Obama Campaign and Inaugural Mementos Bestowed to FAMU

Less than a month after the historic inauguration of the country’s first African-American president, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson donated his personal keepsakes from President Barack Obama’s campaign and inauguration to Florida A&M University.

Senator Nelson donated two unpublished photographs of Obama on the campaign trail, his own tickets to the Inaugural Parade and the Presidential Inaugural Southern Ball and his formal Inauguration Program.

“On behalf of Florida A&M University, I want to thank Senator Nelson for donating these valuable pieces of American and world history,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons.

The items are on public display at FAMU’s Carrie Meek-James N. Eaton, Sr. Southeastern Regional Black Archives Research Center and Museum.

“Knowing how much the election of Barack Obama means to America – and to the students, faculty and alumni of FAMU, it’s my hope these mementos might offer future students and Floridians a reminder of the hope instilled in all of us on Inauguration Day 2009,” said Nelson.