American Revolution Papers Digitization Project

Join us for Long Weekend and Hartford Bonanza in celebration of America 250, June 30 - July 5. Learn More!

Your support helps to collect, preserve, and share Connecticut's culture and history. Give Today!

ABOUT

What is the American Revolution Papers Digitization Project?

When the Museum was established in 1825, prominent Connecticut residents were concerned about preserving history related to the American Revolution. As a result, the Museum has a significant manuscript collection that documents Connecticut’s role in the fight for independence from Britain and founding of the new country.   

In 2023, the Connecticut Museum was awarded a Congressionally Directed grant through the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to process, digitize, and provide access to papers in its collection relating to the American Revolution. This funded a three-year project to hire project staff, expand databases, and increase awareness of previously unheard stories. 

American Revolution Papers Digitization Project is generously supported by
Senators Richard Blumenthal and Christopher Murphy
National Historical Publications and Records Commission
National Society of Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America 

ACCESS THE COLLECTION

Where to access the digitized materials.

Bibliovation Library Catalog 

To search for printed materials and manuscripts in the Connecticut Museum collection 

Access Now

Connecticut Digital Archive 

Digitized images of the American Revolution Manuscript collections 

Access now 

Connecticut’s Archives Online 

Descriptions of larger manuscript collections  

Access now  

GET INVOLVED

Be a part of the American Revolution Papers Digitization Project!

Are you a history buff, American Revolution afficionado, or just looking for a brain-stimulating way to pass the time? Become a transcriber and help us make our manuscript collection accessible to all.

From the Page is a crowdsourcing platform where volunteers transcribe our historic documents. Signing up is free! Transcriptions will be available on the Connecticut Digital Archive (CTDA) with images of the original documents.

Learn more

From the Page transcription services for the Connecticut Museum are supported in part by Sandra Chen.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore highlights from the Connecticut Museum collection that have been made publicly accessible through this digitization project.

The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History values research and access to the collection and acknowledges that some materials may contain words or content that is outdated, harmful, violent, and/or discriminatory. Learn more about our Harmful Language Statement.

Baron von Steuben’s military instructions book, 1778

A copy made by Robert Hallam of Baron von Steuben’s military instructions written in 1778. The book contains Steuben’s protocols and instructions for various aspects of the military. There are instructions given for how soldiers are inspected, marching, punishment, military maneuvers, and specific instructions to different ranks of soldiers and the units they command.
View record

Pay document, 1781 February 9 [lists Black soldiers]

Note from the Committee of the Pay Table in Hartford on February 9, 1781, that certifies the Black soldiers that were members of Maj. Commander A. Prior’s 6th Regiment now the 1st Regiment. The names of the soldiers listed were Jack Arrabus, William Cooper, Peter Freeman, Thomas Freeman, Prince George, Matthias Grace, John Hatchett, Andrew Jack, Pomp Liberty, Lewis Martin, Ezekiel Tophand, Dick Violet, and Hector Williams.

Copy – Ms_97556_2002_314_0

View record

Backus Fox, bill of sale, 1781 March 11

Backus, a Black man, certificate of sale made by Ezekiel Fox to Beriah Bill, both of Norwich, Conn. The sale detailed that Backus was enlisted into Continental Service to fight in the American Revolution.

Copy-Ms_68008_1961_116_0_p1

View record

Speeches of the Six Nations Chiefs,1776 August

Copy of notes from speeches about the relationship between Indigenous people and colonists and about maintaining peaceful relations during the American Revolution.

Copy-Ms_102269_2025_78_0_p13

View record

Priscilla Burr letter to Ellen Lothrop, 1779 August 10

A letter written by Priscilla (Lothrop) Burr to her sister-in-law Ellen (Hobart) Lothrop. The letter described the raids on towns along the Connecticut coast by British and Hessian troops led by Gov. William Tryon. In the letter Priscilla described her escape with her family from Fairfield and seeing refugees from Greenfield (neighborhood in Fairfield) and Greensfarms (neighborhood in Westport). She also stated that the British troops were burning down towns on their way to New Haven. Priscilla also expressed concern for her sister who remained in Fairfield and that British soldiers burnt down her house, had her valuables stolen, and threatened to kill her. Lastly, Priscilla described stories she had heard of other people they had abused, and they killed Mr. S. Sturgis and Mr. J. Gold.

Copy-Ms_42322_1932_15_0_p1

View record

William Blodget letter, 1779 May 5, Morristown, New Jersey, to Gertrude Lott

This letter uses English text and rebus to communicate a review of the troops by General Washington and the Minister of France.

Copy-Ms_76577_1975_107_0

View record