Analyzing Primary Sources: Technology & Presidential Nominating Conventions
Political conventions have been part of the presidential nominating process for many years, but where conventions are held, who attends, and what happens at them has changed over time.
First, analyze sources related to the Democratic Party’s national conventions in 1928 and in 1960. What similarities do you see? What differences? In particular, look for evidence of differing technologies. How might changes in technology have affected the 1960 election?
1928 sources
- Official photograph, National Democratic Convention
- Ticket to the 1928 Democratic National Convention
- More convention ephemera Heritage Society
- Democratic Convention overview
1960 sources
- Democratic National Convention
- “Meet the Press” during the Democratic National Convention
- Democratic National Convention artifact collection Heritage Auctions
- Democratic Convention overview
The 2020 Democratic National Convention featured big changes. Explore what happened and the role technology played. What effect do you think the particular circumstances had on the election? Why do you think so?
- 2020 Democratic National Convention website
- Digital Toolkit
- Promo Plays Role in Virtual DNC Advertising Specialty Institute
- Democratic Convention overview Ballotpedia
Now use what you’ve learned and put your creativity cap on. What technologies can you envision being used at a future national party convention and how will they be used to impact the presidential election? Your envisioning should include the convention year, the political party hosting the convention, types of ephemera used to support and promote the convention, the role of technology in the convention and its potential impact on the election.
Related resources
Today in History: John F. Kennedy background and primary sources