History geeks are often known for really enjoying things that the average person might not find all that enjoyable. We like taking pictures of old things on vacation more than going the beach. What others might see as "junk," we see as a glorious piece of history.
That being said, I have a new obsession: collecting political pins. Yes, I like to pay money for pins that are 25, 50, or even 100 years old. I love holding a pin in my hand and knowing that it served an integral political purpose many years ago. The "Welcome Buddy" pin in the picture to the left was issued and distributed as a way to support soldiers returning home from WWII. Jimmy Carters green pin represents the type of change the country needed in 1976. JFK's young face on his political pin during the 1960 election is a reflection of the hope and optimism the country placed in this young leader.
I started my collection in the summer, buying authentic pins on Ebay, or looking for them at independent antique shops in the area. The picture here is just a small portion of my collection, and I hope to continue building it. I've read literature on the relevance, value, and authenticity of political pins and buttons, and even had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Historical Society in Buffalo, NY over the summer to see their large exhibit of political pins.
Call me a geek, but I love owning small pieces of our nations history.
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