On this episode of Inspired by History, Rebecca Barry interviews Nathan Raab of The Raab Collection about a rare letter written by Thomas Jefferson in late 1789, during his final day in France before his return to the United States for good. The discussion explores Jefferson's onerous voyage back to Virginia and the unexpected news awaiting him: that President George Washington had nominated him to be the first Secretary of State. The letter also touches upon his personal affairs and America’s transition post-Revolution. They delve into the provenance and historical significance of the document, highlighting its journey from a Philadelphia bookshop in the 1960s to a private collection and now back into the marketplace where a collector can buy this piece of history. To learn more: https://www.raabcollection.com/presidential-autographs/jefferson-bids-farewell-europe
00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History
00:31 Thomas Jefferson's 1789 Letter from France: Context and Background
01:57 Jefferson's Journey and Unexpected News
03:15 Significance of Jefferson's Return to the U.S.
04:20 Details of the Letter and Its Recipient
06:14 Provenance of the Letter
07:51 Conclusion and Closing Remarks
On this special episode of Inspired by History, we invited Steven Raab, founder of The Raab Collection, into the studio to discuss his journey from a law career to becoming a full-time dealer in historical documents and autographs. Steven shares stories about his first collectible purchase, the excitement and challenges of the trade, and the evolution of the autograph market over the past 40+ years. The conversation highlights key acquisitions, the importance of authenticity, and Steven's passion for storytelling through historical artifacts. Steven also delves into his personal collecting preferences and reflects on influential figures in his career. And if you missed part 1 of "How to Buy and Sell Historical Documents Like an Expert" with Nathan Raab, check out episode 14.
00:00 Introduction
00:33 Steven Raab's First Autograph Purchase
01:21 Transition from Law to Autograph Dealing
02:53 Evolution of the Autograph Trade
05:23 Challenges and Joys of Collecting
10:27 Authenticity and Reputation in the Business
11:35 Career Highlights and Memorable Finds
13:19 Advice for Aspiring Collectors
14:08 Early Beginnings and Mentorship
17:06 Conclusion and Farewell
On this episode of Inspired by History, Nathan Raab shares the story of three newly uncovered letters written by George Washington to his trusted Cabinet member Timothy Pickering—documents unseen for over two centuries.
The letters, penned during Washington’s presidency, reveal the first known instance of executive privilege, as Washington debated whether to share sensitive papers on the Jay Treaty with Congress. They also capture his concerns about James Monroe’s diplomacy in France and his efforts to gauge public reaction to the treaty that helped shape America’s early foreign policy.
Nathan discusses how these letters resurfaced through Pickering’s descendants, their historical significance, and what they reveal about Washington as both President and person—measured, thoughtful, and still defining the limits of executive power.
These letters offer a rare glimpse into the early Republic, the birth of American political divisions, and the rediscovery of Washington’s voice in his own hand.
On this episode of Inspired by History, Nathan Raab announces the fascinating discovery of what may be the earliest known example of modern musical notations from Western Europe in private hands. Unearthed from a ninth-century Latin manuscript originally part of a Sacramentary, the notations on this leaf are revealed to be groundbreaking remnants of the Carolingian Renaissance. The episode explores the meticulous process of authenticating these rare documents and the historical significance of Charlemagne's influence on handwriting standardization. Learn about the exciting journey of uncovering these medieval musical notations and their remarkable impact on our understanding of history. To learn more, visit: https://www.raabcollection.com/medieval-manuscripts/earliest-musical-notations
00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History
00:32 Unveiling a Historical Discovery
00:53 The 9th-Century Sacramentary Manuscript
02:21 The Significance of Carolingian Script
03:25 Discovery at Auction
03:44 Musical Notations (Neumes) in Medieval Manuscripts
05:34 Confirming the Discovery
05:55 Research and Historical Context
07:05 The Excitement of Historical Discoveries
08:08 Conclusion
In this episode of Inspired by History, Rebecca Barry interviews Nathan Raab about a newly discovered, unpublished letter of Abraham Lincoln. The episode explores how rare historical documents like this Civil War-era Lincoln letter provide fresh insights into history. They delve into the letter's background, detailing its journey from Lincoln's hands to General Washburn, stationed in Brownsville, Texas, to its recent discovery in a private collection, and discuss the value of Lincoln autographs and letters. The episode also highlights the importance of preserving and studying these documents to deepen our understanding of historical figures and events. To learn more, visit: https://www.raabcollection.com/presidents-autographs/abraham-lincoln-autograph
00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History
00:33 Unveiling a Rare Lincoln Document
02:18 The President’s Correspondent: General Cadwallader Washburn
02:49 The Battle of Brownsville, Texas
05:39 Lincoln's Handwritten Letters
06:09 The Value of Lincoln Documents
06:59 Incorporating this Discovery into Lincoln Scholarship
07:28 Conclusion
In this episode of Inspired by History, Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection, answers some frequently asked questions about historical documents and autographs. Nathan shares insights on how he entered the business, the daily operations of a historical document dealer, and the intricate process of authenticating documents. He emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in building meaningful collections and discusses the challenges and nuances of the autograph market. The episode also covers how The Raab Collection sources its materials and provides practical advice for new collectors.
00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History
00:34 Meet Nathan Raab: The Historical Document Expert
01:49 The Day-to-Day Life of a Historical Documents Dealer
03:10 The Art of Authenticating Historical Documents
04:53 Selling Historical Documents to The Raab Collection
07:06 The Role of Third-Party Authenticators
14:26 Advice for New Collectors
17:09 Where The Raab Collection Finds Its Treasures
18:55 Conclusion and Contact Information
In this episode of Inspired by History, Nathan Raab recounts the discovery and acquisition of President Ronald Reagan’s original, handwritten “Are You Better Off” speech, his closing statement from the 1980 presidential debate against Jimmy Carter. Raab delves into the manuscript's origins, its long-hidden existence, and its lasting impact on American political rhetoric. The manuscript also contains Reagan’s line: “Join us in a crusade to make America great again,” making it a remarkable bridge between political generations. The episode also highlights Reagan's legacy and the historical value of collecting and preserving rare documents.
00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History
00:31 The Impact of Reagan's 'Are You Better Off' Speech
01:00 Discovery of the Manuscript
01:34 The Speech's Enduring Influence on American Political History
03:07 Origins and Preservation of the Document
05:48 Collecting Reagan Documents & Autographs
06:45 Conclusion
In this episode of Inspired by History, Rebecca Barry interviews Nathan Raab about an archive of documents related to Paul Revere and a Colonial-era church in Massachusetts. The conversation covers Revere’s historical significance during the American Revolution, the rarity of his autograph, and the context of these historical documents which span from 1760 to 1809. Highlighting the journey of Revere's documents from his Midnight Ride to his creation of a church bell in Arlington, Massachusetts, the episode also delves into the lives and contributions of the lesser-known Minutemen and community members whose stories are captured in this fascinating archive.
00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History
00:31 Paul Revere's Midnight Ride and Historical Documents
01:34 The Rarity and Significance of Revere's Autograph
02:16 Lexington, Concord, and Monotomy
03:17 The Church and Community of Arlington, Massachusetts
04:11 Inside the Archive
05:56 The Revolutionary Spirit Captured in Documents
08:58 Conclusion and Reflections
In this episode of Inspired by History, Rebecca Barry interviews Nathan Raab, president of the Raab Collection, about a recently surfaced, unpublished letter from JRR Tolkien. The letter, acquired by the Raab Collection, features Tolkien discussing his characters and providing permission to a fan to name his golden retriever after one of them. They delve into the historical significance and market value of Tolkien's autographs, the enduring impact of his works, and the unique insights these letters offer into his creative process and personality. Additionally, they discuss how collectors often start their journeys with items related to their personal heroes, like Tolkien. For more information: https://www.raabcollection.com/literary-autographs/tolkien-names-of-chatacters
00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History
00:32 An Unpublished J.R.R. Tolkien Letter
01:30 The Legacy of Tolkien's Characters
05:06 Tolkien's Correspondence and Unusual Handwriting
06:22 The Value of Tolkien's Autographs
08:14 Collecting Autographs: A Personal Journey
09:39 Conclusion
In this special episode of Inspired by History, Rebecca Barry and Nathan Raab welcome Mayor Viktor Šimunić, mayor of the Croatian town of Oroslavja, Croatia, to discuss the acquisition of Joseph Mikulec’s remarkable autograph book.
This artifact, containing tens of thousands of signatures from prominent figures of the early 20th century, was lost to history until rediscovered by Nathan Raab. Mayor Šimunić’s dedication to bringing the book back to Croatia highlights the importance of preserving national heritage. The episode delves into the personal journeys and efforts that led to the book's return, its potential to boost historical tourism, and the mayor's vision for a museum dedicated to Mikulec’s adventures.
00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History
00:31 A Special Episode: The Famous Autograph Book of Joseph Mikulec
02:06 Mayor's First Impressions of the United States
02:44 The Journey of the Autograph Book
03:18 The Mayor's Determination and Vision
04:35 The Discovery and Acquisition of the Book
07:20 The Book’s Future in Croatia
12:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of Inspired by History, Nathan Raab explores a rare 1783 letter written by Thomas Jefferson, just months after the Revolutionary War ended. Nathan provides insights into Jefferson's emotions and the history surrounding the Treaty of Paris, the spread of democracy, and the right of democratic citizens everywhere to bear arms against tyranny.
The discussion covers the letter's journey through time, its disappearance and eventual rediscovery, and its significance in the context of Jefferson’s life and the broader democratic movements of the period. Overall, the episode emphasizes the enduring impact of historical documents on our understanding of history.
00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History
00:31 Thomas Jefferson's 1783 Letter
01:46 The End of the Revolutionary War, The Treaty of Paris and Its Challenges
02:45 Jefferson's Life and Career in 1783
03:28 The Journey of Jefferson's Letter
05:06 Jefferson's Views on Democracy and Bearing Arms
07:33 The Broader Impact of the American Revolution
08:37 Reflecting on Jefferson's Achievements
10:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Further Resources:
To learn more about this piece of American history: https://www.raabcollection.com/presidential-autographs/jefferson-ratify-treaty-of-paris
To see other documents signed by Thomas Jefferson: https://www.raabcollection.com/presidents-autographs/thomas-jefferson-autograph
On this episode of 'Inspired by History,' Rebecca Barry interviews Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection, about the original, signed reading copy of President Benjamin Harrison’s inaugural address. Raab discovered and acquired the historical manuscript over a decade ago. Now Raab is loaning it to Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis, where it will be on exhibit alongside other presidential documents and memorabilia, now through August. This episode also highlights Harrison's contributions as the 23rd President of the United States and discusses the value and rarity of historical presidential documents. The discussion underscores how such artifacts bring history to life and their importance in understanding presidential legacies.
00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History
00:34 Exploring the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
01:11 The Discovery of Harrison's Inaugural Address
01:38 Acquisition and Journey of the Historical Documents
02:34 Putting the Address on Exhibit at the Presidential Site
03:13 Significance of Historical Presidential Documents
06:11 Benjamin Harrison's Legacy and Accomplishments
08:15 The Role of Inaugural Addresses in American History
09:00 Conclusion and Podcast Information
Further Resources:
To learn more about this piece of American history: https://www.raabcollection.com/presidential-autographs/harrison-original-inaugural-manuscript
To see other historical documents related to Benjamin Harrison: https://www.raabcollection.com/presidents-autographs/benjamin-harrison-autograph
To visit the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site: https://bhpsite.org/
To check out Nathan Raab’s book, “The Hunt for History”: https://www.raabcollection.com/the-hunt-for-history
In this episode of Inspired by History, Rebecca Barry interviews Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection, about his recent discovery and acquisition of a large archive of documents acquired from the heirs of the Crowninshield family, a prominent early American business family. They discuss the discovery process and the historical significance of the documents, which includes a privateers commission signed by James Madison and James Monroe during the War of 1812 and a privateer’s capture booklet. We meet several members of the Crowninshield family who navigated international shipping and political arenas, with one brother in Congress, and another becoming Secretary of the Navy. This archive provides a unique glimpse into early 19th-century business and politics, and its preservation offers new insights and color to the historical narrative. Click here for more information on Benjamin Crowninshield and the Crowninshield Family Archive.
00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History
00:31 Discovering a Historical Archive
02:02 The Crowninshield Family Legacy
03:28 Privateering During the War of 1812
06:01 Researching and Analyzing Historical Documents
06:47 Political Connections: Benjamin Harrison as Secretary of the Navy
08:01 Preserving and Discovering New Historical Narratives
10:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of 'Inspired by History,' Rebecca Barry and Nathan Raab delve into a remarkable piece of modern history—a program signed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the evening of his last great address at Carnegie Hall honoring W.E.B. Du Bois. The episode explores the significance, rarity, and value of this autograph, which was serendipitously obtained by a young man at a New York Hilton event in February of 1968 and passed down through his family. The discussion highlights the emotional and historical weight carried by such documents, connecting them to broader themes of inspiration and legacy in the context of civil rights and historical idealism. For more information, visit: https://www.raabcollection.com/american-history-autographs/mlk-signed-address
00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History
00:29 A Serendipitous Encounter with Martin Luther King, Jr.
01:11 Requesting MLK’s Signature on the Night of His Carnegie Hall Address
02:17 The Significance of Historical Documents
05:19 The Value of MLK's Autographs
08:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of Inspired by History, we explore the fascinating story behind John Hancock's rare diploma from Yale University, which he requested “ad eundem gradum” after he earned his degree from Harvard College. Given to Hancock in 1769, this unique document highlights his significant educational achievements and prestigious status. The discussion delves into the historical context, the rarity and value of such documents, and Hancock's motivations and actions just before the American Revolution. Discover how this artifact survived over 250 years, offering a glimpse into the life of a pivotal figure in American history.
00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History
00:27 Unveiling John Hancock's Yale Diploma
01:10 The Significance of Hancock's Dual Degrees
02:10 Historical Context and Personal Ambitions
04:03 Preservation and Legacy of the Diploma
05:08 Hancock's Early Life and Revolutionary Ties
07:49 Conclusion and Podcast Information
To see more rare John Hancock documents at Raab, visit: https://www.raabcollection.com/american-history-autographs/john-hancock-autograph
In this episode of 'Inspired by History,' Rebecca Barry and Nathan Raab discuss the recent acquisition of a rare and historically significant document signed by renowned women's rights activists Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. The document, a membership certificate from the Women's New York State Temperance Society, sheds light on the early efforts of these pioneering women in the 19th-century temperance and women's suffrage movements. The episode delves into the significance, rarity, and background of the document, exploring its implications for women's rights and its journey through the generations of the Kingsley family. The discussion also highlights the connection between temperance movements and the fight for women's voting rights, reflecting on the long, arduous path towards the 19th Amendment and the enduring impact of Anthony and Stanton's work.
00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History
00:27 Highlighting Women's History Month
00:56 A Rare Document: Autographs of Anthony and Stanton
03:46 The Temperance Movement and Women's Rights
05:24 The Struggle for Voting Rights
06:36 Legacy of Anthony and Stanton
08:15 Conclusion and Reflections
09:17 Closing Remarks and Subscription Info
To learn more about this document, visit: https://www.raabcollection.com/american-history-autographs/susan-b-anthony-autograph
In this episode of 'Inspired by History,' host Rebecca Barry and Nathan Raab, president of the Raab Collection, delve into the significance of a rare Albert Einstein document - a course registration booklet from the University of Berlin signed by Einstein. They discuss the historical context, the rarity and value of the document, and its educational impact. The conversation also touches on Einstein's influence in the early 20th century, the vibrant scientific community in pre-World War II Germany, and the personal stories of those who cherish and preserve such artifacts. This episode highlights how unique historical documents can inspire and provide deep emotional connections to the past.
00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History
00:25 Exploring a Rare Einstein Document
00:43 The Historical Context of Einstein's Teaching
03:25 Significance of the Document's Signatures
04:42 The Legacy of Paul Hess
07:03 The Market for Einstein's Letters
07:52 Einstein's Personal Correspondence
10:07 The Emotional Connection to Historical Artifacts
12:12 Conclusion and Subscription Information
For more information, check out “An Illustrated Guide to Buying Einstein Autographs & Documents”
In this episode of “Inspired by History: Stories of Inspiration and Discovery,” Rebecca Barry speaks with Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection and author of “The Hunt for History,” about the long-standing myth surrounding the use of white gloves when handling historical documents. Nathan shares insights based on his two decades of experience, explaining why white gloves are not recommended by experts and can actually increase the risk of damage to fragile documents. The discussion debunks the misconception perpetuated by media and popular culture, emphasizing that clean, dry hands are generally the best method for handling these valuable items.
00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History
00:19 The Myth of White Gloves
00:31 Media Attention and Public Perception
00:57 Expert Insights on Handling Historical Documents
01:14 The Reality of White Gloves
02:10 Proper Handling Techniques
03:07 Public Misconceptions and Expert Opinions
05:17 Real-Life Examples and Anecdotes
06:20 Conclusion and Further Resources
Resources cited:
“The White Glove Myth,” The Raab Collection blog, March 21, 2012. Reprinted in Forbes.
“For Rare Book Libraries, it’s Gloves Off. Seriously,” The New York Times, March 9, 2023
“Handling Your Books,” Library of Congress website
“Rare 240-year-old George Washington war letter comes up for sale,” The Washington Post, February 17, 2025
In the inaugural episode of 'Inspired by History,' host Rebecca Barry and Nathan Raab, President of the Raab Collection, discuss a notable 1777 letter from George Washington in which Washington evokes the power of the colonists and militias to fight off the British: “Whenever they make an impression, the Country will recur to arms.”
The episode dives into the historical context of the letter, written during the Revolutionary War after notable victories like the Battle of Trenton. The letter details Washington's strategic thoughts on British raids, particularly the attack on Danbury, Connecticut. It highlights Washington's perception of American resilience and the spirit of 1775. The conversation sheds light on the letter's significance, its rarity, and the enduring relevance of America's foundational principles.
00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History
00:27 Discussing George Washington's 1777 Letter
00:45 Historical Context of the Letter
02:31 Washington's Perspective and the Spirit of 1775
05:49 Relevance of the Letter Today
09:39 Rarity and Value of Historical Documents
11:31 Conclusion and Reflections
13:37 Closing Remarks and Subscription Information