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Rare 1858 Printed Circular from Lyman C. Draper
Original printed circular issued from the State Historical Society Rooms, Madison, Wisconsin, dated May 25, 1858. Drafted by Lyman Copeland Draper (1815–1891), one of the most important early American historians and collectors, best known for the vast Draper Manuscripts preserved today at the Wisconsin Historical Society.
In this circular, Draper addresses fellow historical societies and antiquarian associations across the United States, urging them to petition Congress for a grant of federal lands to support the preservation and study of American history. Draper draws a parallel to the Agricultural College Land Grant Bill then before Congress, and calls for unity among societies to act in concert, send representatives, and secure national recognition and funding.
This represents one of the earliest organized efforts in America to secure federal support for historical preservation, predating the Civil War by three years.
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Highlights
Author: Lyman C. Draper (1815–1891) – Secretary of the Wisconsin Historical Society, pioneer archivist, and key figure in preserving early frontier and Revolutionary War history.
Content: An appeal for coordinated action by state historical societies to memorialize Congress—linking historical preservation to the broader national land-grant movement.
Rarity: Distributed only to state historical societies and leading antiquarians in 1858. Surviving examples are very scarce.
Importance: Shows the early roots of institutional historical preservation in America.
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Condition
Printed broadside circular on period paper. Expected folds, light handling wear, and a small wrinkle at bottom margin. Clean print, very well preserved. Overall very good condition for a fragile 19th-century historical society circular.
