The Story of America:
1776-2026

MAY 23 - JULY 18, 2026

OPENING RECEPTION
Saturday, May 23

ORGANIZED BY THE MUSEUM OF DEMOCRACY

Step into 250 years of American history through presidential campaigns, patriotic symbols, and the ideals shaping the nation.

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.

Presented in partnership with the Museum of Democracy Wright Family Collection and the Robert D.L. Gardiner Foundation.

George Washington Flag

Nixon Paper Dress

Woodrow Wilson Poster

Eisenhower Corn Flakes Box

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.

SPONSORS

Saturday, May 23
Opening Reception
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM