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About the Project

About the Project

The Papers of Martin Van Buren is a joint digital/print project that is making accessible approximately 14,000 documents belonging to the eighth president.

The project is making Van Buren’s papers available in at least two ways:

  1. The freely accessible digital edition, hosted at VanBurenPapers.org, containing verified transcriptions of Van Buren's papers. The editors regularly update the digital edition with new documents as they are transcribed and verified.

  2. A multi-volume print edition of Van Buren’s most important political documents, published by the University of Tennessee Press.

By making accessible Van Buren’s papers, including his letters, speeches, notes, and miscellaneous material, this project is providing fresh insight into the founding of the Democratic party, the evolution of formal politics between the War of 1812 and the Civil War, and the changes in political culture that occurred during Van Buren’s lifetime. Additionally, it is helping scholars, students, and the public understand the maturation of United States politics during the nation's early development.

Project History

How the project got started and the work done so far.

Editorial Process

Explanations as to how the work is done.

Project Staff

Staff and students working on the project.

Advisory Board

Individuals helping to advise the project.

Support

Donate to the project to help continue the work.