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Most of the political memorabilia in the Kentucky Library and The Kentucky Museum is part of the Rather Kentucky Political Americana Collection. The first pieces were acquired in 1984, and the donor, Julius Rather, continues to add objects several times a year, making it the most active single collection in the Kentucky Library and Museum. Composed of more than 8,000 examples, the Rather Collection consists of memorabilia representing three main areas -- candidates running for office in Kentucky, Kentuckians running for national office and candidates campaigning for national office in Kentucky. The time span runs from the 1830s through 1995.

The collection focuses on local and state politicians but it also includes memorabilia pertaining to figures who played on the national stage such as Abraham Lincoln, Henry Clay, James Buchanan, Harry S. Truman, and Alben Barkley. More recent additions include campaign items associated with politicians like Ronald Reagan, Walter Mondale, Jimmy Carter, Michael Dukakis and George Bush. Important Kentucky politicos include William Goebel, Albert "Happy" Chandler, and John Sherman Cooper.

Artifacts in the Rather Collection run the gamut from buttons, bumper stickers and yard signs to t-shirts, banners, trade cards, license plates, neckties, silk ribbons and hand-crafted novelties. Inquiries should be directed to the Kentucky Library Reference Desk or the Kentucky Museum Registrar/Collections Curator.

Objects described on this web page may not be on exhibit. To learn more about what is currently on display, link to our exhibit pages.

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