Behind no less than five sets of locks – both electronic and analog, including a 19th century bank vault door – rest some of the most treasured items in HSP’s collection of over 21 million manuscripts, graphics, and books. Until now. 

In celebration of the Democratic National Convention, join HSP for PoliticalFest, a one-of-a-kind festival celebrating political history, government and the road to the White House. On display will be HSP's most treasured items, never before displayed at the same time. 

• John Dunlap printer’s proof and the first Newport printing of the Declaration of Independence 
• Some of the earliest examples of colonial-era paper currency
• John Dickinson's draft of the Articles of Confederation, as well as contemporary published copies in both English and German
• The first and second handwritten drafts of the U.S. Constitution
• The Constitution of the National Woman Suffrage Association, featuring a note from Susan B. Anthony
• An Emancipation Proclamation lithograph depicting Abraham Lincoln
• A photograph of Barbara Gittings, an organizer of the Reminder Day protests and one of the earliest advocates for LGBT rights
• And more.

HSP's PoliticalFest exhibit will also feature “Behind The Ballot,” an interactive exhibit provided by the city of Birmingham, Alabama, that highlights the Civil Rights Act and the Voters Rights Act.

PoliticalFest will run 10:00 - 6:00 p.m. each day Friday, July 22 through Wednesday, July 27 (including Saturday and Sunday).

Free and open to the public, no registration is required.