“The Story of America: 1776-2026,” an exhibition highlighting 250 years of American political campaign material from the Museum of Democracy’s Wright Family Collection, will open Saturday at the Southampton Arts Center and continue through July 18.
Through immersive storytelling, curated artifacts, archival video, and interactive elements, the exhibition will tell the nation’s story, bringing each era of its history to life within the context of the culture, the leaders, and the diverse voices that have shaped it.
“We are truly delighted to be collaborating with the Museum of Democracy for this exhibition honoring our country’s semiquincentennial,” said Christina Mossaides Strassfield, executive director of the arts center. “This is a unique opportunity to showcase rare objects of American history on the walls of the Southampton Arts Center and to bring history to life. The exhibition has been designed to share knowledge, excite you about our history, and serve as a showcase of our past and the continuum into the present day.”
The show includes hundreds of artifacts, among them the flag flown at George Washington’s inauguration, hand-painted paper lanterns used at torchlight parades, a red leather James Monroe fireman’s hat, a one-of-a-kind folk art portrait of Abraham Lincoln made from seeds and saplings, a Kellogg’s Cornflakes cereal box promoting voting in the 1952 presidential election, a toothpaste-stained bathrobe Richard Nixon wore in the White House, and presidential walking sticks, parade torches, flags, paper dresses, and buttons.
The Wright Family Collection is the foundation for the Museum of Democracy. It consists of over a million objects, amassed over four decades, and covers all the major presidential campaigns, including every president from Washington to Trump. It features material from major social causes and movements pertaining to freedom and democracy, reflecting the history of politics and political reform in this country, as well as civil rights issues such as women’s rights and social justice.
“As America celebrates 250 years of our nation, it’s a momentous time to reflect on our history, and we’re proud to share highlights from the Museum of Democracy’s collection with the public to help deepen our understanding of just how far we’ve come,” said Pamala Wright, co-founder and interim chairwoman of the Museum of Democracy.
“This exhibition exemplifies our legacy as the most powerful democratic nation in the world,” she continued, “and more personally, the life’s work of my late son, Austin C. Wright. As chairman, Austin was the tireless guardian of our political history, believing that to love our country, we must first understand its journey. By sharing these American treasures with the public, we are honoring our nation’s past — and making democracy accessible to all, while inspiring the leaders of tomorrow.”
The exhibition, which is sponsored in part by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, will be accompanied by a series of public programs, including guided tours, films, talks, panel discussions, and hands-on art workshops.
