FRANKLIN, Ky. (WBKO) – The Simpson County History Center has re-opened their exhibit highlighting previous presidential elections in the United States. This is only the second year the center has featured this exhibit, with the first being back in 2020 during that year’s presidential election cycle.
“We put it out earlier this year… in case people didn’t realize it was an election year. We thought we’d remind them,” Dr. James Henry Snider said, jokingly.
Snider is the President and CEO of the Simpson County Historical Society and has continuously devoted his time to preserving the history of the region and nation. Much of what has been added to the new exhibit has come personally from Snider’s collection.
“Most of this actually came out of my private collection… but we’ve had some others donate some stuff too. We’ve [also] found a few things at estate sales that we’ve added to the collection,” he said.
Snider has spent the majority of his life working in the political landscape. Over time, plenty has changed and for Dr. Snider, a big difference has been the usage and cost of campaign materials.
“The state and national campaigns [used to] send out all the free material you wanted. I mean, the campaign buttons were free, the bumper stickers were free,” he said.
The new edition of the exhibit features over 700 unique pieces. Snider says that given the large collection, it is difficult to pick a favorite piece.
“I don’t honestly know that I have a favorite item. I think the collection as a whole… the fact it’s got added to, the fact I am now sharing it with other people, and the fact that other people have been willing to bring stuff in to add to the collection,” said Dr. Snider.
When asked what the hope is for those visiting the exhibit, Dr. Snider says he hopes it can act as a reminder of how the system of the United States has endured throughout the years. Also to remind people to get out and vote.
“Hopefully, people can look at it from the idea that… here are candidates for presidents, winners and losers, but we all got along… and that we have the [peaceful] transfer of power and that the country will go on,” said Dr. Snider.
The exhibit is planned to remain open until next January’s presidential inauguration, and the Simpson County History Center is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
For more info on the center, visit their Facebook page.
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