Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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Certification of Romeo Smith’s Status as a Free Man, 1784
A legal document attesting the free status of a Black soldier
Supporting Document
Rules and Principles of the New-York Manumission Society, February 4, 1785
The guiding principles of the organization founded to promote the manumission of enslaved people and allow them to share “civil and religious Liberty”
Supporting Document
James Madison’s Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments, 1785
An argument against state-sponsored religion, defending religious freedom and the separation of church and state
Key Document
Dolley Madison on Quaker Community News, 1785
A letter detailing observations about the Quaker community in Philadelphia
Supporting Document
Founding the New-York Manumission Society, 1785
Establishing an organization to advocate gradual abolition of slavery, educate free Black people, and prevent them from being sold into slavery
Event
Shays’ Rebellion, 1786
An armed uprising by indebted Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustice and demanding debt relief
Event
A Farmer’s Grievances during Shays’ Rebellion, 1786
A statement submitted to the Hampshire Gazette addressing debt collection and taxes
Supporting Document
George Washington on the Abolition of Slavery, 1786
A letter written as a private citizen expressing his hope that slavery would be abolished
Supporting Document
Petition by the African Lodge of Freemasons, 1787
Black petitioners on being kidnapped from Africa and the possibility of returning to freedom in Africa
Supporting Document
Petition of the Shinnecock Tribe, 1787-1788
A plea to New York State legislators to protect the Shinnecock people’s land
Supporting Document
Pierce Butler’s Notes from the Constitutional Convention, 1787
A participant’s notes providing insights into the drafting of the US Constitution
Supporting Document
The Virginia Plan, 1787
Proposal by James Madison outlining a strong central government with a two-branch legislature
Supporting Document