Painting of blue and orange splotches on a yellow background

Hand painted button by an unknown artist found in a closet in Wicker Park, Chicago. 

Painting of three brown figures on a yellow background

Hand painted button by an unknown artist found in a closet in Wicker Park, Chicago. 

Painting of yellow and purple stripes and blue half circles with orange on a green background with an outer yellow edge

Hand painted button by an unknown artist found in a closet in Wicker Park, Chicago. 

Painting of blue, green, orange and brown shapes on a brown background

Hand painted button by an unknown artist found in a closet in Wicker Park, Chicago. 

Painting with orange yellow, blue and green 

Hand painted button by an unknown artist found in a closet in Wicker Park, Chicago. 

Orange and white text on a green background

President Jimmy Carter and his Vice President Walter Mondale faced a difficult re-election in the 1980 election. Carter’s first term (1976-1980) was rocked by economic upheaval from the OPEC oil embargo and loss of confidence in the Federal government following the handling of the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979. The American people expressed their dissatisfaction after a decisive election concluded with Republican candidate Ronald Reagan receiving electoral votes from 44 states while Incumbent Carter received electoral votes from only six states. This dissatisfaction is reflected in other memorabilia from the election like this button in the museum's collection: http://www.buttonmuseum.org/buttons/anybody-carter .

White text with red outline on top text. Photograph of Geraldine Ferraro in center

Geraldine Ferraro was an American attorney and politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 9th district from 1979-1985. Ferraro is most well known for being the first female vice presidential candidate to represent a major political party in America, which in her case was for the Democratic Party. In 1984, Ferraro was chosen by Walter Mondale to be his running mate against Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Ferraro had previously served as vice president under President Jimmy Carter. Ferraro's nomination was celebrated as a historic occasion. However, Ferraro was not able to achieve the feat as Reagan and Bush would go on to win the election. Regardless, Ferraro's nomination for vice president has continued to be seen as a triumphant moment that reshaped American politics.

Photo of Elvis Presley with a white and black background. Blue and purple text​

Known as the "King of Rock and Roll", Elvis Presley (1935-1977) was an American singer and musician who is regarded as one of the biggest cultural icons of the 20th century. Known for his distinct voice and gyrating hips, Presley began his professional career around 1955 when he signed with RCA Records. By the following year, Presley had a number one single with "Heartbreak Hotel" as well as a No.1 album, titled Elvis Presley. Not soon afterward, Presley developed a loyal fanbase and appeared regularly in concerts as well as late night shows and feature films. 

In 1977, Presley died of heart failure at the age of 1972. His death was later found to be related to the use of prescription drugs. Though he died at a relatively young age, Presley had already cemented himself as an icon in American culture Throughout his lucrative career, Presley helped popularize rock 'n' roll music in America. His music contained 18 No. 1 singles, with examples being "Don't Be Cruel", "Suspicious Minds", and "Good Luck Charm". Presley was also one of the first five performers to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.​​​

Color photograph of Elvis in a white jumpsuit with a black background

As the "King of Rock and Roll", Elvis Presley (1935-1977) was an American singer and musician. As one of the greatest 20^th century superstars Elvis wore iconic gypsy suits when performing on stage. His Totem Pole suit was a dark blue jumpsuit with white sleeves, a red armadillo belt and a choker. The suit made its debut during his1975 July tour. His massive popularity was partially due to his performance style and television appearances. He had 20 number one albums, including 4 compilations, and 31 number one hits before his death in 1977. In addition to his music recordings, he also starred in several films. 

Black and white image of Bruce Springsteen on a black background with blue text

Bruce Springsteen’s 1980 album The River was the first of Springsteen’s works to go on the Billboard 200 and stayed number 1 for four weeks. Springsteen is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and humanitarian that has been active since 1965. He has become one of the world's best-selling artists' of all-time, selling over 64 million albums and 120 million records worldwide. He is best known for his albums Born in the U.S.A. and Born to Run. Springsteen has won twenty Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes, one Academy Award, and in 1999 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.