
Buttons of the Left
Telling the story of struggles for peace, justice and equality through buttons and personal ephemera,
this collection celebrates the rich history of labor movements and union solidarity through vintage buttons.
Each piece represents a moment in the struggle for workers' rights and collective power.
Buttons of the Left is an ongoing project.
If you’re interested in connecting or learning more, please contact buttonsoftheleft@gmail.com, or follow @buttonsoftheleft on Instagram.
Upcoming Events
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"Always Carry a Book, Always Wear a Button"
ONGOING EXHIBIT
Pilsen Community Books
1102 W 18th St
Chicago, IL 60608 -
"El Pueblo Vencerá: Buttons of the Central America Solidarity Movement"
ONGOING EXHIBIT
Anticonquista Café
952 W 18th St
Chicago, IL 60608 -
"Teaching Labor History with Union Buttons"
Thursday | May 22, 2025
UAW Education Committees Conference
Black Lake, MI -
"Midst the Wonders We Have Made"
Saturday | May 24, 2025
May Day Art Show
2928 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60618 -
Labor and Working Class History Association National Conference
June 12-14, 2025
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL 60637 -
"All Power to the People! Buttons of the Socialist Movement in the US"
Wednesday | July 2, 2025
In These Times Chicago
2040 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60647 -
Socialism 2025 Conference
July 3-6, 2025
Hyatt Regency McCormick
2233 S Martin Luther King Dr
Chicago, IL 60616