Founded 1945 (1945) Location Avon, New York Products The Keynoter | Type Collectors Society Area served United States Members 1,900 | |
The American Political Items Collectors (APIC) is a 501(c)3 non profit organization founded in 1945 to encourage the study, collecting, and preservation of political campaign memorabilia. It is the largest organization of political memorabilia conservators in the United States. The group actively seeks to educate the general public about government and political history through displays at libraries and museums, as well as educating the public about reproduction items.
Contents
History
The APIC was started by a group of like minded collectors in 1945.[1] This group recognized that there should be a place for Numismatics, art collectors, and other hobbyists that sought politically themed items. APIC membership interests cut across every medium conceivable from buttons and posters to clothing and online media.
Membership
Any individual may join the APIC by paying annual membership dues. Individuals that join the APIC can join with fellow collectors into various subgroups within the organization. These subgroups are called chapters, and are either "specialty chapters", that focus on a particular political figure like an American president, political candidate, political party or interest group. The other type of chapters are geographic chapters. Members of these chapters live in the same state or region and can either collect political items related to their region or not. Membership is also not limited to United States citizens. While the focus of the organization is primarily American, international membership is encouraged along with the study and preservation of non American political memorabilia.
Museums and Libraries are eligible for the Museum Partnership Program.
Members have the opportunity to attend regional APIC shows hosted by local chapters. There are many of these shows held throughout the country each year.
Publications
The APIC publishes a magazine entitled The Keynoter four times a year. Current issues are available to dues paying members of the APIC. Any back issue may be purchased by non members for a fee. There is currently no online version of The Keynoter.
An APIC monthly newsletter is sent to all members via The Political Bandwagon.
Political activism
The Hobby Protection Act of 1973
National conventions
Every two years the APIC holds a national convention for collectors and the general public to gather. The conventions are a chance for the APIC Board of Directors to meet and discuss organizational business, hold seminars for collectors and the general public, exhibit member collections, tour historical sites, attend social gatherings, attend an auction, buy, sell, and trade items with other collectors.