Learn about local presidential history with artifacts from our collection below.

Campaign Token (Obverse)

Brass

A small brass token from when Vice-President Millard Fillmore became president in 1850 following the death of President Zachary Taylor.

Campaign Token (Reverse)

Brass

A small brass token from when Vice-President Millard Fillmore became president in 1850 following the death of President Zachary Taylor.

Campaign Ribbon

Silk

A ribbon from the Ninth Ward Democratic Phalanx showing their support for Grover Cleveland during the 1884 presidential campaign. The Ninth Ward Democratic Phalanx was one of Buffalo’s many political organizations and many Phalanx members helped to form a permanent young men’s Democratic Club following Cleveland’s election in 1884.

Campaign Pin

Copper

A pin depicting Grover Cleveland and Thomas Hendricks from the 1884-1885 Presidential Campaign.

Commemorative Ribbon

Silk

A ribbon printed after Leon Czolgosz shot President McKinley as the president’s health initially took a turn for the better. McKinley died on September 14, 1901 due to infection, 8 days after he was shot.

Iver-Johnson Revolver

Metal/Rubber/Nickel

Iver-Johnson, 32 caliber, nickel plated revolver used by Leon Czolgosz to assassinate President William McKinley outside the Temple of Music at the Pan American Exposition.

Millard Filmore Portrait

Oil on Canvas

Portrait of President Millard Fillmore (1800-1874) by Augustus Rockwell. Fillmore was a lawyer in Buffalo and served on the House of Representatives for New York’s 32nd district before becoming Vice-President and later President.

Cake Box and Cake

Satin/Paper/Lace/Cake

Cake box given as a wedding favor to the guests of the wedding of President Grover Cleveland to Frances Folsom in the White House on June 2, 1886. Inside the box there is still a portion of the dark cake that was given to the guests.

Peace Medal (Obverse)

Silver

Salathiel Ellis Obverse Engraver Joseph Wilson Reverse Engraver A peace medal presented to Maris Bryant Pierce, Chief of the Seneca Nation, by President Millard Fillmore.

Peace Medal (Reverse)

Silver

Salathiel Ellis Obverse Engraver Joseph Wilson Reverse Engraver A peace medal presented to Maris Bryant Pierce, Chief of the Seneca Nation, by President Millard Fillmore.

President Theodore Roosevelt’s Coat

Wool/Cotton/Silk

Coat worn by President Theodore Roosevelt when taking oath of office in Buffalo, NY, September 14,1901. The coat was given to Roosevelt by Ansley Wilcox to wear during the inauguration. Made by John T. Guard.

William McKinley Portrait

Oil on Canvas

Oil on canvas painting by Lockport artist Raphael Beck depicting President William McKinley speaking at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition.