Inspired by History

The Raab Collection
  • 5.0 (6)
  • History

From The Raab Collection, stories of inspiration and discovery, using rare historical documents to bring history alive. We talk about how history continues to teach and guide us today, and discuss the rarity, authenticity, and value of these documents.

  1. 2d ago

    A Home for the Jews of New York, a Discovery from 1754

    Nathan Raab of The Raab Collection introduces a 1754 New York City indenture that conveys land to the Corporation of the City of New York for a public street and notes the parcel is bounded by the Mill Street Synagogue, described as the earliest purpose-built synagogue in what is now the United States and, at the time, the only one. Raab explains why the large vellum manuscript is significant: it offers a rare, unintended glimpse of American Jews practicing openly and being accepted within the city’s civic and geographic structure, with the resulting pathway later known as “Jews’ Alley.” The document also bears the signature of lawyer James Alexander, linked to the famous Peter Zenger trial, and connects to a congregation that still exists today.  To learn more, visit: https://www.raabcollection.com/american-history-autographs/earliest-synagogue-reference 00:00 Introduction 00:31 Mill Street Synagogue in NYC  00:54 What this Manuscript Records 01:22 Why This Historical Document Matters 03:25 Jews’ Alley and Civic Recognition 05:50 Freedom to Worship  06:49 Mill Street Today

  2. Sep 14

    The Historical Document Collecting Masterclass Podcast Series (Ep. 8)

    For the eighth episode in The Raab Collection's Masterclass Series on starting and building a collection of historical documents, Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection, discusses the state of autograph and historical document collecting in the 21st century.  How have values changed: Rising prices as supply shrinks and global demand grows, pushing top-tier material closer to the fine art market and making it harder to acquire.  The impact of the internet: The decentralization of the hobby through online marketplaces and auctions creates both opportunity and major risk, increasing the need for trusted dealers and long-earned expertise in authenticity and valuation.  Market trends: Raab argues collectors should buy what they love rather than chase micro-trends, noting some cultural fads (Hamilton, John Adams, Civil War media) influenced markets while others (Mary Todd Lincoln) did not, and that enduring figures who’ve “made the cut” remain fairly constant.  On AI: AI is a limited research aid that often errs on importance and valuation and cannot replace the experience or appeal of handling real historical artifacts. 00:00 Welcome 00:56 Prices and Scarcity 02:18 How the Internet Changed Everything 04:26 Risks Need Experts 05:42 Ignore Market Fads 09:05 Who Makes the Cut 09:49 AI as a Collecting Tool? 14:01 The Future of Collecting 16:38 The Appeal of Analog 19:45 Conclusion

  3. Aug 3

    The Historical Document Collecting Masterclass Podcast Series (Ep. 7)

    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

  4. Jul 20

    Hidden History: Susan B. Anthony's Bold Statement to President Grant Comes to Light

    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

  5. Jul 12

    The Historical Document Collecting Masterclass Podcast Series (Ep. 6)

    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

  6. Jun 2

    Washington & Revolution: A Newly Discovered Archive Tells a Unique Story of War & Independence

    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

  7. May 27

    Steven Raab on the History of the American Autograph Trade

    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

  8. May 22

    The Historical Document Collecting Masterclass Podcast Series (Ep. 5)

    For the fifth in The Raab Collection's Masterclass Series on starting and building a collection of historical documents, Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection, focuses on historical document authentication and forgery.  Raab explains that experts begin with an intuitive “feel” developed over decades of experience, then confirm it through many interlocking checks: paper, ink, format, showthrough, handwriting details (including numbers and line quality), autographs, and whether the signer was in the right place at the right time. He notes signatures are often examined last because forgers practice them, and describes modern challenges like glossy signed photographs and high-resolution reproductions, as well as tools such as microscopy, specialized lighting, and ink-movement tests. The discussion also covers the value of reputable dealers’ lifetime guarantees and the limitations of third-party certificates of authenticity. They also dip into notable forgers and an example of uncovering a forged Abraham Lincoln letter. 00:00 Introduction 00:49 The Expert Gut Check 02:41 Authentication Touchpoints 05:30 Modern Photo Pitfalls 07:02 Tools and Techniques 08:01 Collector Learning Curve 10:15 Guarantees and COAs 13:07 Famous Forgers and Fakes 16:18 Avoiding Forgeries: The Basics 19:29 Lincoln Forgery Case Study 22:33 Healthy Skepticism Mindset 24:12 Conclusion

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About

From The Raab Collection, stories of inspiration and discovery, using rare historical documents to bring history alive. We talk about how history continues to teach and guide us today, and discuss the rarity, authenticity, and value of these documents.

Information

  • Creator
    The Raab Collection
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Raab Collection
  • Show Website
    Inspired by History