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WORCESTER, Mass. ― Theodore Roosevelt once remarked, “I believe that the more you know about the past, the better equipped you are for the future.”

As Americans prepare to vote in the upcoming weeks, it’s evident that people enjoy reflecting on the past to understand the world we live in today.

The American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, Massachusetts, is an expert on history, boasting the largest collection of works printed in the U.S. prior to the 20th century.

“In an era where many things can be fabricated through artificial intelligence, the need to preserve and share original materials is more crucial than ever,” said Scott Casper, president of the American Antiquarian Society.

“That’s why printing holds such significance,” added Elizabeth Pope, the curator of books and digitized collections. “If an original document is lost to fire, it’s gone forever. But with printed copies, historical documents can be replicated, allowing them to survive in multiple locations. This is essential for keeping history vibrant.”

A Revolutionary Patriot and ‘Old Number One’

Established in 1812 by Revolutionary War patriot and printer Isaiah Thomas, the society preserves approximately two-thirds of all printed materials in the U.S. from 1640 to 1820, including over 1,300 Hawaiian literary items gathered by missionaries during the 19th century.

During the 1770s, Thomas was in Boston, publishing his newspaper, The Massachusetts Spy, while often hosting meetings of the Sons of Liberty at his home.

On April 16, 1775, he packed up his beloved printing press and moved to Worcester, where he set it up in the basement of fellow patriot Timothy Bigelow. Just three days later, the Battles of Lexington and Concord ignited the American Revolution.

The first item produced by his Worcester press was an edition of The Massachusetts Spy dated May 3, 1775, which reported eyewitness accounts from the war’s outset. The press, affectionately named Old Number One, can be seen at the Antiquarian Society.

‘A glimpse into American history’

“No other library possesses such a comprehensive collection revealing the daily life of Americans,” noted Casper. “Whether it’s a lottery ticket, a receipt, or a jail record, each item provides insights, allowing us to peek into the lives of those from America’s past.”

The collection of over 4.5 million items features paper dolls, event tickets, cigar labels, letters from various eras, and even board games.

“Our mission is to ensure that these materials are made available and accessible throughout time and across the globe,” said Pope.

“That’s what I love most about the AAS,” Casper added. “Whether you’re located in Tennessee, Nevada, or even Worcester, these resources and programs are reachable to everyone.”

The society offers numerous free public events, with the majority accessible online.

Planning a Visit? Here’s what you should know.

The American Antiquarian Society operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is free. The reading room in the research library welcomes anyone 18 and older for free access. Those under 18 are also allowed when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Additionally, free public tours are offered every Wednesday at 3 p.m.