This selection of documents sheds light on what life was like for some Black Americans in the eighteenth century. Taken from more than 200 books, magazines, and newspapers, these texts—which are largely about enslaved people and the institution of slavery—provide insight into the experiences of some Black Americans during the founding era. This collection of documents will be regularly updated as more material is discovered within the Gilder Lehrman Collection.
This transcription opportunity part of the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s Black Lives in the Founding Era project, which restores to view the lives and works of a wide array of African Americans in the period 1760 to 1800. We encourage you to read more about the project here.
Content warning: The language and content of these materials may be difficult for some readers. Many of these documents pertain to the institution of slavery and racism in the eighteenth century, and demonstrate the often harsh circumstances that Black men, women, and children faced. Students should be advised that while some of these materials may be upsetting, topics such as enslavement and racial violence are essential to the study of US history.
Documents
Title |
Last transcribed |
Status |
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October 8, 2023 at 8:09:07 PM
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In progress
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2 / 8
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September 29, 2023 at 10:42:11 AM
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In progress
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105 / 107
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September 17, 2023 at 12:28:36 PM
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In progress
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2 / 3
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December 14, 2023 at 5:39:36 PM
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In progress
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375 / 397
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Last transcribed October 8, 2023 at 8:09:07 PM
Status In progress
Last transcribed September 29, 2023 at 10:42:11 AM
Status In progress
Last transcribed September 17, 2023 at 12:28:36 PM
Status In progress
Last transcribed December 14, 2023 at 5:39:36 PM
Status In progress