Library Programs

Library Affiliate Program

The Library Affiliate Program, free to all public and university academic libraries, is a unique gateway to education resources, events, and tools designed to help librarians bring American history to life for students and teachers. Participating libraries receive access to our WEB PORTAL featuring robust resources for librarians, teachers, and students.

Any questions? Please email libraryaffiliates@gilderlehrman.org.

Grant-Funded Public Programs

The Gilder Lehrman Institute and its partners bring engaging and relevant programming to communities across the country:

  • Revisiting the Founding Era, 2018–2020 (National Endowment for the Humanities and American Library Association)

  • World War I and America, 2016–2018 (National Endowment for the Humanities and Library of America)

  • Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle, 2013–2016 (National Endowment for the Humanities) 

  • Civil War 150: Exploring the War and Its Meaning through the Words of Those Who Lived It,  2013–2015 (National Endowment for the Humanities and Library of America) 

  • Freedom Riders, 2010–2011 (National Endowment for the Humanities and WGBH Boston) 


Revisiting the Founding Era

Town hall at the National Constitution Center, January 10, 2018

Revisiting the Founding Era logo

Public libraries were invited to apply for Revisiting the Founding Era, a nationwide project that uses historical documents to spark public conversations about the Founding Era’s enduring ideas and themes and how they continue to influence our lives today.

96 public libraries in the United States were selected to host programs related to the American Revolution and the early years of the nation. Participating libraries receive

  • 20 copies of a 100-page reader containing selected documents from the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives covering US history
  • $1,000 to help implement discussion groups and other public programs
  • Training, resources, and support

Libraries, working in collaboration with scholars, local experts, and others, are asked to implement at least two public programs for adult and teen audiences.

Applications are now closed and applicants were notified on March 7, 2018.

Click here for more information.

Revisiting the Founding Era is a project of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in collaboration with the American Library Association (ALA) and the National Constitution Center. The project is supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).