UF libraries’ new exhibition examines Florida’s role in presidential elections

Days before the 2000 presidential election, NBC News political reporter Tim Russert was asked on air about the key to winning the election. He wrote his response on a whiteboard. “FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA!” From 1876 to the infamous 2000 election and beyond, Russert’s words ring true. 

Inspired by Russert’s words and this year’s upcoming election, the Libraries’ exhibition analyzes key points in election history with uniquely Florida ties. This includes parallels between the 1876 election and 2000, UF President Albert Murphree’s potential nomination in 1924, Floridians who have run for president, and the Florida election battle between George W. Bush and Al Gore. Exhibition highlights include presidential memorabilia, elector tickets, correspondence, and a 2000 Pasco County Hole Bunch Ballot.

Florida! Florida! Florida! Presidential Elections and the Sunshine State was curated by Boyd Murphree (Political Papers Archivist, Smathers Libraries) and designed by Katiana Bagué (Exhibits Associate, Smathers Libraries) and Lourdes Santamaría-Wheeler (Exhibits Director, Smathers Libraries). The exhibit is on view in the Smathers Library Gallery September 9, 2024 – December 16, 2024. Items on view are from the George A. Smathers Libraries Special and Area Studies Collections, including the P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History, University Archives, George A. Smathers Papers, Bill Nelson Political Papers, and the Jim Liversidge Collection. 

The Smathers Library Gallery is located on the second floor of the Smathers Library on the University of Florida campus. Hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., unless otherwise specified and with occasional exceptions for maintenance. All exhibitions are open to the public and free of charge. 

A complimentary display of additional political memorabilia and ephemera will be on view in the Smathers Library lobby October 28, 2024 – December 16, 2024. An online exhibition will also launch later this fall. For more information see https://exhibitions.uflib.ufl.edu/