On this episode of ‘Inspired by History,’ Rebecca Barry interviews Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection, about the original, signed reading copy of President Benjamin Harrison’s inaugural address. Raab discovered and acquired the historical manuscript over a decade ago. Now Raab is loaning it to Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis, where it will be on exhibit alongside other presidential documents and memorabilia, now through August. This episode also highlights Harrison’s contributions as the 23rd President of the United States and discusses the value and rarity of historical presidential documents. The discussion underscores how such artifacts bring history to life and their importance in understanding presidential legacies.

00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History

00:34 Exploring the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

01:11 The Discovery of Harrison’s Inaugural Address

01:38 Acquisition and Journey of the Historical Documents

02:34 Putting the Address on Exhibit at the Presidential Site

03:13 Significance of Historical Presidential Documents

06:11 Benjamin Harrison’s Legacy and Accomplishments

08:15 The Role of Inaugural Addresses in American History

09:00 Conclusion and Podcast Information

Further Resources: 

To learn more about this piece of American history: https://www.raabcollection.com/presidential-autographs/harrison-original-inaugural-manuscript

To see other historical documents related to Benjamin Harrison: https://www.raabcollection.com/presidents-autographs/benjamin-harrison-autograph

To visit the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site: https://bhpsite.org/ 

To check out Nathan Raab’s book, “The Hunt for History”: https://www.raabcollection.com/the-hunt-for-history