Search | Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

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News

Inside the Vault, July 29 and August 12: Immigration and Civil Rights

Inside the Vault: Highlights from the Gilder Lehrman Collection is an online program that highlights unique primary sources from the Gilder Lehrman Collection. From iconic historical treasures, such as the Declaration of Independence,...

News

Celebrate the Student Essay!

As the best-books-of-the-year lists proliferate, it’s time to remind ourselves to nurture young writers. Here at the Gilder Lehrman Institute we have a great way for history teachers to highlight their students’ achievements. It’s the...

Video: Inside The Vault

Inside the Vault: Frederick Douglass: Advocate for Equality

6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13+

Most people know Frederick Douglass as an abolitionist, but his fight for equality did not end after the Thirteenth Amendment. In the February 18, 2021 session of Inside the Vault, educator Mandel Holland and Hamilton cast member...

News

Homer Plessy’s Groundbreaking Ride: On This Day, June 7

On June 7, 1892, New Orleans native Homer Plessy purposely violated the Louisiana separate car law in order to bring the issue of segregation to the Supreme Court. Plessy was chosen for this action by the Comité des Citoyens—a ...

Program/Event

Civil War Essay Contest Winners 2014

High School Division Click on the title to view a pdf of a winning essay. First Prize Mahir Rafi Riaz, The Collegiate School, New York, New York "An End to the Era of Compromise: Amending the Constitution in Civil War America" Second...

Collection Item

Autograph letter signed

January 20, 1790

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

to Henry Knox

Discusses the issue of state debt, writing "We understand here that Mr. Hamiltons report on finance was to be made on Thursday last - various are the conjectures on the nature of it. Many suppose that a proposal for the assumption of the State debts...

GLC02437.04476

Collection Item

Autograph letter signed

5 October 1782

Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829

to Henry Knox

Written by Colonel Pickering as Quartermaster General to Major General Knox. Reports that Major Cogswell will have 2 good teams sent today to haul the frame for the barrack at Constitution Island. Says 4 more teams will be added as soon as they...

GLC02437.01645

Collection Item

Autograph letter signed

15 October 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

to Lewis Nicola

Apologizes for the difficulty Colonel Nicola is having at Fishkill, and declares that he would help instantly were it in his power. However, the teams and equipment Colonel Nicola needs can only be gotten from the Quartermaster General, so he asks...

GLC02437.01666

Collection Item

Autograph letter signed

February 28, 1783

Morris, Gouverneur, 1752-1816

to Henry Knox

Written by Morris as Assistant Secretary of Finance to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter sent by General Lincoln. Is sending copies of Robert Morris's letter of resignation (not included here). Says this news should not be unexpected. Says...

GLC02437.01963

Lesson Plan

The First Inaugural Address of George Washington

Government and Civics, Literature

11, 12

Unit Objectives This lesson on the First Inaugural Address of George Washington is part of the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s series of Common Core–based units. These units were written to enable students to understand, summarize, and...