How small artifacts in Rice University's collection of political campaign buttons tell big stories about America's past

HOUSTON – In a quiet room at the Baker Institute for Public Policy bee Rice Universityyou can see the evolution of American politics right before your eyes.

Carol Desenberg donated her late husband Julius and his collection of political campaign buttons to Rice University upon his death in 2022. He wanted to share and inspire future generations.

“I want them to understand the history of this country because our presidents reflect where we have been and where we are going,” she said. “I would like to think that this makes them want to be involved in the political process. It is the most important thing we have as citizens of the United States.”

Her husband’s passion for political campaign buttons began more than sixty years ago, in 1960, and was sparked by a simple gesture on the streets of New York City.

“He happened to be walking down the street during mayoral elections at the time,” Desenberg said. “Someone pinned a button on his lapel and that started the bug.”

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Currently, part of his collection – more than 900 buttons – covering campaigns dating from the early 20th century to the present, is on display.

“This is the largest public collection of presidential campaign buttons in the United States,” said political science professor Mark Jones.

He added that the collection is valuable not only for its historical significance, but also as a tool for examining the development of political identity in America.

“It helps researchers understand the message involved and how it evolved over time,” Jones said. “They all have significance for their time.”

These buttons are indeed snapshots that bridge America’s political past and its present. They are small but mighty symbols of campaigns that once united our nation.

“I think what needs to be seen and understood is the civility of how people can be on different sides and not be so hostile to each other and lose friendships because of it,” Desenberg concluded. “That we can settle our differences and understand that everyone has a different opinion and not be so negative towards the person who disagrees with us.”