Discover the Karpeles Manuscript Library Collection

Karpeles Manuscript Library holds a collection of more than a million historical documents in the categories of literature, science, religion, political history, exploration, music and art rotates between all its museums across the United States.

If you want to explore our collection, you can visit our AI Research Center.

Here are some examples of manuscripts that can be found in our expansive collection.

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Literature

This page from the book Uncle Toms Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe unveils Chapter 4 with an introduction to Uncle Tom a slave laboring on a Kentucky plantation. It highlights Toms attributes such as his devout faith amicable nature and allegiance to his master. The tale transitions to depicting Toms cabin a modest log abode near the masters residence always referred to as the negros dwelling with a garden upfront flourishing with strawberries raspberries and other fruits along with various flowers like marigolds four oclocks and petunias. The chapter acquaints readers with other plantation characters like Aunt Chloe the cook overseeing the evening meal and George Shelby Toms previous master now grappling with financial woes and contemplating the sale of some slaves for financial relief.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
One of only 14 original pages that have survived
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Rogets Manuscript: unveils the handwritten drafts by Peter Mark Roget that laid the groundwork for Rogets Thesaurus. The pages exhibit a meticulous grouping of words and phrases into themes like emotions actions and states of being. Categories explored range from existence and avarice to abstract concepts like actuality and fiction. This document not only showcases the nascent stages of the revered thesaurus but also provides a glimpse into Rogets methodical exploration of language and human expression.
Roget’s Thesaurus of synonyms or verbal equivalents
First draft written in 1805
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On this page from the document the patriotic song America the Beautiful penned by Katharine Lee Bates in 1893 is showcased. The song extols Americas scenic splendor the value of freedom and self discipline the gallantry of American heroes and the aspiration for a forthcoming era where American cities radiate with nobility and unity. It accentuates the significance of brotherhood and unity in realizing Americas ideals. The page is signed by Katharine Lee Bates extending her best wishes to Chester Owen. TRANSCRIPT: AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL O beautiful for spacious skies For amber waves of grain For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea! O beautiful for pilgrim feet Whose stern impassioned stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness ! America! America! God mend thine every flaw Confirm thy soul in self control Thy liberty in law! O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife Who more than self their country loved And mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold refine Till all success be nobleness And every gain divine O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!
America The Beautiful
Poem by Katherine Lee Bates written in 1893
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Science

This document entails a letter dispatched by Harry W. Bell to Albert Einstein in 1948 seeking elucidation regarding the interlink between the photon and Einsteins celebrated formula E=mc2.
Einstein's Equation: E=MC2
A rare instance where he actually wrote out his famous formula
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This page hails from Charles Darwins monumental book On the Origin of Species. This pivotal scientific tome unveiled the theory of evolution via natural selection profoundly reshaping our comprehension of species origins and Earths life diversity. The manuscript a handwritten draft of the book stands as a significant historical document.
Darwin's Reasoning establishing his Theory of Evolution
as stated in the Origin of Species
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This letter encapsulates Galileos reflections on his health status and his aspiration for a tranquil countryside retirement. He delves into the publication of his recent work the Dialogues Concerning Two New Sciences and shares tidings from a Venetian friend about his earlier work the Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems being scrutinized across European universities. Galileo also manifests a wish to meet certain acquaintances seeking their assistance in orchestrating the visit.
Galileo’s 1638 letter announcing his Dialog on Two New Sciences
The birth of mechanics as a science and of mathematical analysis
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Religion

The Gutenberg Bible a printed rendition of the Latin Vulgate Bible completed by St. Jerome in the 4th century stands as a magnum opus of book production emblematic of knowledge empowerment and printing technologys significance. This Bible significantly broadened knowledge accessibility facilitated Christianitys dissemination and contributed to Western civilizations evolution. The excerpt from Deuteronomy specifically the Ten Commandments encapsulated in this book section is among the Bibles most pivotal passages.
The Ten Commandments of The Gutenberg Bible
Considered the most precious piece of printing in the world
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This letter penned by Martin Luther to Emperor Charles V outlines four proposed terms aiming to resolve the discord between the Catholic Church and the burgeoning Protestant movement. The terms advocate for a prohibition on violence the assembly of a council to discuss divergences adherence to the councils resolutions and the endorsement of religious pluralism across territories.
The proposed terms of the Martin Luther Treaty offered to Emperor Charles V
The birth of the Protestant movement
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Political History

This document delineates Pope Pius VIIs multiple excommunications of Napoleon Bonaparte due to his transgressions against the Papal States and the Church. Following Napoleons initial abdication the excommunication was revoked only to be reinstated during his resumption of power and eventually lifted once more after his ultimate defeat.
The excommunication of Napoleon by Pope Pius VII
Issued after the French attacked and occupied the Vatican
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A document titled Undertaking Given by Certain German Emissaries to the Allied High Commands outlines an agreement by German representatives to dispatch specified German officers fully authorized to a designated location and time as directed by the Supreme Commander Allied Expeditionary Force and the Soviet High Command.
The unconditional surrender of the German Third Reich
Issued to Supreme Allied Commander, Dwight D. Eisenhower
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This document discusses the Treaty of Ghent signed on December 24 1814 marking the conclusion of the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. Ratified by King George IV on December 30 1814 the treaty reinstated the pre war boundaries between the two nations. While not addressing the wars root causes like impressment and trade restrictions it did set up a commission to settle border disagreements. Generally perceived as a triumph for both parties the treaty ceased the expensive conflict and ushered in a phase of amicable ties between the United States and Great Britain.
The Peace Treaty of the War of 1812
The ratification of the Treaty of Ghent signed by King George IV on December 31, 1814
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Exploration

This document titled Apollo Translunar Transearth Trajectory Plotting pertains to the Apollo 13 mission outlining key dates from April 10 to April 16. It illustrates the Moons position at launch on April 11 reaching apogee on April 14 with a lunar landing slated for April 16. A problem occurring 200 000 miles from Earth on April 13 1970 is noted in the document. Signed by Fred Haise
A page from the LM Contingency Checklist carried on the flight of Apollo 13
Critical flight data for the Service Module and Lunar Module separation maneuvers
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The Christopher Columbus Lettera Rarissima is a handwritten letter that chronicles the fourth and concluding expedition of Christopher Columbus to the New World. Written in July 1503 the letter was addressed to the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella and served as a detailed account of the Columbus journey discoveries and interactions with the indigenous populations.
Christopher Columbus’ handwritten “Lettera Rarissima”
Describes his last voyage of discovery to the New World and announces he has reached the Indies
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This document details Amelia Earharts Certificate of Landing attesting to her historic solo flight across the Atlantic on May 20 1932. Upon landing in Culmore Northern Ireland Earhart removed the official barograph from her Lockheed Vega 5B aircraft bearing the identification number NR7952. The barograph found sealed and in good condition was dispatched to the National Aeronautic Associations Contest Committee in Washington D.C. The document delineates instructions for placing the stylus or pen in the off position upon removal and mentions that the removal was witnessed by at least two individuals including Souris Sacarnaga of the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Londonderry. This certificate is a vital historical record commemorating Earharts pioneering aviation feats and substantiating her remarkable achievement. TRANSCRIPT: CERTIFICATE OF REMOVAL OF SEALED BAROGRAPH Date 218 May 1832 To the Contest Committee National Aeronautic Association Dupont Circle Washington D.C. This is to certify that on (give proper date) 218 May 1932 I removed the official barograph from a (state type of aircraft) Monoplane which landed at (describe landing point) (give identification numbers) N87952 in a flight for record during which time the plane was piloted by Miss Amelia Earhart lend I found the instrument sealed and the official seals in good condition. I also inspected the seals on the gas and oil tanks and found these seals to be in good condition. Following removal of the barograph it was forwarded by (indicate method of forwarding) mail under my direction to the Contest Committee National Aeronautic Association Washington D.C. Following removal of the barograph it was placed under my direction in the hands of the following official representative of the United States (name of official in what capacity serving and his address) Immediately upon removal of the barograph from the plane the stylus or pen should be placed in the off position. To do this rolesse the catch on the lifter located on the bottom of the instrument and move the control arm to the off position as marked. Full names of witnesses title rank business profession address etc. J. Sawyers. Sergeant Removal should be witnessed by at least two persons.
Amelia Earhart’s Certificate of Removal of Sealed Barograph
Proof that she was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic solo and second person ever to fly across the Atlantic
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Music & Art

This document delves into the Emperor Concerto by Ludwig van Beethoven. The opening movement kicks off with a majestic orchestral preamble prior to a bold entrance by the solo piano. A dialogue unfolds between the piano and orchestra highlighting the soloists virtuosic prowess. A more melodious and reflective second theme emerges in the third measure offering a counter to the initial bold statement. The movement proceeds with a development section delving into and broadening the themes leading to a triumphant reiteration of the primary themes in the recapitulation. The movement concludes with a coda spotlighting a sequence of dramatic and virtuosic embellishments from the solo piano.
The Emperor Concerto by Beethoven
Draft of the first movement from Measure III up to and including the second theme
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This document discusses The Rite of Spring a ballet and orchestral composition by Igor Stravinsky from 1913. Premiered in Paris it sparked controversy owing to its avant garde style marked by irregular rhythm and syncopation. The narrative unfolds a pagan ceremony where a young maiden dances to her demise as an offering to the spring deities. Esteemed as a 20th century musical magnum opus the piece has notably impacted contemporary music.
The Rite of Spring by Stravinsky
Ushered in a new era of irregular meter and syncopation in music when it was introduced in 1913 in Paris
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Star Trek Sketches A series of sketches from Andy Probert, the designer of NCC-1701-D seen in Star Trek: The Next Generation. He also worked on several other designs and concepts for the series.
Star Trek Sketches
A series of sketches from Andy Probert, the designer of (NCC-1701-D) seen in "Star Trek: The Next Generation." He also worked on several other designs and concepts for the series.
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