AP African American Studies Resource Archive | Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

A black-and-white photograph of President Abraham Lincoln, seated, with his head resting on his upraised left hand

Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation

1809–1870

This timeline traces Abraham Lincoln’s evolution from antislavery advocate to emancipator in the context of international events.

Interactive

A scan of the sheet music for Jairus Lincoln's Hymn 17.

American Antislavery Writings

1737–1862

Listen to the words of nine antislavery activists, including Phillis Wheatley, David Walker, Jairus Lincoln, and Frederick Douglass, in poetry, oration, and song.

Interactive

A multicolored, multi-panel print with various people and vignettes on the theme of celebrating the Fifteenth Amendment's ratification.

The Fifteenth Amendment Celebrated: An In-Depth Exploration

1870

Explore a lithograph commemorating the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment.

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A black-and-white photograph of Frederick Douglass, a Black man in his fifties with graying hair and a serious demeanor staring straight into the camera

Frederick Douglass from Slavery to Freedom: The Journey to New York City

1818–1845

Follow the story of Frederick Douglass and his journey from slavery to freedom in New York City.

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Letter written in brown ink in cursive on yellowing paper.

John Quincy Adams and the Amistad Case

1840

Read a letter written by John Quincy Adams about his role in supporting the Amistad captives’ petition for freedom.

Primary Source

A printed broadside announcing a "$2,500 REWARD!" for freedom seekers. On each side of "$2,500" are hands with index fingers pointing toward the dollar value.

Runaway Slave Ad

1852

Explore an example of broadsides developed to find and capture self-emancipated people.

Primary Source

A handwritten letter in cursive on lined paper

“I love you but hate slavery”

ca. 1860

Read Frederick Douglass’s letter to his former owner, searching for information about his birth date.

Primary Source

A handwritten legal document for the posting of a bond for the manumission of the slave Ann.

A bond for the manumission of an enslaved woman

1757

View and develop an understanding of this manumission bond.

Primary Source

An open book with an engraved portrait of Olaudah Equiano, a Black man in distinguished eighteenth-century clothing and, on the right, the title page of his autobiography, "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano."

“The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano”

1789

Learn from Olaudah Equiano about his experience being kidnapped at age eleven and surviving the Middle Passage.

Primary Source

An African American protests the Fugitive Slave Law

1850

Explore a letter written by a free Black man in Boston.

Primary Source

A Black soldier in a blue Union Army uniform (jacket, coat, pants, and hat), holding a rifle on his right shoulder with a slight smile on his face.

Historical Context: Black Soldiers in the Civil War

by Steven Mintz

Get some key facts on Black service during the Civil War.

Teacher Resources

An engraving of Frederick Douglass as a young man, wearing a double-breasted jacket, vest or waistcoat, and scarf, looking fiercely into the camera

Activist for Equality: Frederick Douglass at 200

1808–1894

Explore Frederick Douglass’s life in bondage and freedom in this online exhibition.

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AP African American Studies Resource Library