Advertising

Advertising is meant to persuade, and the themes and techniques of that persuasion reveal a part of the nation's history. The Museum has preserved advertising campaigns for several familiar companies, such as Marlboro, Alka-Seltzer, Federal Express, Cover Girl, and Nike. It also holds the records of the NW Ayer Advertising Agency and business papers from Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Carvel Ice Cream, and other companies. The Warshaw Collection of Business Americana comprises thousands of trade cards, catalogs, labels, and other business papers and images dating back to the late 1700s.

Beyond advertising campaigns, the collections encompass thousands of examples of packaging, catalogs, and other literature from many crafts and trades, from engineering to hat making. The collections also contain an eclectic array of advertising objects, such as wooden cigar-store Indians, neon signs, and political campaign ads.

This circular button has white text on a black background. It reads: IBM SERVERS THE ENGINES OF E-BUSINESS. The IBM logo appears in blue. The reverse has circuitry for lighting up a small light on the front.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a black background. It reads: IBM SERVERS THE ENGINES OF E-BUSINESS. The IBM logo appears in blue. The reverse has circuitry for lighting up a small light on the front.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.021
catalog number
2009.3071.021
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This rectangular button has white text on a purple background that reads: Microsoft. MAKING IT EASIER. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Atlanta Comdex Spring 5/93.Currently not on view
Description
This rectangular button has white text on a purple background that reads: Microsoft. MAKING IT EASIER. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Atlanta Comdex Spring 5/93.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1993
maker
Microsoft Corporation
ID Number
2009.3071.266
catalog number
2009.3071.266
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular button has black text on a white background that reads: Gain RAM Now! Ask Me How!. In the center, black text that reads: OUT OF MEMORY is encircled in red with a slash through it. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: NW 2/92.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has black text on a white background that reads: Gain RAM Now! Ask Me How!. In the center, black text that reads: OUT OF MEMORY is encircled in red with a slash through it. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: NW 2/92.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
ID Number
2009.3071.238
catalog number
2009.3071.238
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This square button, designed to look like a 3 ½” floppy diskette, has a blue background. At the top, in a yellow rectangle, is a blue image of a clock tower and blue text that reads: "BMUG Disk / BMUG / 1442A Walnut St.
Description
This square button, designed to look like a 3 ½” floppy diskette, has a blue background. At the top, in a yellow rectangle, is a blue image of a clock tower and blue text that reads: "BMUG Disk / BMUG / 1442A Walnut St. #62 / Berkeley, CA 94709 / (415) 849 9114.” On the reverse is a black card with a metal pin.
Berkeley Macintosh Users Group (B M U G).
Reference: [last accessed 2019-08-14]
InfoWorld, June 29, 1987.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c. 1993
ID Number
2009.3071.552
catalog number
2009.3071.552
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular button has white text on a red background that reads: Are You Coordinated? In red text on a grey background it reads: Action Technologies Inc.
Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a red background that reads: Are You Coordinated? In red text on a grey background it reads: Action Technologies Inc.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.432
catalog number
2009.3071.432
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This triangular-shaped button has a white background with a green horizontal stripe.
Description
This triangular-shaped button has a white background with a green horizontal stripe. In green text above the stripe it reads: "I Have, " in white text on the stripe reads: "CHARISMA,” and in green text below the stripe it reads: "In Windows 3.0." A mark in red ink on the reverse reads: "Spring CDX '91.”
Micrografx Inc. of Arapaho, TX, were the developers of Charisma 2.0, a charting and presentation software package.
Reference: [last accessed 2019-08-14]
InfoWorld Oct. 1, 1990, p. 8788. (review of Charisma 2.0, $495.)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
ID Number
2009.3071.595
catalog number
2009.3071.595
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular button has a silhouette of detective Sherlock Holmes with a pipe on a white background. White text on the silhouette reads: The game's afoot. It has a black ICOM logo under the silhouette.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has a silhouette of detective Sherlock Holmes with a pipe on a white background. White text on the silhouette reads: The game's afoot. It has a black ICOM logo under the silhouette.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.217
catalog number
2009.3071.217
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This square button has teal and black text on a white background that reads: Starter Kit QuickTime. Get Started....... It has a solid black Apple logo at the top and at the bottom, a black text box with white text that reads: Apple Utilities for Macintosh.
Description
This square button has teal and black text on a white background that reads: Starter Kit QuickTime. Get Started....... It has a solid black Apple logo at the top and at the bottom, a black text box with white text that reads: Apple Utilities for Macintosh. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Mac World 8/6/92. Gift.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2009.3071.159
nonaccession number
2009.3071
catalog number
2009.3071.159
This square button has red text on a black background that reads: MacWEEK. It has an image of a white arrow hitting a red and white bullseye target.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has red text on a black background that reads: MacWEEK. It has an image of a white arrow hitting a red and white bullseye target.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.173
catalog number
2009.3071.173
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This square button has black text on a white background that reads: Laser Writers Get Personal. It has the multi-color Apple Logo. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads:MacWorld Boston 8/90".Currently not on view
Description
This square button has black text on a white background that reads: Laser Writers Get Personal. It has the multi-color Apple Logo. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads:MacWorld Boston 8/90".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2009.3071.152
catalog number
2009.3071.152
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This letter opener is in the shape of a computer floppy disk. It is black on both sides witha silver hub and shutter, with black text on the shutter reading: OMNI MAGAZINE. A pointed arm along the right edge, next to a slot, has a blade for opening letters.
Description
This letter opener is in the shape of a computer floppy disk. It is black on both sides witha silver hub and shutter, with black text on the shutter reading: OMNI MAGAZINE. A pointed arm along the right edge, next to a slot, has a blade for opening letters. The object is in plastic casing marked "CDX '90" in black permanent ink.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990
ID Number
2009.3071.755
catalog number
2009.3071.755
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular buton has blue text on a white background that reads: Five Years. It has a red and blue PC Computing logo.Currently not on view
Description
This circular buton has blue text on a white background that reads: Five Years. It has a red and blue PC Computing logo.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.065
catalog number
2009.3071.065
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular button was designed to resemble a warning sign with red border and red diagonal stripe across the white background.
Description
This circular button was designed to resemble a warning sign with red border and red diagonal stripe across the white background. The white text in the border reads: "IMAGING SUPPLIES COALITION STOP-PIRATING." In the center is a black silhouette image of a skull and crossed cutlasses. On the reverse is stamped "BUTTON FARM, OAKLAWN IL. 60453, 312-BUT-TONS. " A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: "Comdex 11/94."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1994
ID Number
2009.3071.587
catalog number
2009.3071.587
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular button has black text on a white background that reads: Take The Windows Challenge. At the top is a black and blue Microsoft Windows Logo. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex 11/92?Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has black text on a white background that reads: Take The Windows Challenge. At the top is a black and blue Microsoft Windows Logo. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex 11/92?
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
maker
Microsoft Corporation
ID Number
2009.3071.280
catalog number
2009.3071.280
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This square button has white text that reads: Dreams. The background is blue with clouds, a red moon, and a green triangle. In the lower corner is a grey 'idd' logo.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has white text that reads: Dreams. The background is blue with clouds, a red moon, and a green triangle. In the lower corner is a grey 'idd' logo.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.344
catalog number
2009.3071.344
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This rectangular button has a black background with yellow text that reads: AccountMate. Ready to Run - Easy to Modify. There is an orange circle with a yellow #1 inside. The purple text around the edge of the circle reads: Leader. Price/Performance.
Description
This rectangular button has a black background with yellow text that reads: AccountMate. Ready to Run - Easy to Modify. There is an orange circle with a yellow #1 inside. The purple text around the edge of the circle reads: Leader. Price/Performance. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: PC Expo N Y 8/28/93.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c. 1993
ID Number
2009.3071.365
catalog number
2009.3071.365
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This square button has a red and purple background with an orange sun. The purple text reads: HEAT Turn it on!. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: NW 2/92.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has a red and purple background with an orange sun. The purple text reads: HEAT Turn it on!. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: NW 2/92.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
ID Number
2009.3071.407
catalog number
2009.3071.407
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This rectangular lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. It has a black background with a gold border and gold text that reads: ECCO. The reverse is of gold-colored metal and reads "CDX 12/93" in black permanent ink. The clasp also is of gold-colored metal.Currently not on view
Description
This rectangular lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. It has a black background with a gold border and gold text that reads: ECCO. The reverse is of gold-colored metal and reads "CDX 12/93" in black permanent ink. The clasp also is of gold-colored metal.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1993
ID Number
2009.3071.751
catalog number
2009.3071.751
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular button has white text on a red background that reads: I run the Infostructure. Computerworld. The newspaper of IS. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex Spring 5/93.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a red background that reads: I run the Infostructure. Computerworld. The newspaper of IS. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex Spring 5/93.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1993
ID Number
2009.3071.538
catalog number
2009.3071.538
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This rectangular button has black text on a blue and pink background that reads: TrueVision Presents Video Script. It has a black and white image of a hand holding a top hat. A mark in red ink on the reverse reads: NCGA Chicago 4/91.Currently not on view
Description
This rectangular button has black text on a blue and pink background that reads: TrueVision Presents Video Script. It has a black and white image of a hand holding a top hat. A mark in red ink on the reverse reads: NCGA Chicago 4/91.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
ID Number
2009.3071.321
catalog number
2009.3071.321
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This square button has blue text on a yellow background that reads: Epson Changes the Face Of Dot Matrix Printing. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: PC Expo NY '91.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has blue text on a yellow background that reads: Epson Changes the Face Of Dot Matrix Printing. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: PC Expo NY '91.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
ID Number
2009.3071.479
catalog number
2009.3071.479
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This rectangular button has a black background with a blue globe and four pink and blue images of a globe. In white text it reads: Hayes OPTIMA 288 V.FC + FAX. In yellow text it reads: FASTER Than You Think! A white Hayes logo is in the upper right corner.Currently not on view
Description
This rectangular button has a black background with a blue globe and four pink and blue images of a globe. In white text it reads: Hayes OPTIMA 288 V.FC + FAX. In yellow text it reads: FASTER Than You Think! A white Hayes logo is in the upper right corner.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1994
ID Number
2009.3071.364
catalog number
2009.3071.364
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular button has black text on a white background that reads: Will configure PC Board for food.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has black text on a white background that reads: Will configure PC Board for food.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1994
ID Number
2009.3071.428
catalog number
2009.3071.428
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This letter opener is in the shape of a computer floppy disk. It is of black plastic with a silver-colored inset.The paper label has a white background with a red abstract shape at the bottom.
Description
This letter opener is in the shape of a computer floppy disk. It is of black plastic with a silver-colored inset.The paper label has a white background with a red abstract shape at the bottom. Red text reads "Aldus Persuasion"; dark blue text reads "for Windows." Below is a dark blue Aldus logo. A pointed arm along the left-hand side of the disk has a silver-colored metal blade for opening letters. The plastic casing reads "CDX '90" in black permanent ink.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990
ID Number
2009.3071.758
catalog number
2009.3071.758
nonaccession number
2009.3071

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