Inspired by History

For the seventh episode in The Raab Collection's Masterclass Series on starting and building a collection of historical documents, Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection, discusses how to care for historical documents: preservation basics, storage, framing, and more. 

Raab emphasizes that most paper preservation is common sense: avoid extended direct sunlight, household dirt and oils, and water, and keep documents in a comfortable, stable environment. He recommends using readily available archival (acid-free) sleeves, folders, or frames, and working with experienced fine arts framers who use proper archival hinging and materials. Raab explains that durability varies by material (e.g., medieval vellum vs. brittle 20th-century wood-pulp paper) and that some cases may require conservators. He discourages white gloves for typical handling, advocating clean, dry bare hands for dexterity, while noting rare fragile exceptions. 

For more on so-called archival white gloves, check out episode 2 of Inspired by History: Debunking the White Glove Myth.

00:00 Caring for Historical Documents
01:42 Preservation Basics
03:14 Environment and Storage
05:07 Archival Materials and Paper Types
08:08 The White Glove Myth
11:10 A Collector's Responsibility
12:52 Raab Collection Guidance
13:49 Conclusion

In this episode of “Inspired by History,” host Rebecca Barry speaks with Nathan Raab about a newly discovered Susan B. Anthony letter addressed to President Ulysses S. Grant, written one week after her 1872 arrest for illegally voting. Raab describes the letter as exceptionally personal, defiant, and emotionally charged, emphasizing Anthony’s argument that voting is a fundamental right of U.S. citizenship and contrasting a true republic with subjects of the British Empire; she underlines key phrases such as “illegal voting” and “fundamental rights of the United States citizen,” and signs “on behalf of all women citizens.” Raab explains the letter surfaced in a private collection and notes his authentication research found no record of it in Anthony or Grant papers, suggesting it may have been an unsent draft and highlighting how hidden history can still emerge. To learn more, visit: https://www.raabcollection.com/american-history-autographs/anthony-equal-rights

00:00 Introduction
00:32 Susan B. Anthony Letter, 1872
01:04 Initial Reactions
02:37 Historical Discovery
03:19 Key Arguments to President Grant
04:21 Voting Rights & Citizenship
07:45 Hidden History
10:52 Why It Matters Today
12:21 Conclusion

For the sixth episode in The Raab Collection's Masterclass Series on starting and building a collection of historical documents, Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection, discusses how and why to create a focus for your collection.
Why do people collect what they collect? Raab explains that collecting is a self-exploration process best driven by passion rather than rigid strategy. He notes a market shift from broader “era” collecting toward major “Mount Rushmore” figures like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, often motivated by admiration for leadership in adversity. Focus is important, and coherence is largely defined by the collector’s own goals. Good advisors provide context on rarity and quality without dictating taste. Experienced collectors develop patience, decisiveness, and self-knowledge. Great collections are distinguished by the collector’s knowledge, not budget.

00:00 Introduction
00:30 Finding Your Focus
01:55 Passion Over Strategy
02:44 How Trends Have Shifted
04:17 Old World Washington Collection
05:42 Why Leadership & Adversity Inspire
06:55 What Makes Coherence in a Collection
08:48 Guidance and Rarity
09:42 Collecting Against the Crowd
11:13 Beginner vs Veteran Mindset
13:03 What Makes a Great Collection
14:28 Conclusion

On this episode of Inspired by History, Nathan Raab of The Raab Collection gives a behind-the-scenes account of a recent major acquisition: a Revolutionary War document collection kept in one family for nearly a century. Totaling hundreds of pages, the collection is heavily focused on George Washington and his circle. Raab describes the vetting process from initial contact to reviewing scans, examining the full group in person, and then researching, cataloging, and preparing to place the collection. Highlights include four Washington letters, including one to Robert Morris signed by Washington with the body in Alexander Hamilton’s hand forwarding a confidential message from the imprisoned Charles Lee; plus letters to Henry Knox and one mentioning Lafayette. The collection also includes uncommon war-date material from figures such as John Hancock, Aaron Burr, Benedict Arnold, General Cornwallis, Israel Putnam, and others, much of it tied to 1777–1779 New Jersey/New York encampments. Raab notes it would cost seven figures and great patience to assemble today.

00:00 Introduction
00:32 A Revolutionary Collection
01:05 First Contact and Verification
02:15 Viewing and Acquiring
04:06 Cataloging and Next Steps
04:58 Washington Letters Highlights
07:09 Collector Taste and Rarity
10:57 Cornwallis and Other Gems
11:55 NY/NJ Geography and Encampments
12:45 Building a Collection Like This Today
13:55 America 250 and Closing

On this special episode of Inspired by History, Rebecca Barry interviews Stephen Raab, founder of The Raab Collection, about influential autograph dealers of the past, prompted by a recent acquisition of a major Revolutionary War document collection assembled in the mid-20th century with many original dealer receipts. Raab traces the field’s origins to Walter Benjamin, inspired by his father Park Benjamin’s literary and political circle, and notes how Walter’s daughter Mary Benjamin ran the Walter R. Benjamin firm for decades, becoming a leading authority on authenticity and pricing. They discuss other major figures including Charles Hamilton, the Sessler firm and mentor Mabel Zahn (who trained Neale Lanigan, Raab’s teacher), A.S.W. Rosenbach, Thomas Madigan, Joseph Rubinfine, and Bob Batchelder. Raab explains that receipts from top dealers signal authenticity and exceptional taste, and observes that mid-century collecting was the heyday, with far more top material available than today.

00:00 Introduction
00:25 New Acquisition Backstory
01:07 Origins of Walter Benjamin
02:52 Mary Benjamin Legacy
03:37 Mentorship Lineage
05:38 Charles Hamilton Spotlight
07:22 Why Dealer Receipts Matter
08:37 Other Legendary Dealers
11:02 Dealer Catalogs
11:51 How the Business Changed
12:26 Heyday and Value Today
13:07 Closing Reflections