Historical Research Library

Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era. 

Singers and dancers focused on Chris Jackson playing George Washington

Explore our Resources

Filter by person, event, document, and theme.

Absalom Jones by Raphaelle Peale, 1810. (Courtesy Delaware Art Museum)

Absalom Jones

Abolitionist, religious leader, and founder of the first Black Episcopal church in the United States

Person
John Laurens, by Charles Willson Peale, 1780 (National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution)

John Laurens

South Carolina officer and close friend of Alexander Hamilton who advocated abolition and recruitment of Black troops

Person
Gouverneur Morris, engraving by J. Rogers (Wikimedia Commons)

Gouverneur Morris

Constitutional Convention delegate who advocated a strong central government, abolition, and freedom of religion

Person
George Washington, by Rembrandt Peale, ca. 1852 (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History)

George Washington

The first President of the United States and a symbol of American independence and integrity

Person
Martha Washington, by Currier & Ives, ca. 1860 (Library of Congress)

Martha Washington

The nation’s first “First Lady,” who married George Washington in 1759 when she was a wealthy young widow

Person
Frontispiece, "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral," 1773, by Phillis Wheatley, 1773 (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History)

Phillis Wheatley

First published African American female author and supporter of American independence

Person