Inside the Vault on Thursday, March 3: Postmaster Mary Katherine Goddard Appeals to Washington

Inside the Vault: Highlights from the Gilder Lehrman Collection is an online program that explores unique primary sources from the Gilder Lehrman Collection. From iconic historical treasures, such as the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and the Emancipation Proclamation, to personal letters that reveal the contributions of ordinary American citizens, each session investigates primary sources and features a discussion with expert historians and curators about the documents’ background, impact, and potential use in the classroom.

Letter from Mary Katherine Goddard to George Washington, March 23, 1789 (Gilder Lehrman Institute)Join us on March 3, 2022, from 7 to 8 pm ET when our curators and Dr. Martha J. King discuss Mary Katherine Goddard.

Goddard was a newspaper publisher and printer. She produced one of the first copies of the Declaration of Independence and served as postmaster of Baltimore from 1775 to 1789. In 1789, Postmaster General Samuel Osgood ordered Goddard to resign her post so that he could appoint a political ally to the lucrative position. We will be looking at documents related to her appeal to President George Washington to keep her position

Submit your questions for Dr. Martha J. King here.

This event is for teachers, students and their families—and everyone with an interest in history!

Everyone who registers will be sent a Zoom meeting link and instructions in the confirmation email.

PD certificates will be sent to all who attend the entirety of the program.

Please register now for this event on March 3, 2022, from 7 to 8pm ET.