As Lynn University prepares for the upcoming presidential debate, it is engaging students with debate-related courses, panels and now a political exhibit. On Thursday, Sept. 27, the Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn Library will unveil its newest exhibit, "The Front Row Seat to Presidential History."
The exhibit features
- more than 100 items from John Clark's political memorabilia collection, "Presidential Campaign Trail"
- artifacts from the personal collections of American Studies professor Robert Watson
- collections of Barbara Lucey, Susan Gillis and the Boca Raton Historical Society
- a voting machine and infamous butterfly ballot from the 2000 election
- original illustrations by Chan Lowe, an award-winning Sun-Sentinel political cartoonist who gave a presentation, "Drawing Behind the Lines: A conversation about political cartoons, satire and elections," at the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center last spring
"Hosting a presidential debate on campus provides Lynn students with a front-row seat to history and what better way to bring the history of debates to life than through our new presidential debate exhibit," said Watson. "Thanks to the generosity of individuals from the community, we have over a century of campaign buttons, political cartoons, inauguration invitations and other items to use in bringing that history to life and better telling the story of presidential elections."
Artifacts in the exhibit date back to George Washington up through to the present include a display of buttons, badges and bumper stickers chronicle presidential debates through the centuries. Political items on display include an 1800's campaign torch, Ronald and Nancy Reagan bedroom slippers and Al Gore bubblegum cigars. "The Presidents Helping Children" exhibit was added closer to the debate date.
The exhibit was open to the public and viewed during the library's regular hours of operation.
The exhibit was sponsored by NCCI; framing courtesy of Gallery Framers, curated by Paige Ivy Robinson; art and artifacts donated by Chan Lowe, John Clark, Robert Watson and the Boca Raton Historical Society.
