HOUSTON – Inside a quiet room at the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University, you can see the evolution of American politics right before your very eyes.
Carol Desenberg donated her late husband, Julius, and his collection of political campaign buttons to Rice University after his passing in 2022. He wanted to share with and inspire future generations.
“I want them to understand the history of this country because our presidents reflect where we’ve been and where we’re going,” she said. “I would like to think it makes them want to be involved in the political process. It’s the most important thing we have as a citizen of the United States.”
Her husband’s passion for political campaign buttons began more than six decades ago, in 1960, sparked by a simple gesture on the streets of New York City.
“He happened to be walking down the street during a mayoral election at the time,” Desenberg said. “Someone pinned a button on his lapel and that started the bug.”
Currently, a portion of his collection — more than 900 buttons — covering campaigns dating back to the early 1900s to the present day, are now on display.
“This is the largest public collection of presidential campaign buttons in the United States,” said Political Science Professor Mark Jones.
He added the collection is valuable, not just for its historical significance, but also as a resource to explore the development of political identity in America.
“It helps researchers to understand the messaging that was involved and how that evolved over time,” Jones said. “They all have significance for their era.”
Indeed, these buttons are snapshots that bridge America’s political past to the present. They are small, but mighty symbols of campaigns that once rallied our nation.
“I think what needs to be seen and to be understood is the civility of how people could be on different sides and not be so hostile towards each other and lose friendships through that,” Desenberg concluded. “That we’re able to settle our differences and understand that everyone has a different opinion and not be so negative with the person who disagreed with us.”
