Presidential Conventions Exhibit Unveiled At Philly Airport Ahead Of DNC
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- From Revolutionary times, to the modern era, Philadelphia has hosted national political conventions, and with another one coming next month, a new exhibit at Philadelphia International Airport provides an interesting time-line of photos and facts.
The director of image and chief curator at PHL, Leah Douglas, developed the special themed exhibit, chronicling the 12 presidential conventions Philadelphia has hosted, beginning in 1848, when the Whigs held theirs, to the upcoming 2016 Democratic National Convention.
"This exhibition looks like a scrapbook for each different convention," explained Douglas.
Former Governor Ed Rendell, the Chairman of the Host Committee for the DNC, threw out a trivia question to those attending.
"And I will give you 2 tickets to the next 76ers world championship game, if you can get this question right," Rendell began. "What city has held the most Presidential Conventions?"
One man responded Philadelphia. Rendell said he won, even though Chicago has held more.
Rendell says Philadelphia's success in hosting the Republican National Convention in 2000 prompted the DNC to come here, in part, because of the "delegate experience in Philadelphia."
"The delegate experience in Philadelphia starts when they get off the plane, walk through the Jetway and put their feet on Philadelphia soil...or Tinicum soil, here at the airport," said Rendell.
He recalls going to a DNC gathering in Los Angeles, and says there was no hint of a convention, except at the Staples Center.
"The wonderful thing that we did in 2000 and we're doing again in 2016, is that this city will be ablaze with convention activities -- the delegates will feel incredibly welcome."
The Philly International exhibit includes photographs, campaign slogans, posters and memorabilia documenting the 12 gatherings here, representing five political parties -- including the Whigs in 1848, the American Party and the newly-minted Republican Party in 1856, the Democrats in 1936, and the Progressive Party in 1948.