Manuscript Division United States Constitution Collection

United States Constitution Collection

Collection

Identifier: MSS82933

Scope and Content Note

The United States Constitution Collection spans the years 1773-1944, with the bulk of the items concentrated in 1787-1919. The collection consists chiefly of photocopies and facsimiles of originals in various repositories, including the Library of Congress, and contains reports, notes, journals, letters, memoranda, and printed items documenting the drafting of the American Constitution, the Constitutional Convention (1787), and proposals relating to the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments to the Constitution. Included are John James Beckley's manuscript copy of the Bill of Rights signed by Frederick Augustus Conrad Muhlenberg and John Adams and material by Abraham Baldwin, David Brearley, Nicholas Gilman, Jared Ingersoll, Rufus King, James Madison, Edmund Pendleton, and George Washington.

Dates

Creation: 1773-1944
Creation: Majority of material found within ( 1787-1919)

Language of Materials

Collection material in English

Access and Restrictions

The United States Constitution Collection is open to research. Researchers are advised to contact the Manuscript Reading Room prior to visiting. Many collections are stored off-site and advance notice is needed to retrieve these items for research use.

Copyright Status

The status of copyright in the unpublished writings of United States Constitution Collection is governed by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S.C.).

Extent

50 items
1 container
2 oversize
3 linear feet

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Additional Description

Abstract

Reports, notes, journals, letters, memoranda, and printed items documenting the drafting of the United States Constitution, the Constitutional Convention, and proposals relating to the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments to the Constitution.

Arrangement of the Papers

Original items are organized separately from photocopies, facsimiles, and transcripts, and both groups are arranged chronologically.

Catalog Record

https://lccn.loc.gov/mm81082933

Provenance

The United States Constitution Collection was obtained by gift and purchase from various sources, 1931-1947, and by gift of Mr. and Mrs. William R. Hearst, Jr., in 1986.