Busy Beaver Buttons & Merch

At Busy Beaver Buttons & Merch in Chicago’s Logan Square, a small museum traces the history of pinback buttons through thousands of examples. The collection spans campaign memorabilia, pop culture and everyday life, with buttons dating from the patent of the pinback in 1896. You can also see earlier button forms, including George Washington inauguration buttons and an Abraham Lincoln campaign pin. The museum is part of a button-making business, where staff can also help with custom merchandise orders.

A century of button designs

The collection follows the pinback button from its 1896 patent through more recent designs. Its displays bring together campaign memorabilia, pop-culture pieces and objects tied to particular places and experiences. Together, they show how a small wearable item can preserve the words, images and interests of its time.

Some examples predate the pinback. Look for sew-on campaign buttons associated with George Washington, as well as an Abraham Lincoln campaign pin. These earlier pieces add context to the later round badges in the collection.

A museum at a button-making business

Busy Beaver is also a button and merchandise company. Its staff can guide customers through the process of making custom items, and orders can be set up by uploading designs. Available choices include neon and glow-in-the-dark finishes, along with other design options.

The museum is compact, but its collection is extensive. The business lists appointments as required, so contact Busy Beaver before setting out to visit. If you are planning a quieter museum stop, choose an off-peak time.