The American Antiquarian Society (AAS), located in Worcester, Massachusetts, is one of the oldest historical societies and one of the premier research libraries in the United States, focusing on the study of American history and culture from the colonial period through the year 1876. Here are key details about the institution:
- Founding: The society was founded on October 24, 1812, by Isaiah Thomas, a notable printer, publisher, and bookseller, who also donated his personal collection of books and manuscripts to the society.
- Purpose: The mission of the American Antiquarian Society is to collect, preserve, and make available for study materials related to the history, literature, and culture of the United States before 1877.
- Collections:
- The AAS holds over three million books, pamphlets, newspapers, periodicals, broadsides, and ephemera, along with a vast collection of manuscripts, maps, music, and graphic arts.
- It is particularly renowned for its newspaper collection, which is one of the largest in the world, containing nearly two-thirds of all American newspapers published before 1877.
- Library: The library itself serves scholars, researchers, and the public. It provides fellowships for scholars to conduct research using its collections.
- Membership: The society includes members from around the world, with membership by election. Members are typically scholars, collectors, and others with an interest in early American history.
- Programs and Events: AAS hosts numerous events, lectures, workshops, and seminars, promoting research and education in early American history. It also engages in public outreach through exhibitions and educational programs.
- Building: The society's headquarters, known as Antiquarian Hall, was designed by architect Charles Bulfinch and has undergone several expansions to accommodate its growing collections.
- Notable Contributions:
- The AAS has been instrumental in publishing works that have helped define the field of American history, including the Early American Imprints series.
- It has also played a key role in preserving documents from the American Revolution, the Civil War, and other pivotal events in U.S. history.
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