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.

Benjamin Franklin Butler in civilian clothes, seated wearing ring on left hand

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.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05111.02.0266 Author/Creator: Place Written: New York Type: Photograph Date: Pagination: 1 carte de visite 9.5 x 6 cm Order a Copy

Graphite inscription on verso "Butler." Photographers imprint on verso: "C.D. Fredericks & Co., 587 Broadway New York 108 Calle de la Habana Habana 31 Passage du Havre Paris." Cancelled blue two-cent tax stamp on verso.

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