© Copyright 2003   •   The Massachusetts Historical Society   •   All rights reserved
1154 Boylston Street   •   Boston, MA 02215-3695   •   Ph. 617-536-1608
Terms and Conditions   •   Site maintained at MHS by webmaster@masshist.org




Thomas Jefferson's working list of the books in his personal library. Although the volume has been referred to as the '1783 Catalog' Jefferson started it circa 1775 and used it for many years to track volumes he owned as well as those he wished to purchase. This updated manuscript catalog compiled by Thomas Jefferson seems to be a list of titles he purchased, either for himself or others, while serving as minister plenipotentiary between 1785 and 1789. A manuscript copy written by Thomas Jefferson represents the Declaration as drafted by the Committee of Five, before the Continental Congress revised it. Jefferson's records about his farm holdings, inlcuding Monticello, Shadwell, Lego and Polar Forest. The volume spans from 1774 to 1824, and contains information about planting and harvesting schedules, workers (slaves), crop yields, livestock and farm equipment. Jefferson's records about his gardens at Monticello and Shadwell. The Volume spans from 1766 to 1824 and contains information about varieties of fruits and vegetables, sowing locations, harvesting dates, and notations about soil and weather conditions. Available late 2003. The Massachusetts Historical Society is collaborating with the Thomas Jefferson Foundation (i.e. Monticello) on a website featuring the draft copy of Jefferson's only extended published work. The draft manuscript shows the many changes, revisions and additions Jefferson made while writing this book. Architectural drawings, sketches and notes relating to designs of Monticello, the Virginia Capitol, President's House, and other buildings, as well as objects and machines