The American Political Items Collectors (APIC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1945 to encourage the study, collecting, and preservation of political campaign memorabilia. It is the largest organization of political memorabilia collectors in the United States, with approximately 1,500 members. The organization is headquartered in Delaware, Ohio.
History
APIC was started by a group of like-minded collectors in 1945 who recognized a need for a formal organization that would bring together numismatists, art collectors, and other hobbyists interested in politically themed items. Membership interests span every medium, from buttons and posters to clothing and online media. Collectors may be generalists, collecting items from every time period back to George Washington inaugural buttons, or specialists focusing on a specific medium, candidate, or political era.
Membership
Any individual may join by paying annual membership dues. Members can connect through subgroups called chapters, which are either "specialty chapters" (focusing on a particular political figure, party, or interest group) or geographic chapters (based on state or region). Membership is not limited to U.S. citizens; international membership is encouraged. Museums and libraries are eligible for the organization's Museum Partnership Program. Members also have the opportunity to attend regional shows hosted by local chapters throughout the country.
Publications
APIC publishes a quarterly magazine titled The Keynoter, available to dues-paying members. An archive of back issues is digitized and held within the organization's collection at the University of Maryland. An independent monthly newsprint publication called The Bandwagon is also sent to members.
Political Activism
APIC advocated for federal legislation addressing the proliferation of reproduction political buttons, which resulted in the Hobby Protection Act of 1973. This Act requires that reproduction or fantasy political items be readily identified as such.
National Conventions
Every two years, APIC holds a national convention for collectors and the general public. These conventions include board of directors meetings, seminars, member collection exhibits, historical site tours, social gatherings, auctions, and opportunities to buy, sell, and trade items. Convention locations have included Reno, Nevada (2022); Nashville, Tennessee (2021); Springfield, Illinois (2018); Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (2016); and Denver, Colorado (2014), among others.
Official Website: apic.us
