Rare historical documents, including an early issue of the U.S. Constitution, featured at Vassar College library event

A rare copy of the first issue of the U.S. Constitution and a collection of early presidential autographs are among the highlights of "Treasures of Americana, 1760-1830," an exhibition selected from Vassar College's Archives and Special Collections. The exhibition will be on view in the library display cases from Monday, May 7, through mid-June.

It was developed to celebrate the rededication of the college's libraries, which include the new Martha Rivers and E. Bronson Ingram Library addition and major renovations to the Frederick Ferris Thompson Memorial Library and the Helen D. Lockwood Library.

Vassar's collection of written Americana was recently strengthened through a bequest from Ruth F. Sturm (class of 1932). The library's Ernest Sturm Collection includes several notable items from the Revolutionary War period and the time surrounding George Washington's presidency. It features letters and documents written by nearly all of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and all of the members of Washington's first cabinet.

Perhaps the most valuable item in the collection is the rare copy of the first issue of the U.S. Constitution as agreed to by the delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention. This version of "We the People' was published in Philadelphia just before the printing of the first official edition. It includes, in the top margin, a handwritten notation that reads, "It is a good thing and will be accepted."

The exhibition draws from all of the library's special collections to present printed and manuscript materials from 1760-1830-what historians have traditionally called the Revolutionary and Federal eras. It is deliberately multi-faceted, touching upon political, social, economic, religious, scientific, and literary matters, as well as examples of the lesser-known writings of women, African Americans, and Native Americans. "Treasures of Americana" also includes items relating to the Hudson Valley region and the history of the State of New York.

Among the 70 items on display are a 1792 edition of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense'; the first volume of "Diplomatic Correspondence' of the United States; a printed letter by Alexander Hamilton discussing the character of John Adams; one of Noah Webster's early grammar works; Washington Irving's "A History of New York"; and one of the first issues of Sarah Josepha Buell Hale's "The Ladies' Magazine' from 1828.

The exhibition is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Vassar College Office of College Relations at (845) 437-7400. An online version will be available via the college's Special Collections Web page at http://specialcollections.vassar.edu/.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Friday, May 4th, 2001.