Campaign Trail
Hitting the campaign trail is an integral part of the political process. Each Member has his or her own unique way of reaching out to constituents such as going door-to-door, having town hall meetings, participating in parades, and attending other community events.
Campaign Picture by Langtry putting up re-election signsPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
It was important for a running member to get the word out about their campaigns. Members chose to advertise themselves through various types of objects such as hand outs (pins), merchandise (hats and shirts), and classic signs.
Posters are one of the most popular campaign objects used by those running for office.
Items donated by former Speaker Mike Turzai. Turzai was a House Member from 2001 to 2020, and House Speaker from 2015 to 2020.
Campaign Pins Campaign Pins by Pins donated bynearious members of the House of RepresentativesPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Campaign pins from: Fred Noye, David Richardson, Eugene Geesey, George Saurman, George Hasay, and Arthur Hershey
Campaign pins are frequently used by those running for office. For more information on these Members visit our biographical database
Bright Orange HatPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Hat from Rep. Allen Kukovich's campaign
Political Advertisements
These were once a common way for candidates to reach out to voters. Some of these ads demonstrate the different approaches some former Members used while in office. While some ads can be printed many others were found attached to everyday objects that one can hand out and use.
Campaign Stickers by Representatives Dorr, Chess, and HersheyPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Campaign Bumper Stickers
After the passage of the 19th amendment, campaign items soon transitioned to appeal a new voter base: women.
Recipe Cards by Representative EleonorPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Sam Morris Recipe Cards
Part of a series of recipe cards mailed to voters from Mrs. Samuel Morris for her husband's campaign
Other miscellaneous campaign objects include: pencils, coin purses , nail files, and pot holders.
Mail in BallotPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
The Process
A campaign is only successful if those who run catch the vote of the people. To encourage voting, members created sample ballots, examples, and charts to help promote the end goal of claiming the people’s votes.
Sample ballots to show voters what lever to pull in the voting booths.
Voting Machine by ModelPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Voting Machine Prototype
The machine, containing multiple security features and affording greater secrecy than other voting systems, is a self-contained unit that records and counts votes as they are cast.
Guides for Election Day: Left- Dauphin Republican Candidate Handout, Right- guide for volunteers working the polls
Woman VotingPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Soon to be Rep. Martha Speiser votes!
Philadelphia Inquirer November 8, 1922
Left- Samuel Morris' nomination petition, 1964
Swearing in Picture by P GannonPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Swearing In
After months of hard work, successful candidates have the memorable experience of taking the oath of office and joining the historic Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Swearing in Picture by Republican CaucusPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Republicans being sworn in for the 1985 term
Swearing in PicturePennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Representative Manderino being sworn in, 1985
Swearing in Picture by PievskyPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Representative Max Pievsky being sworn in, 1985
Exhibit was on display June 2022-December 2022
Biographical Database
Digital Exhibit- created by spring 2023 intern, Keli Ganey
