Southampton Arts Center and Museum of Democracy present The Story of America: 1776–2026, a celebration of freedom and independence
A new exhibition highlighting 250 years of American political campaign memorabilia from the nation’s finest collection
Southampton, NY – March 26, 2026 – In honor of America’s semiquincentennial, Southampton Arts Center (SAC) is proud to announce The Story of America: 1776-2026, A Celebration of Freedom and Independence, showcasing the process of electing the American president through an unparalleled collection of rare political campaign memorabilia from the Museum of Democracy.
The exhibition will bring to life more than two hundred and fifty years of American presidential campaign history from our nation’s founding to the present day through unique objects from the Museum of Democracy’s Wright Family Collection, including the original flag flown at George Washington's inauguration at Federal Hall in New York, torches used during political torchlight parades in the 1850s, and paper dresses worn during campaign rallies in the 1960s, among others.
“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,” says 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, 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.
Through immersive storytelling, curated artifacts, archival video and interactive elements, the exhibition will tell the story of America, bringing each era of our nation’s rich history to life within the context of the culture, leaders and diverse voices that shaped it. Social issues touched upon in the exhibit include women's suffrage, civil rights, labor rights, Vietnam War protests, and more.
“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 Southampton 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.”
This exhibition is comprised of hundreds of unique artifacts, including:
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 campaign
A toothpaste-stained bathrobe Richard Nixon wore in the White House
Presidential walking sticks, parade torches, flags, paper dresses and buttons
A robust schedule of public programs surrounding the exhibition will include guided tours, films, talks, and panel discussions as well as hands-on art workshops celebrating the semiquincentennial.
This exhibition has been sponsored in part by The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation and with General Operating support by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
Established in 1987, the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation (rdlgfoundation.org) primarily supports the study of New York State history. The organization’s purpose is to cultivate, foster and promote interest in the culture, art and traditions of our local history and Foundation leaders aspire to encourage the collection and examination of documents and artifacts.
The Story of America: 1776-2026 will be on view from May 23, 2026 through July 18, 2026.
ABOUT SOUTHAMPTON ARTS CENTER:
Southampton Arts Center is committed to community building through the arts. We present and produce inspiring, inclusive, socially and regionally relevant programs across all disciplines, welcoming and connecting with the diverse members of New York’s East End community and beyond. SAC is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
ABOUT MUSEUM OF DEMOCRACY:
The Wright Family collection is the foundation for the Museum of Democracy. One of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive collections of historical and political campaign memorabilia, it consists of over a million-plus objects, amassed over four decades. Unsurpassed in quality and quantity, it covers all the major presidential campaigns―including every president from Washington to Trump. The collection also features material from major social causes and movements pertaining to freedom and democracy, reflecting the history of politics and political reform in America as well as central civil rights issues such as women’s rights and social justice. Visit museumofdemocracy.org for more information.
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