Xavier University of Louisiana's Archives & Special Collections has entered into a significant partnership with the Obama Presidential Center by including one of its most treasured artifacts—the Thomas Mundy Peterson Voting Medal—in the museum's inaugural exhibition, opening June 18–19, 2026, in Chicago.

The Thomas Mundy Peterson Voting Medal stands as a powerful symbol of American democracy and the ongoing struggle for civil rights. The gold medal commemorates Peterson's historic distinction as the first African American to cast a vote under the newly ratified 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution on March 31, 1870.

Fourteen years later, on May 30, 1884—then known as Decoration Day and now observed as Memorial Day—the citizens of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, honored Peterson's courageous act by raising $70, the equivalent of approximately $2,500 today, to commission a gold medallion in recognition of his contribution to American history.

Featuring a profile of President Abraham Lincoln, the medal celebrated not only Peterson's individual bravery but also the hopes and aspirations of newly enfranchised Black Americans during the post-Reconstruction era. Historical accounts note that Peterson cherished the medal deeply and "never considered himself properly dressed without it affixed to his left breast."

Today, the medal is a part of Xavier University's Archives & Special Collections, where it serves as a tangible reminder of the enduring fight for voting rights and civic participation. The medal's selection for the opening exhibition of the Obama Presidential Center carries special significance. The museum, dedicated to the legacy of President Barack Obama, the nation's first African American president, will serve as a space for inspiring civic engagement, leadership, and public service.

As an institution with a longstanding mission to educate and empower African American leaders, Xavier is honored to contribute to an exhibition celebrating the individuals and movements that have expanded democracy in the United States. The inclusion of the Peterson Medal reflects Xavier's commitment to preserving and sharing stories that illuminate the Black experience and the nation's ongoing pursuit of justice, equality, and inclusion. Through the stewardship of artifacts such as the Peterson Medal, Xavier's Archives & Special Collections continues to play a vital role in safeguarding history for future generations.

The Thomas Mundy Peterson Medal will remain on display at the Obama Presidential Center through Spring 2028.

About Thomas Mundy Peterson

Born in 1824, Thomas Mundy Peterson made history on March 31, 1870, when he became the first African American to vote under the protections of the 15th Amendment. A resident of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Peterson cast a vote that represented a landmark moment in American democracy and the expansion of voting rights following the Civil War.

About Xavier University Archives & Special Collections

Xavier University of Louisiana's Archives & Special Collections preserves, documents, and provides access to materials that reflect the history of the university, the Catholic Church, African American communities, and the Gulf South region. Through exhibitions, partnerships, and research initiatives, the archives connect historical collections with contemporary conversations about culture, education, and social justice.