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HKS Library & Research Services

Copyright-A-Thon: Political Buttons Collection [Virtual]

Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 10:30am - 2:30pm
Open to the public, Enrichment Activity,

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Ahead of state and local elections this November, join HKS and Harvard Libraries for a civically engaged copyright-a-thon on the Political Buttons at HKS Collection!

The Political Buttons at HKS Collection features nearly 3,000 buttons representing U.S. political history from 1904 through today. At this copyright-a-thon, we'll be investigating the copyright status associated with the buttons of candidates who have run for all levels of political office. Identifying their copyright status will enable us to make the buttons available on many more platforms beyond Harvard, increasing the collection’s reach and research potential. You’ll learn about copyright law, practice one method for checking a work’s copyright status, and explore the many political campaigns run over the past century – just in time for you to get out to your city's polls next month!

At the event, we’ll also have information on how you can register to vote in the municipal elections taking place on November 4 in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville.

All are welcome to join this event regardless of Harvard affiliation. Lunch will be served. Participants must bring their own laptops or other research devices. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate and can email library_research@hks.harvard.edu to request an accommodation.

Also join our Research-A-Thon on the Political Buttons Collection on October 17

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Event Organizer

Alessandra Seiter