular glasses. He is wearing a black suite, blue shirt, blue tie, and button that reads, "Vote Bernie 2016".

Produced as a souvenir of the unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign of Bernie Sanders of Burlington, Vermont.

Flag

5.49

Navy blue silk flag with hand-painted seal of the State of Vermont in the center. The seal is bordered in gold scroll decoration within a laurel-type wreath of two pine branches. The inscription "Freedom Vermont and Unity" is painted beneath the seal on a pink ribbon. The crest is a deer or elk head emerging from a blue and gold twist. The seal itself shows a country scene of a large evergreen tree in a field or pasture, with a cow, a pond, and sheaves of wheat in front of a mountain range. The flag is bordered on three sides by gold fringe.

Said to be the artist's model for the first Vermont state flag.

Flag

2021.8.1

Rectangular nylon flag with white text on a black ground. The text reads "BLACK LIVES MATTER" with the center word in black on a white rectangle. The left edge of the flag is banded with white nylon with a metal grommet on the bottom left corner and a torn hole on the top left corner. (Per donor: the grommet was ripped out when lower the flag from the pole.)

Flown on the Barre City flagpole in December, 2020

Hat

2017.27

Rectangular pink knitted hat. There is a section of ribbed knitting around the opening, creating a tight fit.

Made by Marjorie Strong and worn by her to the January, 2017, Women's March to the Vermont State House. The protest was held in conjunction with other marches throughout the country after the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as US president.

Hat

2017.28

Rectangular pink-and-white plaid fleece hat. There is a narrow band around the opening.

Made by Amanda Kay Gustin and worn by her to the January, 2017, Women's March to the Vermont State House. The protest was held in conjunction with other marches throughout the country after the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as US president.

Jacket

2022.6.1

Green blazer with a Legislative Page patch on the front. The patch is a yellow oval embroidered in green with the state of Vermont and the inscription, "VERMONT LEGISLATIVE PAGE".

Worn by Diane Kearns Duncan who, along with Lea Sikora Finck, was the first female legislative page in 1969.

Magnet

2000.31.1

Round, pink button with a magnet glued to the back that reads, "I speak for GOD".

Found in Vermont State House during the 2000 Session of the Vermont Legislature. Likely produced in favor of Civil Unions as a parody of counter arguments.

Magnet

2000.31.2

Round, blue button with a magnet glued to the back that reads, "Politicians for Heterosexual privilege".

Found in Vermont State House during the 2000 Session of the Vermont Legislature. Likely produced in favor of Civil Unions as a parody of counter arguments.

Magnet

2000.31.3

Round, white magnet with the inscription, "If civil unions pass, my wife will run off with a lesbian", in black sans-serif text. The magnet is made as a button on the front with a magnet glued to the back.

Found in Vermont State House during the 2000 Session of the Vermont Legislature. Likely produced in favor of Civil Unions as a parody of counter arguments.

Magnet

2000.31.4

Round, pink magnet with the inscription, "Quell those nagging doubts about yourself by denouncing gays & lesbians", in black italicized text. The magnet is made as a button on the front with a magnet glued to the back.

Found in Vermont State House during the 2000 Session of the Vermont Legislature. Likely produced in favor of Civil Unions as a parody of counter arguments.

Magnet

2000.31.5

Round, pink button with a magnet glued to the back that reads, "real macho men don't vote for civil unions bills".

Found in Vermont State House during the 2000 Session of the Vermont Legislature. Likely produced in favor of Civil Unions as a parody of counter arguments.

Magnet

2000.31.6

Round, lavender button with a magnet glued to the back that reads, "If civil unions pass, my husband will elope with a gay man".

Found in Vermont State House during the 2000 Session of the Vermont Legislature. Likely produced in favor of Civil Unions as a parody of counter arguments.

Magnet

2000.31.7

Round yellow button with a magnet glued onto the back that reads, "Gays & Lesbians caused my Divorce".

Found in Vermont State House during the 2000 Session of the Vermont Legislature. Likely produced in favor of Civil Unions as a parody of counter arguments.

Magnet

2011.70.9

Rectangular blue refridgerator magnet with white letters: "VOTE ON NOVEMBER 3 / * * * / Mark Candon / for / U.S. Congress"

In 1998 Mark Candon, a Republican from Rutland, ran against independent Bernie Sanders for U.S. Congress and lost 63.5% to 32.88%.

Matchbook

1992.87.3

A white matchbook with red and blue lettering that says, "George G. Souhan, Senator, Washington County." On the back is his photograph and his name.

Produced for the campaign of George G. Souhan, a Democrat, who ran for one of the three Washington County seats in the Vermont Senate in 1970. He polled the best of the three Democrats running, but lost to the three incumbent Republicans.

Matchbook

1992.87.4

White cardboard matchbook printed in blue with a photographic portrait of a man and the inscription, "RUGGLES For LT. GOVERNOR". The back reads, "DAN RUGGLES FOR LT. GOVERNOR YOU KNOW WHERE HE STANDS".

Produced for the Republican primary of 1968 in which Daniel Ruggles of Montpelier and Thomas Haryes vied for the nomination. Ruggles lost. He had previously spent four terms in the state Senate from Washington County.

Matchbook

2005.66.9

The matchbook is printed in blue and white and displays the text "Elect DONALD S. ARNOLD WINDSOR COUNTY SENATOR." The top edge of the matchbook reads "VOTE REPUBLICAN" and on the opposite side, there is a formal photograph of the candidate.

Produced to promote the campaign of Donald S. Arnold for Windsor County Senator.

Matchbook

1992.87.2

A white matchbook with a picture of a woman on the cover along with blue and red letterings that reads, "Vote For Madeline B. Harwood for Congress." On the back the message is, " Madeline B. Harwood for Congress, Your Vote & Support Appreciated." Inside the cover is some information about the candidate: 6 yrs. Vt. Senate, Member 64-68-72, Nat. Platform Committee, Nat. GOP Committee Woman, Trustee UVM & Champlain College.

This matchbook is from the short-lived Congressional campaign of Margaret B. Harwood in 1974. She came in second to Jim Jeffords in the Republican primary.

Membership Button

1992.87.8

Small white pin with green lettering that says, "Member, General Assembly" around the edge of the pin. in the middle, "VT, H, 1949."

Worn by a member of the Vermont House of Representatives.

Membership Pin

2021.3.6

Round, enameled pin with an image of a light-blue lightning bolt and white star on a blue ground. The inscription, "DEM CLUB MEMBER / VERMONT DEMOCRATIC PARTY", is molded into a narrow, white border.

Given to members of the Vermont Democratic Party's monthly giving program, the DEM Club.

Membership Ribbon

1962.12.1

Cream-colored satin-woven ribbon printed in silver with the inscription, "BANQUET / YOUNG MEN'S REPUBLICAN CLUB OF VERMONT, Feb. 12th, 1895." A design of two flag poles crossing over a spread eagle is printed at the center. Two small ribbons woven to look like small United States flags are appliqued onto the ribbon attached to the flag poles. They are appliqued with permanent wrinkles to look like they're waving in the wind. The top edge of the ribbon is folded down over a long stickpin. Attached to the bottom of the ribbon is a round medallion printed with a photograph of a bald man with sideburns (Chauncey M. Depew).

Worn to a member of the Young Men's Republican Club of Vermont's banquet. Chauncey Depew was the guest orator.

Membership Ribbon

1969.21

Medal-style pin consisting of two parts with a connecting ribbon. The upper part shows an eagle and two hammers or gavels with the inscription, "Jr. O.U.A.M." (Junior Order of United American Mechanics). The lower portion is shaped into a shield with a Masonic imagery in the center. The ribbon is the American flag.

Gold and silver jewel Masonic pin with hand-written history of the original recipient and his family. Housed in small leather case. Stamped "14K", "10K" and "sterling silver". Flag in center is enameled. Over the flag is a banner that reads, "Jr. O.U.A.M" which stands for Junior Order of United American Mechanics. The pin belonged to Claude Cheney Deval (1897-1963) of West Burke, Vt. He was a general storekeeper and postmaster in West Burke.

Owned by Claude Cheney Deval, a shopkeeper and postmaster from West Burke, Vermont. The Order of United American Mechanics was an anti-Catholic American Nativist organization.

Membership Ribbon

1962.12.2

Grey, satin-woven silk ribbon printed in black with the inscription, "Young Men's REPUBLICAN CLUB OF ST. ALBANS, FEB. 12th, 1895".

Worn by a member of the St. Alban's chapter of the Young Men's Republican Club of Vermont's to the 1895 banquet. Chauncey Depew was the guest orator.

Nail File

1992.80

Red white and blue emery board, or nail file, printed with the words, "ELECT '92 / PETER BERG / VERMONT SENATE".

Peter H. Berg, a Democrat, ran for the Vermont Senate from the Rutland district four times -- 1990, 1992, 1994 and 2000 -- but never won a seat.

Nametag

2010.15.2

Rectangular plastic nametag with a black front. The front is inscribed, "JESSICA VANDEREN / WILLIAMSTOWN", in white. A hinged metal pinback is hot glued to the reverse.

Nightstick

2018.19

Wooden nightstick decoratively burnt with scenes from the 1935-36 strike at the Vermont Marble Company. Decorations include the initials "HLH", and the label "Vermont Marble Co./Strike of 35/36/Battles at Barrett Hill N. W. Rutland" inside a scroll with scenes of rioting and violence above and beneath. The club shows trains and bridges being dynamited, participants from various factions beating each other, illustrations of the types of clubs used, a man mourning at a large headstone, a detailed drawing a muscular man beating an elderly man, a pig with a man's head, and a man smoking a pipe and looking through a hand-held telescope. There is a list of names of the participants of the strike from both sides, and a summary of events: "power lines blasted/RR track blasted/bridge blasted/windows stoned/property damaged/street fights/heads cracked/a good time had by all".
There is a leather strap around the stick.

Owned and embellished by Harry L. Hall (1878-1956), night watchman for Vermont Marble Company during the 1935-1936 strike. He decorated the nightstick with events from the strike.

Notebook

2022.3.1a-b

Memorandum pad within a faux leather bifold cover. The cover is printed with the seal of the US Congress and an imprinted signature of Patrick Leahy. Each page of paper is printed with the words, "United States Senate / MEMORANDUM".

Given to Robert Morancy (1927-2014) when he visited Senator Leahy at his office in the capitol building in Washington, DC, 1975 or 1976.

Occupational Pin

2010.15.3

Small metal pin consisting of two parts connected by a chain. The larger part is the Vermont state seal within a green enamel frame with the inscription, "THE STATE OF VERMONT", and a green enamel banner beneath that says, "LEGISLATIVE PAGE". The smaller part is the number 88 in gold. The two are connected by a short, gold chain.

Overcoat

1947.6.12

Full-length navy overcoat. The heavy wool overcoat opens down the center front, and has a circular flap from the neckline to the elbow. Instead of sleeves, the coat has side slits that open beneath the upper flap. The wide falling collar is black velvet.

Worn by Capt. John Barrett of Grafton, VT to deliver the State of Vermont's electoral votes to Washington DC during the 1840 election of William Henry Harrison.

Pen

1927.12

Fountain pen consisting of a long, slender wooden handle with a metal Accommodating Holder into which a metal nib is inserted.

Used by Paul Dillingham to sign Bill 2 on the Ratification of the Amendment to the US Constitution prohibiting slavery in the United States, March 9, 1865.

Pin

2020.8.4

Round metal pin with white words over a red ground. The words, "REAL GAINS-NEW PROGRESS/FOR NEW ENGLAND PHONE WORKERS" circles the edge and "VOTE UAW" is in the center over an illustration of two orbits in black.

Produced for the initial unionizing effort for New England Phone Workers to promote them joining the UAW, United Auto Workers.

Pin

2025.13.5

Gold pin with green that has the Vermont State seal in the center and the words, "Teamwork for Vermont Development" around the outside.

Pin

2025.13.7

White pin with American flag in the middle and the word Republican across the top

No information how this button was used.

Pin

2025.13.1

Red Anderson for President pin.

Found in collection in a box with the name "Dr. Reid" on it. Likely droppedd off before 2022 from descendants of Dr. Howard Hill Reid (1889-1985) who was a dentist in Barre, VT.

John B. Anderson, a Republican and member of the House of Representatives from Illinois for 20 years, ran for president as an independent in 1980.

Pin

2019.23

Commemorative pin with red, white and blue ribbons all round it. The pin has the image of an eagle and the liberty bell and Revolutionary War soldiers and a red-brick building. At the top are the words, "Burlington, Vt." and at the bottom, " July 4, 1902.

A pin created for a celebration of Independence Day on July 4, 1902 in Burlington

Pin

2025.13.4

Red, white and blue pin that says Coolidge across the top with a liberty bell in the middles and "4th of July Club" at the bottom,

Calvin Coolidge, born July 4, 1872, President 1923 to 1929.

Pin

2025.13.2

Small black and white pin that has the picture of a man in the middle and the words, "License, local option" above and the name Percivil W. Clement below.

Percivil Clement was governor of Vermont from 1919-1921.

Pin

2020.8.10

Round, white pin. At the top of the pin is the word "VOTE" written in blue. In the center of the pin "IBTW" is written in blue with the T a size larger than the other three letters. At the bottom half of the pin is the word "INDEPENDENT" also written in blue. Beneath the word "INDEPENDENT" is an oval logo and the number 36 also in blue.

International Brotherhood of Telephone Workers (IBTW) was a labor union for employees of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company. In 1969-70, members voted to be represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

Pin

2020.8.11

Round metal pin designating the wearer and essential transportation worker. The top half of the ground is red while the bottom is blue. The white inscription, "ESSENTIAL TRANSPORTATION/WORKER/KEEP 'EM/ROLLING", encircles the edge of the pin. The sections of the inscription are separated by small silhouettes of a truck, a bus, and a car. At the center is a white shield surmounted by an eagle head and the black inscription, "OFFICIALLY APPROVED/ODT/OFFICE OF DEFENCE TRANSPORTATION".

The ODT was a temporary government agency during and immediately following WWII with the goal of coordinating all domestic transport.

Pin

2025.11.3

A rectangular bar pin with a blue, white, red and black ribbon around it. The pattern stands for American Campaign in World War II.

These belonged to Charles Oliver Baxter (1906-1971), who was born in Highgate, VT, worked in retail sales in Pennsylvania and Middlebury, Vermont, eventually buying and running Boucher Clothing Store in Swanton. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in October of 1942 and rose in rank to a second lieutenant. It appears that he spent the war stateside.

Plaque

2024.8.1

Framed printed plaque honoring Robert T. Stafford's joining of the United States Senate. The award is printed both on paper within the frame and reverse-printed on the glass. The paper features a watermark image of the Senate Chambers at the top and the lines, "ROBERT T. STAFFORD / of Vermont," "17th day of September, 1971," and the signatures and titles for both Francis R. Valeo, Secretary of the Senate, and Spiro T. Agnew, President of the Senate. There are also gold foil leaf-motif outlines for the first letter of each word "The Senate of the United States" and the red and green backing for the United States Senate seal in the lower left corner. The words, "THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES / Acknowledges and honors the membership of," "Who being duly selected by the people of his state was first sworn to office this" before the lines printed on the paper. The plaque resides within a heavy molded wooden frame with bronze interior edging.

Robert Theodore Stafford (1913-2006) was an American politician from Vermont. In his lengthy political career, he served as the 71st Governor of Vermont (1959-1961), a United States Representative (1961-1971), and a U.S. Senator (1971-1989). A Republican, Stafford was generally considered a liberal, or "Rockefeller" Republican.

Stafford is best remembered for his staunch environmentalism, his work on higher education, and his support, as an elder statesman, for the 2000 Vermont law legalizing civil unions for same-sex couples.

The Federal Stafford Loan Program for high education is named in his honor.

Playing Cards

2004.8

Boxed deck of playing cards entitled, "The Original Dean Deck." The deck features the standard suits with the face card characters replaced with Howard Dean's predicted political supporters, such as Al Gore. Each supporter is portrayed with a cut-out photograph of their head superimposed on a cartoon body that is holding a picket sign that reads, "I Support DEAN".

Produced for the unsuccessful presidential campaign of Howard Dean in 2004. The deck advertised itself as predicting "Dean's path to the White House", including detailed predictions on the cards such as gaining the endorsement of Al Gore and winning the primary in New Hampshire.

Political Button

2003.15.8

Round white button with the black inscription, "ARE YOU WITH US? NO OLEO IN 1900 CHICAGO." From the button hangs a short ribbon printed with a representation of the United States flag.

Political Button

2022.4.2

Round yellow button printed with the inscription, "RECYCLE TODAY... / TOMORROW IS TOO LATE" around the edge and the triangular recycling symbol in the center. The symbol, which consists of three arrows pointing around a triangle, is filled with a pattern of the earth's oceans and continents.

Political Button

2022.4.3

Round white button printed with the words, "HOUSING NOW! / NATIONAL MARCH OCTOBER 7, 1989 U.S. CAPITOL" in blue and red.

In 1989, thousands of people from across the nation marched on Washington, DC, in the Housing Now! march in protest of massive cuts in federal housing funding.

Political Button

2024.37.4

Formerly a white button, now stained, with red lettering that says, "War in Europe, Peace in America, God Bless Wilson."

World War I Neutrality button: "WAR IN EUROPE / PEACE IN AMERICA / GOD BLESS WILSON"

Political Button

2013.9.7

White button with the inscription, "VERMONTERS DECLARE YOUR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE" in blue and red letters. There is a logo for the movement that is a lowercase E with an arrow as the center line.

Made for the locally based "Declare you Energy Independence" movement, which pushed for the commercial use of solar energy as an alternative for fossil fuels.

Political Button

2013.9.10

Round pink metal button with the black inscription, "I SUPPORT THE VERMONT WOMEN'S HEALTH CENTER.

Political Button

2013.9.12

Round metal button. The top third of the button has a red background and the word "VSEA" written in white. The middle third has a white background and the words "I BELONG" written in red. The bottom third of has a blue background and the words "DO YOU?" written in white.

Vermont State Employee's Association (VSEA) is a labor union representing public sector workers in Vermont.

Political Button

2013.9.22

White square metal button with the black inscription, "SUPPORT THE RIGHTS OF ALL VERMONTERS" over a pink triangle.

Made to show support for gay rights. The pink triangle was originally a symbol used in Nazi concentration camps to identify gay men, but it was reclaimed in the 1970s by gay activists as a rallying symbol for equal rights.

Political Button

2021.24.1

Round metal button with the black inscription "POLICE STATE" over a red circle with a diagonal line through the center.

Made to promote the legalization of marijuana in Vermont

Political Button

2013.32.16

Round yellow button with the black inscription, "I'm a PROUD SENIOR Vermonter."

Political Button

2013.52.18

Round button with a wide red border and a red line spanning the white center. Behind the line is the black silhouette of a fighter jet, and on the line is the inscription, "STOPtheF35.COM" in white.

Made to oppose the basing of the F-35, a Joint Strike Fighter at the Vermont Air National Guard Station in Burlington, Vermont.

Political Button

2022.67.1

Round blue button with the white inscription, "VERMONT ERA . . . yes!"

Political Button

2016.31.24

Round green metal button with the white inscription, "vote AFSCME".

Owned by Ellen David Freidman of Montpelier, Vermont

Political Button

2021.24.2

Round white metal button with the green inscription, "Legalize Marijuana" and a green image of a waving United States flag.

Made to promote the legalization of marijuana in Vermont

Political Button

2021.24.3

Round white metal button with an outline of the state of Vermont with a tall plant (marijuana) inside it. Around the outside in handwritten green letters outlined in black are the words, "VOTE VERMONT GRASSROOTS PARTY".

Made to promote the Vermont Grassroots Party, who campaigned for the legalization of marijuana in Vermont

Political Button

1954.15.2g

Cream-colored metal button with the blue inscription, "REMEMBER THE MAINE DEWEY? WELL WE GUESS WE DO"

Admiral George Dewey, of Montpelier, Vermont, was a celebrated war hero during the Spanish-American War. This was owned by his brother, Charles Dewey.