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

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Engraving of Abigail Adams, n.d. (Gilder Lehrman Collection)

Abigail Adams

Influential First Lady, advocate for women’s rights, and prolific writer

Person
Samuel Adams, from "An Impartial History of the War in America," 1780 (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History)

Samuel Adams

One of the first Americans to challenge British rule and resist their policies in the 1760s and 1770s

Person
John Adams, by John Trumbull, 1793 (National Portrait Gallery)

John Adams

A leading proponent of independence, a congressman, a diplomat, and the second President of the United States

Person
Detail of Richard Allen, "From the plantation to the Senate," lithograph by Gaylord Watson, 1883 (Library of Congress)

Richard Allen

Prominent Philadelphia advocate for abolition and civil rights and founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Person
Theodosia Burr (Mrs. Joseph Alston) by John Vanderlyn, 1802-1803 (Yale University Art Gallery)

Theodosia Burr Alston

Daughter of Aaron Burr and prominent figure in early American society who disappeared at sea in 1813

Person
Benjamin Banneker, from the title page of "Benjamin Bannaker's [sic] Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia Almanac, for the Year of Our Lord 1795" (Maryland Historical Society)

Benjamin Banneker

Scientist, mathematician, and author who challenged racial prejudices

Person
Aaron Burr, 1836 (Library of Congress)

Aaron Burr

Complex and controversial early American politician known for his fatal duel with Alexander Hamilton

Person
"Mrs. John Barker Church, Son Philip, and Servant," by John Trumbull, 1785 (Private Collection)

Angelica Schuyler Church

The charming, intelligent, politically active oldest daughter of Philip Schuyler and sister of Elizabeth Hamilton

Person
Paul Cuffee, painting attributed to Chester Harding

Paul Cuffe

Black and Wampanoag businessman and shipbuilder who advocated for abolition, civil rights, and African colonization

Person
Benjamin Franklin, ca. 1789 (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History)

Benjamin Franklin

A polymath and statesman who was a leading figure in science, literature, diplomacy, and governance

Person
Nathanael Greene, based on a portrait by Alonzo Chappel (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History)

Nathanael Greene

Trusted aide to George Washington known for strategic brilliance and Revolutionary War victories

Person
Portrait of Prince Hall from the Grand Logde of British Culumbia and Yuko, (Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Prince Hall

Founder of the first African American Masonic lodge, in Boston, and advocate for abolition and civil rights

Person