History Resources

Inside the Vault: The American Anti-Slavery Almanac for 1839

by Gilder Lehrman Institute Staff

The American Anti-Slavery Society produced annual almanacs for nearly a decade to widely disseminate their abolitionist message. The 1839 edition contains a range of articles and illustrations alongside astronomical calculations. The writings include a call to boycott goods produced under slavery, an appeal to the northern working class to help end slavery, an article arguing that emancipated people could take care of themselves, and more.

On October 9, 2025, our curators discussed the American Anti-Slavery Almanac for 1839 with Dr. Manisha Sinha, James L. and Shirley A. Draper Chair in American History at University of Connecticut.

Download the slides from the presentation here.

FEATURED DOCUMENTS

 American Anti-Slavery Almanac for 1839

USE THE TIMESTAMPS BELOW TO JUMP TO THE TOPIC YOU WANT TO VIEW

0:00–1:13: Introduction and Today’s Documents

1:14–8:39: American Anti-Slavery Society (AAS)

8:40–18:13: AAS Leaders

18:14–41:49: AAS Almanac for 1839

41:50–58:45: Q&A

58:46–1:00:07: Upcoming Programs

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