Got a minute? Let’s dive into the captivating world of buttons right here at the Busy Beaver Button Museum. This isn’t your grandma’s button collection. It’s a journey through history, art, and self-expression.
Busy Beaver Button Museum is the world’s only museum dedicated to pin-back buttons. Founded in 2010 by siblings Christen and Joel Carter, it showcases American history through these tiny wearable artifacts. Christen Carter actually started Busy Beaver Button Co. back in 1995. She had been inspired by the popularity of buttons in England.
Inside Busy Beaver Button Museum, you will discover over 30000 pins. These are organized by category and date. Imagine buttons from every year since the pin-back’s patent in 1896. You’ll even find precursors like George Washington inauguration buttons. Also look for an Abraham Lincoln campaign pin.
The Busy Beaver Button Museum collection includes political buttons. Also art, advertising, sports, social cause, and music buttons are on display. These buttons represent cultural and personal histories. They reveal how people commented on noteworthy events throughout the years.
Christen Carter, Busy Beaver’s founder, co-authored a book titled “Button Power: 125 Years Of Saying It With Buttons”. It explores the cultural relevance of pin-back buttons. Carter believes buttons are often overlooked but very important. They communicate what was happening at a specific time.
Busy Beaver Button Co., home to the museum, has been making buttons in Logan Square for over 25 years. In 2016, the company expanded to this location on Armitage Avenue. They create custom buttons and stickers for various clients. These range from Sub Pop Records to the Women’s March. They even launched “I Got Vaccinated” buttons.
Visiting the Busy Beaver Button Museum is free. It’s open to the public Monday through Friday. The hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also make an appointment for a special visit.
Before you leave the Busy Beaver Button Museum, consider the button’s power. It’s more than just a small object. It’s a piece of history. It’s a form of expression. It’s a community builder.