The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

ince 1997, the Gilder Lehrman Institute has developed traveling panel exhibitions for display at schools, libraries, and historic sites. Composed of interlocking panels with graphic reproductions of rare documents, images, and interpretive text, these exhibitions circulate nationwide, providing an introduction to critical topics in American history for students, teachers, and the public. There is a nominal fee for traveling exhibitions which includes any shipping costs.

Even though George Washington’s name and reputation are well-known, there are many aspects of his greatness about which most people are unaware and myths surrounding Washington abound. "The Many Faces of George Washington" introduces you to the multi-dimensional, real-life man behind those myths.

This exhibition was created in partnership with WGBH Boston/ The American Experience, which is developing a major television special of the same name to be aired in spring 2011, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this seminal moment in civil rights history, in the summer of 1961.

"Freedom: A History of US" draws upon key documents and images to illustrate the changing understanding of freedom in our nation from the Founding Era through the Civil War. It presents some of the men and women who fought and in some cases died to expand freedom to all Americans.

"Alexander Hamilton: The Man Who Made Modern America" is based upon a major exhibition of the same name which was on display at the New-York Historical Society. It examines Hamilton's central role during the Revolutionary War and Founding period (1774-1804) in creating the economic, constitutional, social, journalistic, political and foreign policy templates for modern America. (seven freestanding panels, 65-75 running feet )

"Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, A Man for All Times" illustrates that two centuries after his birth, Lincoln still speaks to Americans and the world. Raised on the Kentucky and Indiana frontiers, and formed by his experiences as a lawyer in Illinois, Lincoln wrestled with issues of race and rights, with the limits of political leadership, and with civil liberties during wartime. His administration advanced the idea of the United States as a single, unified nation, and he set an agenda for inclusive democracy that continues to have resonance today. (six-sections, running 75 feet long) To see the site support notebook for the NEH-sponsored Lincoln exhibition, click here.

"Looking at Lincoln: Political Cartoons from the Civil War Era" presents political cartoons illustrating how people responded to Abraham Lincoln and his policy of Emancipation. Looking at Lincoln offers insights into how racism was ingrained into 19th Century American life. These cartoons provide historical context for discussing issues we debate today. (One section four-panel exhibit; 10 running feet)

"Frederick Douglass from Slavery to Freedom: the Journey to New York City" traces Douglass’ life under slavery and his daring journey to freedom based upon selected excerpts from Douglass’ autobiography. It highlights the role of literacy in enabling Douglass to resist bondage and, once free, to champion civil rights for all Americans. (One section four-panel exhibit; 10 running feet)

"The Progressive Era: Creating Modern America, 1900-1917" examines the period leading up to WWI when America was transformed into a modern industrialized society. Highlights of the exhibit include government legislation to improve labor conditions and reign in big business, the establishment of voting rights for women, as well as the efforts of reform groups to improve urban conditions and address the impact of immigration.

"Free at Last: A History of the Abolition of Slavery in America" traces the history of the movement to abolish slavery from the framing of the Constitution to its abolition during the Civil War. It illuminates shades of opinion within the ranks of the famous and ordinary, free and slave, men and women to come to see slavery as incompatible with the ideals upon which the nation was founded. (Two version available: one requires 40-50 running feet, the other requires 60-70 running feet)

Ordering Information

GLI network schools should call the Institute directly. Please note that the Hamilton and Burr statues are not currently available for the Alexander Hamilton exhibition.

For more information about any of the exhibitions listed below, please contact Joanna Byrne at byrne@gilderlehrman.org, or call (646) 366-9666. You may also download an traveling exhibition application form by clicking on the following links:

Traveling Exhibition Application, PDF Format
Traveling Exhibition Application, Word Format