Historical Research Library Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
Elizabeth "Eliza" Schuyler Hamilton Daughter of the patriot general Philip Schuyler and wife of Alexander Hamilton who secured his legacy after his death Person
Sally Hemings Enslaved woman in the household of Thomas Jefferson, who was likely the father of her six children Person
Belinda, Patty Gipson, Jemima Hunt Little-known figures in the fight for the abolition of slavery Person
Absalom Jones Abolitionist, religious leader, and founder of the first Black Episcopal church in the United States Person
Henry Knox A poor bookseller in Boston who became a close confidant of George Washington, a general, and first Secretary of War Person
Lucy Knox A daughter of eminent loyalists and wife of the Revolutionary War general Henry Knox Person
Dolley Madison The influential First Lady who saved the portrait of George Washington during the War of 1812 Person
Hercules Mulligan Irish immigrant who befriended Hamilton and served as a spy for Washington in British-held New York City Person
Thomas Paine Author of “Common Sense” and “The Rights of Man” who was influential in the American and French Revolutions Person
Paul Revere Boston patriot, famed for his “midnight ride,” whose art turned a local skirmish into a “Massacre” Person
Margarita (Peggy) Schuyler Van Rensselaer Youngest daughter of Philip Schuyler who married Stephen Van Rensselaer III, a wealthy and prominent New Yorker Person
Mercy Otis Warren Patriot, playwright, and poet who chronicled the American Revolution and corresponded with Revolutionary War leaders Person