Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

N.B. Onthank Original painted photograph of Abolitionist John Brown, inscribed by Brown to his children

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04447 Author/Creator: N.B. Onthank Place Written: [Boston] Type: Photograph signed Date: 18 June 1859 Pagination: 1 photograph ; 27 x 21.5 cm Order a Copy

This is a photograph which has been painted in watercolor by N.B. Onthank. Written on front bottom corner of mount is Brown's signature and salutation, which reads "June 18th 1859. Your Affectionate Father, John Brown." With the oval blind embossment of J.B. Heywood, 176 Wash. St., Boston.

Brown, John, 1800-1859

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources