The Presidency as National Memory

The popularity of President John Kennedy led to the production of this board game in 1962

Presidential images have been used by advertisers since the 19th century to encourage people to buy products and services. The chief executive is a symbol of progress, optimism, and personal achievement--valuable characteristics that influence consumers. That symbolic power has also spawned an entire industry devoted to the preservation of America's collective memory through presidential historic sites, memorabilia, and souvenirs.