Long Island University and Museum of Democracy Open Landmark Exhibition Celebrating 250 Years of American Democracy

"The Presidency & Promise of America: A More Perfect Union" opened October 28, featuring historic political artifacts from the million-object Wright Family Collection and a special discussion with descendants of U.S. presidents.

BROOKVILLE, N.Y., Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- From George Washington's historic inauguration to the political campaigns that shaped modern America, the story of American democracy came to life at Long Island University (LIU) with the opening of "The Presidency & Promise of America: A More Perfect Union," a new exhibition presented in partnership with the Museum of Democracy.

The exhibition opened Wednesday, October 28, at LIU's Post campus, as the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence. Drawing on the Museum of Democracy's renowned Wright Family Collection of more than one million political and historical objects, the exhibition explores the evolution of presidential elections, political participation, and the ongoing American pursuit of a more perfect union.

The opening celebration, held from 6 to 8 p.m., featured a special panel of U.S. presidential descendants, including Tweed Roosevelt, great-grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt and Chairman of LIU's Roosevelt School; Winthrop Roosevelt, a member of the Society of Presidential Descendants, great-great-grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt and son of Tweed Roosevelt; and Massee McKinley, great-great-nephew of the 25th U.S. president, William McKinley, through his paternal family, and great-great-grandson of the 22nd and 24th U.S. president, Grover Cleveland, through his maternal family.

The exhibition is part of LIU's expanding Roosevelt School initiatives, bringing together presidential history, civic education, and immersive learning at a time when the nation is reflecting on 250 years of democratic government.

"As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Long Island University is proud to bring this extraordinary collection of American political history to our campus," said Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, President of Long Island University. "The Presidency & Promise of America invites visitors to experience the history of our democracy through the objects, campaigns, and movements that shaped our nation. By connecting these historical treasures with education and civic engagement, we are inspiring future generations to understand the importance of leadership, citizenship, and the enduring promise of America."

More Than Campaign Memorabilia: The Story of American Democracy

At the heart of the exhibition is the Wright Family Collection, the foundation of the Museum of Democracy and one of the world's largest and most comprehensive collections of American political campaign memorabilia.

Amassed over four decades, the collection includes more than one million objects documenting presidential campaigns from George Washington through Donald Trump. It also includes ephemera from movements such as civil rights, women's rights, political reform, social justice, illuminating the continuing effort to expand the nation's democratic ideals.

From campaign buttons and banners to paper dresses and parade torches, these objects reveal how Americans have expressed their political beliefs, supported candidates, challenged institutions, and participated in shaping their government.

Through the exhibition, visitors will step back in time to explore how presidential campaigns and political movements reflect the changing priorities, conflicts, aspirations, and identities of the American people.

"This is an important time in history to step back and reflect on where we've been and where we want to go," said Madison Wright, Executive Director of the Museum of Democracy. "The objects in the Wright Family Collection remind us that democracy has always been a work in progress, ever striving toward our highest ideals. We're thrilled to partner with Long Island University to share that story with the community as we honor America's semiquincentennial."

The exhibition's subtitle, "A More Perfect Union," draws from the opening words of the U.S. Constitution and reflects the continuing work of American democracy: translating the nation's founding principles into the lived experience of successive generations.

Presidential Descendants Explored the Legacy of American Leadership

The October 28 opening featured a special conversation with descendants of American presidents, offering a distinctive perspective on the individuals, decisions, and historical events that shaped the nation.

Panelists included Tweed Roosevelt, great-grandson of the 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt; Winthrop Roosevelt, his son and a great-great-grandson of Theodore Roosevelt, and member of the Society of Presidential Descendants; and Massee McKinley, great-great-nephew of the 25th president, William McKinley, through his paternal family and great-great-grandson of the 22nd and 24th president, Grover Cleveland, through his maternal family.

The discussion examined the legacy of presidential leadership, the changing nature of American political life, and the importance of preserving presidential history for future generations.

The program reflects the mission of LIU's Roosevelt School and its relationship with the Society of Presidential Descendants, which connects presidential families with educational programs that encourage historical understanding and civic engagement.

Building a National Destination for Presidential History and Civic Education

The exhibition represents another milestone in Long Island University's development of a distinctive educational destination dedicated to the American presidency, democratic institutions, and public leadership. The Roosevelt School at Long Island University offers immersive studies in international relations and diplomacy and leadership through a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The Roosevelt School experience is defined by the excellence and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Visitors to LIU's White House Experience can explore immersive recreations of presidential working environments, including the Oval Office and other spaces associated with executive leadership. The University's Leadership Laboratory extends this experience through simulations and exercises that challenge participants to evaluate complex decisions and consider the responsibilities of public service.

The Museum of Democracy exhibition complements these experiences by presenting the material history of American political life: the objects, symbols, campaigns, and movements through which generations of Americans have participated in democracy.

The University's broader presidential and civic education initiatives also include National Civics Day, the Presidential Speaker Series, the Society of Presidential Descendants, and the forthcoming Virtual Library of the American Presidency, which will expand digital access to historical documents and artifacts associated with the nation's earliest presidents. Together, these programs connect the preservation of American history with the education of future leaders.

An Exhibition for America's 250th Anniversary

The opening of "The Presidency & Promise of America: A More Perfect Union" came during a historic year for both the nation and Long Island University.  As the United States commemorates 250 years of independence and LIU celebrates its centennial, the exhibition offers an opportunity to reflect on the country's democratic achievements, challenges, and continuing evolution.

By presenting American history through political artifacts and presidential legacies, the exhibition invites visitors of all generations to consider how democracy has developed, how citizens have shaped its course, and what responsibilities accompany its future.

Learn More:

Museum of Democracy: https://www.museumofdemocracy.org 

Long Island University White House Experience: https://liu.edu/whitehouseexperience

ABOUT MUSEUM OF DEMOCRACY:

The Wright Family collection is the foundation for the Museum of Democracy. One of the nation's largest and most comprehensive collections of historical and political campaign memorabilia, it consists of over a million-plus objects, amassed over four decades. Unsurpassed in quality and quantity, it covers all the major presidential campaigns―including every president from Washington to Trump. The collection also features material from major social causes and movements pertaining to freedom and democracy, reflecting the history of politics and political reform in America as well as central civil rights issues such as women's rights and social justice. Visit museumofdemocracy.org for more information.

SOURCE Long Island University