Support provided by:
The Case:
A History Detectives fan from Maine has inherited a most unusual document.
The yellow, three-page record dates 1791 and reads, “Act of Incorporation of the Universal Friends.” This document has been handed down through the family for over two centuries.
The Universal Friends were an early, controversial religious group with a woman leader named Jemima Wilkinson, the first religion founded by an American born woman.
Our contributor wants to know what this document means. And was Jemima Wilkinson behind it?
History Detectives unravels the mysteries of this short-lived religious community and visits a 200-year-old graveyard where there is a striking connection to the owner of this document.
Document: Universal Friends
Read the original Universal Friends Society Act of Incorporation document.
Related Content
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Leopold Medal
What does this medal reveal about a top-secret American Military project during WWII?
-
Related Investigation
Airstream Caravan
Was this mobile home part of a modern-day wagon train halfway across the world?
-
Also in Season 8
Jackie Robinson Scorecard
What does this scorecard reveal about the desegregation of our national pastime?
-
Also in Season 8
Lookout Mountain Painting
What can this painting tell us about a turning point in the Civil War?
-
Also in Revolution: 1754-1820
Revolutionary War Poem
How did this poem, written by an American prisoner in England in 1780 end up in Oregon 200 years later?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Spybook
What does this little black book reveal about spying on the home front during World War I?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.
Anyone wishing to submit an artifact for investigation should do so through Submit a Story.
- Submit your StoryDo you have a Revolution: 1754-1820 object? Submit your story now.
- Latest CommentI am tremendously happy i have come across this particular website. (18 hours ago)
- TwitterHappy Birthday, Bob Dylan! 71-y o today. Our premiere episode explores the Dylan guitar that changed R&R history. July 17, 9p/8p C. Watch! (2 days ago)
- FacebookIt wasn't until I sat in a class taught by Inez Turley at Mesa Community College that the study of the past became a passion for me. Who was the teacher that inspired you? --Eduardo (2 days ago)