The Dynamic Duo: Danforth and Eagleton Work Across the Aisle

Senators Tom Eagleton and John Danforth served alongside each other representing Missouri in the US senate from 1977 to1987. These two influential senators from opposing parties agreed as much as they disagreed on legislative priorities for their state. Their working relationship and friendship can be studied because of a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, which allowed SHSMO’s archivists to process the papers of multiple elected officials from Missouri, including Senators Danforth and Eagleton. The exhibition offers an inside look at their correspondences, thoughts, and actions while they worked across the aisle with grace, determination and humor.

Processing almost 1,000 cubic feet of political papers makes it possible to better understand the priorities, concerns, and needs of Missouri’s elected officials and their constituents, and how those officials dealt with innumerable challenges. We also learned how two elected officials from opposing parties could stay true to their political beliefs while also working together to benefit Missourians.