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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Heyerdahl, Thor, 1914-2002 to Marshall E. Bean

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05508.126 Author/Creator: Heyerdahl, Thor, 1914-2002 Place Written: Laiguglia, Italy Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 May 1966 Pagination: 3 p. 27.7 x 21.9 cm Order a Copy

Heyerdahl responds to Bean after having taken a three month trip around the world. He shares his religious views, stating that he believes the spirit is eternal. He beleives human senses are limited, but trick us into thinking we know reality in full. He sends a photo (not included) and offers encouragement in dealing with illness and imminent death.

Heyerdahl, Thor, fl. 1966
Bean, Marshall E., fl. 1966-1967

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