“Vote for Kennedy” Hard Hat
Artifact IDMO 2023.2
Object Type
Hat, Hard
Date
1960
Medium
plastic, paint
DimensionsOverall H 7 in x W 8 in x D 11 in (17.8 cm x 20.3 cm x 27.9 cm)
Physical DescriptionWhite plastic construction hard hat painted with an image of the face of John F. Kennedy on the front and the words "Be Safe Vote for Kennedy" in black paint on the visor.
Historical NoteJohn Joseph Suarez Sr. (1933-2012), the son of Spanish immigrants, was a Korean War veteran and life-long Democrat. During the 1960 presidential campaign Mr. Suarez showed his co-workers at Lehigh-Portland Cement Company in Oglesby, Illinois where his political loyalties lay every workday by painting Kennedy’s portrait and the words “VOTE FOR KENNEDY” on his hard hat.
After Mr. Suarez’s death, his widow gave the hard hat to the donor, who used it in his history classes at LaSalle-Peru Township High School.
Additional DetailsAfter Mr. Suarez’s death, his widow gave the hard hat to the donor, who used it in his history classes at LaSalle-Peru Township High School.
Custodial History NoteThis hard hat was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in 2023 by Troy Woods who received it as a gift from the widow of the maker of the hard hat.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of Troy Woods
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPost Presidential Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676966)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view