Political memorabilia spanning centuries is the focus of a timely new exhibit at the James Monroe Museum.
The museum will welcome visitors on Friday, Sept. 30, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for a preview reception for the exhibit, “Conduct in the Public Service: Artifacts of Politics and Government from the Collection of the James Monroe Museum.” The exhibit features artifacts from James Monroe’s career as well as a fascinating collection of political cartoons and memorabilia amassed by the museum’s founding director, Laurence Gouverneur Hoes.
Artifacts featured in the exhibit include an English transfer-printed creamware jug depicting President James Monroe, ca. 1820; “The People’s Choice 1952 Presidential Campaign Democratic Cocktail Napkin” designed by New Yorker cartoonist Richard Taylor; a McKinley-Hobart Inaugural 1901 Dance Card; and a political cartoon featuring potential Republican candidates for the 1952 presidential election, as well as a sampling of other political cartoons and memorabilia from the museum’s collection.
The preview reception is free and open to the public. The exhibit will open formally on Saturday, Oct. 1.
The James Monroe Museum, at 908 Charles Street in downtown Fredericksburg, is owned by the commonwealth of Virginia and administered by the University of Mary Washington.
