You see their faces on currency, read their names in books, and decipher clues about them in crosswords. But how much do you really know about our nation’s early presidents? Find out as the Durham Western Heritage Museum and the Library of Congress team up for Presidential Documents: Our First 100 Years of Democracy!

Presidential Documents will offer a closer look at the 23 presidents who stood watch over our first 100 years as a nation. Though remarkably different in personality an presidents who stood watch over our first 100 years as a nation. Though remarkably different in personality and poise, each of these men wielded extraordinary influence.

This exhibit presents these men in two dimensions — both as presidents, and as private citizens. The exhibit will trace each president’s stamp on history as they struggled to uphold the ideals of democracy in a rapidly changing political environment. By contrast, you’ll also find personal anecdotes that reveal glimpses of humor and humanity in each of these stoic figures.

More than 30 documents and arti-facts will be on display, including 24 from the Museum’s own Byron Reed Collection. Many of the documents have never before been viewed by the public. In addition, you’ll find eight artifacts on loan from the Library of Congress, as well as reproductions of each president’s portrait from the National Portrait Gallery and other sources.

In the midst of political messages this election year, Presidential Documents will provide an entertaining and in-sightful look into the first 100 years of the U.S. presidency. Come to the Durham and see how the democratic process began.

Presidential Documents is sponsored by Robert H. Storz Foundation. Conservation of Byron Reed documents made possible by Kathleen A. Best.