Lipscomb Collection : 1968 Democratic National Convention (Chicago)

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-028

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Lipscomb Collection contains 6 boxes of materials documenting the activities of the committees and candidates in the 1968 Democratic Notional Convention. Also included in the collection are general materials on the Republican Party and other political organizations. These materials consist of campaign literature, press releases, newsletters, organization manuals, research reports, position papers, and policy statements. The collection is supplemented by Lipscomb’s correspondence reflecting his efforts to gather observations, insights and further materials related to the 1968 convention. The collection contains information regarding the procedures of the Democratic Credentials Committee. It documents the procedures of the Platforms and Rules Committee and details the selection of Presidential Democratic Nominees. It provides information regarding the Democratic Presidential candidates. Also included is general Republican Party material, specifically describing the activities of the Republican Congressional and National Committees. The collection provides information on Republican Congressional candidates, and includes materials on other political organizations. Also included in the collection is Lipscomb’s correspondence and an official program of the Democratic National Convention, 1968.

Dates

created: 1968
Other: Date acquired: 00/00/1968

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection are held by the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

In 1968 the Democratic Party, recognizing the political importance of Chicago’s Mayor Richard J. Daley, held its national political convention in that city. Following the successful Tet Offensive launched by the North Vietnamese in early 1968, anti-war and anti-establishment feelings were at an all-time high as the convention opened its doors. The events of the "convention-in-the-streets" were as important as those of the Democratic Convention itself. Following the power-broker politics of the past, the convention slighted Peace Candidate Eugene McCarthy and nominated party-regular Hubert Humphrey, then Vice-President of the United States. Public revulsion towards the night of protesters being clubbed by Chicago police, who served the Daley Chicago machine, was partially responsible for the failure of Humphrey to defeat Republican candidate, Richard Nixon.

Note written by

Extent

5.00 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

H. Alan Lipscomb became a Field Representative for the Northern Illinois University Swen Parson Library in August of 1968. He collected research material pertaining to the Democratic National Convention of 1968 and acquired the passes and credentials which gave him access to all convention activities.