Pin supporting John F. Kennedy for Vice President in 1956

Object number1999.035.0001

Date1956

ClassificationsArtifacts

Creator Andrew P. Quigley

ObjectPin

Credit LineJeremy and Nancy Halbreich Collection/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

MediumMetal

DimensionsDiameter: 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)

Terms

Collections

Political Campaigns

DescriptionOne round metal pin-back campaign button made for the 1956 Democratic National Convention to nominate U. S. Senator John F. Kennedy as the Democratic candidate for the Vice Presidency. "A Profile In Courage" is printed in blue around the top edge of the pin, and "Elect U. S. Senator John F. Kennedy Vice President" is printed in blue letters on the lower edge. Small blue text on the outer edge reads, "Winthrop Transcript, A. P. Quigley, Publisher." There is one small union logo printed at the bottom of the pin. The back of the button has a straight pin (with no clasp) that extends beyond the edge on one side.

Curatorial Commentary

The slogan "A Profile in Courage" is a direct reference to Kennedy's newly-published book, Profiles in Courage. Written during his 1954 leave of absence to recover from back surgery, Kennedy wrote of his admiration for elected leaders who stayed resolute in the face of adversity. Printed in 1955, it was officially released on January 1, 1956, quickly becoming a bestseller. It went on to win the 1957 Pulitzer Prize for Biography. - Stephen Fagin, Curator

Curatorial Commentary

Senator Kennedy's bid for the vice presidential nomination in 1956 did not succeed. Spurred by that setback, Kennedy and his supporters began laying the groundwork for his 1960 campaign for the presidential nomination. - Lindsey Richardson, Curator of Collections