Inspired by History

In this episode of Inspired by History, Nathan Raab explores a rare 1783 letter written by Thomas Jefferson, just months after the Revolutionary War ended. Nathan provides insights into Jefferson's emotions and the history surrounding the Treaty of Paris, the spread of democracy, and the right of democratic citizens everywhere to bear arms against tyranny. The discussion covers the letter'...

On this episode of 'Inspired by History,' Rebecca Barry interviews Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection, about the original, signed reading copy of President Benjamin Harrison’s inaugural address. Raab discovered and acquired the historical manuscript over a decade ago. Now Raab is loaning it to Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis, where it will be on exhibit alongside oth...

In this episode of Inspired by History, Rebecca Barry interviews Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection, about his recent discovery and acquisition of a large archive of documents acquired from the heirs of the Crowninshield family, a prominent early American business family. They discuss the discovery process and the historical significance of the documents, which includes a privateers com...

In this episode of 'Inspired by History,' Rebecca Barry and Nathan Raab delve into a remarkable piece of modern history—a program signed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the evening of his last great address at Carnegie Hall honoring W.E.B. Du Bois. The episode explores the significance, rarity, and value of this autograph, which was serendipitously obtained by a young man at a New York H...

In this episode of Inspired by History, we explore the fascinating story behind John Hancock's rare diploma from Yale University, which he requested “ad eundem gradum” after he earned his degree from Harvard College. Given to Hancock in 1769, this unique document highlights his significant educational achievements and prestigious status. The discussion delves into the historical context, the r...

In this episode of 'Inspired by History,' Rebecca Barry and Nathan Raab discuss the recent acquisition of a rare and historically significant document signed by renowned women's rights activists Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. The document, a membership certificate from the Women's New York State Temperance Society, sheds light on the early efforts of these pioneering...

In this episode of 'Inspired by History,' host Rebecca Barry and Nathan Raab, president of the Raab Collection, delve into the significance of a rare Albert Einstein document - a course registration booklet from the University of Berlin signed by Einstein. They discuss the historical context, the rarity and value of the document, and its educational impact. The conversation also touches on Einstei...

In this episode of “Inspired by History: Stories of Inspiration and Discovery,” Rebecca Barry speaks with Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection and author of “The Hunt for History,” about the long-standing myth surrounding the use of white gloves when handling historical documents. Nathan shares insights based on his two decades of experience, explaining why white gloves are not recommende...

In the inaugural episode of 'Inspired by History,' host Rebecca Barry and Nathan Raab, President of the Raab Collection, discuss a notable 1777 letter from George Washington in which Washington evokes the power of the colonists and militias to fight off the British: “Whenever they make an impression, the Country will recur to arms.” The episode dives into the historical context of the letter, writ...