In this episode of Inspired by History, Rebecca Barry interviews Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection, about his recent discovery and acquisition of a large archive of documents acquired from the heirs of the Crowninshield family, a prominent early American business family. They discuss the discovery process and the historical significance of the documents, which includes a privateers commission signed by James Madison and James Monroe during the War of 1812 and a privateer’s capture booklet. We meet several members of the Crowninshield family who navigated international shipping and political arenas, with one brother in Congress, and another becoming Secretary of the Navy. This archive provides a unique glimpse into early 19th-century business and politics, and its preservation offers new insights and color to the historical narrative. Click here for more information on Benjamin Crowninshield and the Crowninshield Family Archive.

00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History

00:31 Discovering a Historical Archive

02:02 The Crowninshield Family Legacy

03:28 Privateering During the War of 1812

06:01 Researching and Analyzing Historical Documents

06:47 Political Connections: Benjamin Harrison as Secretary of the Navy  

08:01 Preserving and Discovering New Historical Narratives

10:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts