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Delving into K Street origins

Hagley Museum and Library houses documents, history of trade groups WILMINGTON, Del.—After a visit to the treasure trove of association historical documents at the Hagley Museum and Library, it would be easy to say that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Trade associations such as the National Association of Manufacturers, formed in 1895 in the midst of a depression, have been lobbying the government for economic growth strategies and trade promotion, and against labor union power, from the beginning. But the narrative arc of association history is far from linear—and the twists and turns still make compelling reading. Two of the major association… Read More