Object Details
- Description
- John L. Lewis, one of America's foremost labor leaders, wore this badge at the 1936 United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) convention. It is a metal gold-colored pin with "President" printed in blue. A red, white, and blue ribbon attaches badge to pin. The badge features a gold-colored relief of the U.S. Capitol Building with an eagle perched on a shield. “UMW ORG 1890” is printed in blue at the bottom.
- Born in an Iowa coal-mining camp, Lewis went to work in the mines as a teenager. He rose quickly as a labor leader, becoming president of the UMWA in 1920, and later helped found the Congress of Industrial Organizations. Lewis led a successful struggle to organize industrial workers, improving wages, safety, and benefits.
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- referenced
- United Mine Workers of America
- associated person
- Lewis, John L.
- maker
- United Mine Workers of America
- associated date
- 1936
- Physical Description
- metal (overall material)
- fabric (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 9.5 cm x 5 cm; 3 3/4 in x 1 15/16 in
- Object Name
- badge
