Dwight D. Eisenhower presidential campaign buttons and papers

Collection — Box: 1-3

Identifier: RITSpec-0004

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Dwight D. Eisenhower presidential campaign buttons contains 47 buttons, ribbons, and 5 postcards covering Eisenhower's presidential campaigns in 1953 and 1957, as well as both inaugurations as 33rd President of the United States.

Dates

Creation: 1953-1957

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Historical Information: RIT's affiliation with Eisenhower College

RIT's affiliation with Dwight D. Eisenhower began with Eisenhower College. This small, liberal arts college was located on Cayuga Lake in Seneca Falls, New York. Founded in 1965, the first classes were held in 1968. The curriculum stressed "world studies" with mandatory courses on history, art, philosophy, music, and literature. The College also collected artifacts, documents, and materials related to Dwight D. and Mamie Eisenhower.

Although funded by private monies, federal grants, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Eisenhower dollar coins, by 1979 the college was in financial difficulties and was acquired by RIT. Financial problems persisted, and three years later, on July 22, 1982, RIT announced the closing of Eisenhower College. At that time, materials from the Eisenhower College relating to both the college and Dwight D. Eisenhower were transferred to the RIT Archives, including this collection of campaign buttons.

Extent

1 Linear Feet (3 Lid boxes)

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

Dwight D. Eisenhower presidential campaign buttons contains buttons, ribbons, and postcards covering Eisenhower's presidential campaigns in 1953 and 1957, as well as both inaugurations as 33rd President of the United States.

Arrangement

Collection materials are displayed in 3 window boxes.

Physical Location

C.S. South, Shelf 95

Immediate Source of Acquisition

These materials originally came to the RIT Archives in July 1982 when the Eisenhower College in Seneca Falls, New York closed. In December 2005, Archivist Becky Simmons made the decision to separate the materials into two groups; those about Dwight D. and Mamie Eisenhower and those concerning Eisenhower College.