Broadsides
On the alcove walls between cases, there are reproductions of various documents connected to the government of Hawai'i. These documents range in date from 1814 to 1893, and depict the evolution of the Hawaiian government from an absolute hereditary monarchy to a constitutional monarchy with representation by the people.
The first printing press came into use in Hawai'i in 1822. After this time, notices and laws were printed and often posted. The people of Hawai'i received their information via newspapers, word of mouth, or broadsides. Broadsides were often printed proclamations on single sheets of paper, posted in prominent locations. These could be decrees from the king or queen, proclamations from other areas of the government, laws, and notices for meetings. Broadsides were also utilized to acknowledge the death of important Hawaiian rulers.
As Hawai'i's government evolved, elections became a part of the process. In 1872 and 1874, elections were held to fill the highest office of the nation, that of the king or queen. Just as today, the candidates produced literature for their campaigns to convince people of their abilities. Often these electioneering materials were based on heredity and a candidate's genealogical right to rule Hawai'i.
The last broadsides displayed here come from the time of the overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani in 1893. As problems increased in January 1893, the queen asked for order and calm. while the insurrectionists were calling for mass meetings to plan their actions. Many Hawaiians learned of the quickly changing political situation in their homeland from these broadsides posted in the streets of Honolulu.