Political conventions

President Harry S. Truman (left), First Lady Bess W. Truman (center), and Treasury Secretary John Snyder prepare to board their plane to depart Washington, D.C. for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.

President Harry S. Truman waves from the steps of his plane as he prepares to depart Washington, D.C. for the 1952 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.

Democratic National Committee Women's Division Director India Edwards (right) with Democratic National Convention Delegate from Rhode Island Margaret Sullivan (left) at the Convention Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the Democratic National Convention.

Mrs. India Edwards, Women's Director, Democratic National Committee, (left) gives Congresswoman Helen Gahagan Douglas (right) a hug after the Congresswoman's speech before the Democratic National Convention.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Robert E. Hannegan poses with his gavel before calling the Democratic National Convention to order in Chicago, Illinois.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Robert E. Hannegan poses with his gavel before calling the Democratic National Convention to order in Chicago, Illinois.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Robert E. Hannegan calls the 1944 Democratic Convention to order in Chicago, Illinois.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Robert E. Hannegan calls the Democratic National Convention to order in Chicago, Illinois.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Robert E. Hannegan (at podium) calls the Democratic National Convention to order in Chicago, Illinois. All others unidentified.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Robert E. Hannegan addressing Illinois Democrats at a pre-convention meeting in Chicago, Illinois.