Smithsonian Institution acquires collection of historic bumper stickers

The Smithsonian Institution has added a collection of historic bumper stickers to its repository of Americana. These stickers served as a precursor to modern social media, allowing Americans to broadcast diverse views, political sentiments, and personal interests through their vehicles.

Notable examples include the divisive 1970s slogan ‘America: Love it or leave it.’ The collection highlights how drivers used short, impactful phrases to communicate everything from political stances and environmental concerns, such as ‘Save the Whales,’ to personal affiliations and humor.

Historically, bumper stickers functioned as a low-cost method of public expression during an era of limited broadcast media. The medium also occasionally became a subject of legal debate regarding freedom of speech and expression when content was deemed offensive.