Get a brief history of American political persuasion through the Library’s extensive collection of ephemera from almost two centuries of elections.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been postponed. All registrants will be notified of the new date. 

The Library holds over 100 boxes of ephemera from local, state, and federal elections that took place between 1828 and 2020. Philip Sutton, reference librarian in the Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History, and Genealogy, explores these relics of campaigns past and the stories they tell about the art of inspiring votes. Check out a special display of newsletters, flyers, speech transcripts, inauguration invitations, bumper stickers, novelty items, and more.

To join | Please register for an In-Person Ticket. Doors will open around 1:30 PM. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Philip Sutton is a reference librarian at New York Public Library's Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History, and Genealogy, where he also teaches and writes about genealogy and building history research. Sutton is also a visiting Assistant Professor at the Pratt Institute, where he teaches a class in Genealogy and Local History.

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If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or suspect you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please stay home.

ACCESSIBILITY

In-Person | You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template. This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

CONNECT

For questions and inquiries, please email publicprograms@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

Please submit press inquiries at least 48 hours before the event: email press@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

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Courtesy Philip Sutton