Shapell Manuscript Foundation: Preserving American and Holy Land History
The Shapell Manuscript Foundation (SMF) is an independent, non-profit educational organization dedicated to the meticulous research and collection of original manuscripts and historical documents. Based in Herzliya, Israel, with administrative offices also located in the United States, the Foundation serves as a vital bridge between the past and present by preserving the legacies of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Foundation focuses its efforts primarily on the intersecting histories of the United States and the Holy Land, with a specialized emphasis on the individuals and events that shaped these regions. By collecting primary sources—original documents created at the time of an event—the SMF provides historians and the public with authentic insights into global heritage.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Key Facts
- Focus: 19th and 20th-century history of the United States and the Holy Land.
- Core Collection: Signed documents, rare books, and photographs from figures like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Albert Einstein.
- Major Project: The Shapell Roster Project, documenting Jewish soldiers in the American Civil War.
- Public Access: A large portion of the collection is digitized and available for research via their official website.
- Global Reach: Collaborates with institutions like the Smithsonian and the National Library of Israel.
The Shapell Manuscript Collection
The heart of the Foundation is its private holding of primary source documents. This collection is exceptionally rich in materials relating to American, Jewish, and Holy Land history. Among its most prized possessions are exceptional letters written by George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and John F. Kennedy.
Beyond political leaders, the collection includes significant artifacts from the Civil War era and documents from world-renowned figures such as Mark Twain and Albert Einstein. To ensure these treasures are accessible to the global community, the Foundation is continuously digitizing its holdings, allowing researchers and history enthusiasts to view artifacts online.
The Shapell Roster Project
One of the Foundation's most ambitious undertakings is the Shapell Roster Project. This ongoing research initiative aims to identify and tell the stories of Jewish soldiers who fought in the American Civil War.
The project builds upon the work found in Simon Wolf's 1895 book, The American Jew as Soldier, Patriot and Citizen. By utilizing modern research tools and technology, the SMF is expanding and correcting this 120-year-old roster. Each entry is supported by documentation, including official records, photographs, and personal letters.
The project's progress is being released in stages:
- Union Section: Published online in 2022.
- Confederate Section: Expected release by 2025.
Jewish American Historical Research
While the Foundation collects documents from universally recognized figures, it maintains a deep commitment to Jewish American historical research. By exploring the lives of Jewish soldiers and citizens, the SMF sheds light on the role of American Jews within the broader context of general society and their contributions to the nation's development.
International Exhibitions and Collaborations
The SMF does not merely archive documents; it brings them to life through international exhibitions. The Foundation often collaborates with prestigious institutions, providing original research and loaning rare items to enhance public displays.
Notable Exhibition Highlights
- Library of Congress: Loaned letters and signed portraits for "With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition" (2009–2011).
- National Library of Israel: Collaborated on "Dreamland: American Travelers to the Holy Land in the 19th Century" (2010–2013) and its sequel regarding American Consuls in Jerusalem (2013–2016).
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History: Provided documents for "Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963" (2012–2013).
- New-York Historical Society & Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library: Presented "With Firmness in the Right: Lincoln and the Jews" (2015), coinciding with the publication of Lincoln and the Jews: A History co-authored by Professor Jonathan D. Sarna.
Summary of Foundation Contributions
| Category | Key Contributions / Examples |
|---|---|
| Primary Sources | Letters from Washington, Lincoln, and JFK; Einstein's correspondence. |
| Major Research | The Shapell Roster Project (Jewish Civil War Soldiers). |
| Publications | Lincoln and the Jews: A History; Tourists, Travellers and Hotels in 19th-Century Jerusalem. |
| Multimedia | Films including Jewish Soldiers in Blue and Gray and Lincoln's Last Days. |
| Partnerships | Smithsonian, Library of Congress, National Library of Israel. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the Shapell Manuscript Foundation?
The Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the research and collection of historical documents and original manuscripts, specifically focusing on the 19th and 20th-century histories of the United States and the Holy Land.
Who are some of the historical figures represented in the collection?
The collection includes signed documents and letters from George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Albert Einstein, and Mark Twain, among others.
What is the Shapell Roster Project?
It is a research project that uses modern technology to expand and correct an 1895 roster of Jewish soldiers who served in the American Civil War, providing documentation such as letters and photographs for each soldier.
Can the public access the manuscripts?
Yes, the Foundation offers a large digitized selection of its collection on its website for public viewing and research, and this online archive is continuously expanding.
Where is the Foundation located?
The headquarters are located in Herzliya, Israel, and the organization also maintains administrative offices in the United States.