American Antiquarian Society

The American Antiquarian Society (AAS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting and preserving printed and manuscript materials related to the history of what is now the United States. Founded in 1812 by Isaiah Thomas, a Revolutionary War patriot and prominent printer, it is the oldest historical society in the United States with a national focus.

Mission

The mission of the AAS is to cultivate understanding of the American past by collecting, preserving, and making available for study all printed records of the United States. This includes materials from the first European settlements to the late nineteenth century. The Society aims to foster a broad community of inquiry through wide-ranging programs, community engagement, and support for researchers and students of early American history.

Collections

The AAS has accumulated one of the world's largest collections of pre-twentieth-century American materials, comprising over 4.5 million items. These include books, pamphlets, broadsides, newspapers, periodicals, children's literature, music, and graphic arts. The collection is particularly renowned for its comprehensive holdings of early American newspapers, with more than two million issues from all fifty states, the Canadian provinces, the West Indies, and Great Britain.

Organization and Activities

The AAS operates as both a learned society and a national research library. It has over 1,200 members who are elected based on their achievements in academic or public life. The Society offers public lectures, seminars, and programs designed to engage various audiences in historical research and appreciation. AAS also provides public tours and participates in digital projects, such as digitizing children's materials to make them accessible for educational use.

Facilities

The main building of the AAS, known as Antiquarian Hall, is a U.S. National Historic Landmark located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Completed in 1910, it has undergone several expansions, including a recent addition in 2019 that added a conservation lab and educational facilities.

Awards and Recognition

The American Antiquarian Society was awarded the 2013 National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama in recognition of its contributions to the preservation and interpretation of American history.

Collection Development Policy

The AAS's collection development policy is designed to strategically expand its holdings while ensuring they remain accessible and representative of the diverse experiences and voices of North America's past. The Society actively seeks materials that reflect underrepresented perspectives, including those of Indigenous, African, Asian, Latinx, and Middle Eastern communities, as well as people with diverse religious beliefs, gender identities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Conservation Efforts

AAS maintains an on-site conservation department dedicated to preserving its extensive collection of historical materials. This department utilizes various techniques and materials to ensure the longevity of the printed records, contributing to the broader mission of preserving American cultural heritage.

Public Engagement

Despite common misconceptions that it serves only scholars, the AAS is open to anyone interested in historical research, including students, genealogists, and the general public. It offers public programs both in-person and online to make historical materials engaging and accessible to diverse audiences.