Past Exhibits
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| Lincoln artifacts |
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| The Lincoln flag |
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 Senator Ted Kennedy extends birthday greetings to Senator Dole on July 22, 1996. (photo by P.F. Bentley) |
 Senator Dole in Florida, post-1996 election |
"Lincoln Flag" Display
This original 34-star, Kansas Statehood, Civil War era flag, circa 1861-1963 was on display in the Reading Room of the Dole Institute through the month of February. The flag was on loan from KU Professor Emeritus Dennis Dailey.
The flag was known as the "Lincoln Flag" in part because Abraham Lincoln was the only president throughout the period it was used as the national flag, and because Lincoln would not allow any stars to be removed from the flag even though seven southern states were preparing to secede from the Union.
The flag was made of cotton muslin and is 11 feet long and 8 feet wide. The flag was machine stitched and is in good condition. The stitching is very tight, with fading consistent with age. The stars on the blue canton are in the “Staggered Star” pattern and are generally bright and fully intact, showing on both sides of the flag.
In the early 1970’s, the ends of the flag were professionally restored at the Valley Forge Flag Company in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. On August 21, 2004 the flag was authenticated and appraised at the PBS Antiques Road Show in Portland, Oregon. The flag was likely flown at a military installation or on a large public building.
Behind the Scenes: Preparing for the 1996 Presidential Debates
Visitors to the Dole Institute can learn how presidential candidates prepare for the high stakes game of televised debates. This exhibit features never-before-seen photographs of Senator Dole and his advisors preparing to debate against President Clinton.
Also on display is the mock podium that Senator Dole used to practice for the debate. Made out of foam core board, it was built to exactly the same dimensions as the podium used in the official debate.
In addition to the permanent exhibits in the Dole Institute's Hanson Hall, new temporary exhibits are regularly added. The latest new exhibit, "Leader of The Pack: Life as a Senate Leader", offers an inside peek at Senator Dole's daily activities circa 1985 to 1996, and explores a day in the life of a political leader.
"Leader of The Pack: Life as a Senate Leader"
"Leader of the Pack: Life as a Senate Leader" is an anthropological exploration of sorts, displaying photographs and objects, some of which were removed from the Senator's desk upon his retirement in 1996. Dole's commitment to fair leadership and his dedication to public service are emphasized. The exhibit also includes his daily schedules book, never before viewed by the general public.
The exhibit was designed and constructed by two of the Institute's summer archival interns, both graduate students at the University of Kansas.
Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics