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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Please welcome Dr. Laura Smith! Dr. Smith is the new assistant editor here at the PMVB headquarters. We are all very excited and lucky to have her on our team!

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

In 1837, Congress expanded the Supreme Court to enable greater representation for recently added states. This act added two associate judges to fill two new circuit courts, which oversaw Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. 👇

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Martin Van Buren spent the 1st part of his 1838 annual message discussing the development of the U.S. during its first 50 years under the Constitution. He declared that the Constitution "has proved amply sufficient for the various emergencies incident to our condition as a nation." #ConstitutionDay

The constitution devised by our forefathers as the frame work and bond of that system, then untried, has become a settled form of government; not only preserving and protecting the great principles upon which it was founded, but wonderfully promoting individual happiness and private interests. Though subject to change and entire revocation, whenever deemed inadequate to all these purposes, yet such is the wisdom of its construction, and so stable has been the public sentiment, that it remains unaltered, except in matters of detail, comparatively unimportant. It has proved amply sufficient for the various emergencies incident to our condition as a nation. A formidable foreign war; agitating collisions between domestic and, in some respects, rival sovereignties; temptations to interfere in the intestine commotions of neighboring countries; the dangerous influences that arise in periods of excessive prosperity; and the anti-republican tendencies of associated wealth—these, with other trials not less formidable, have all been encountered, and thus far successfully resisted.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Please give a warm welcome to our new Research Editor, Dr. Robb Haberman! We are super excited to have Dr. Haberman on our team.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Don't forget about the Cynthia Van Buren lecture tonight at 7! Dr. Max Matherne will be presenting this evening. We'd love to have you there in person, but will also have a recorded video up for those who aren't able to make it!

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Dr. Max Matherne will be delivering the Cynthia Van Buren Lecture on Monday, Sept. 14, at 7:00 P.M. at Cumberland University's Alumni Hall. The title of his lecture is "Vox Populism: Presidential Appointments and the Jacksonian Theory of Power.”

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

On September 6, 1857, Eliza Eckford Van Buren was born to Smith and Henrietta Van Buren in Kinderhook, New York. Eliza moved to Europe for health reasons in 1902 and spent the majority of her time in the Italian Riviera. Attached is one of Eliza's passport applications from 1921.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

The quote “It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t” is often mistakenly attributed to Martin Van Buren.

Early appearance of misattributed quote in newspaper

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Yesterday, in 1958, notable New York writer, editor, theater critic, and humorist Wolcott Gibbs died at the age of fifty-six. 👇

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Exciting things are coming up for our project! Stay tuned!

Bearded Irish man in a three-piece suit on camera viewfinder, with his image blurred in the background.

Bearded man in suit and tie on camera viewfinder, with camera equipment blurred in the background.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Exciting things are coming up for our project! Stay tuned!

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Martin Van Buren's funeral, held in his hometown of Kinderhook, New York, took place on this date in 1862. A local newspaper regretted the absence of the former presidents Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, and James Buchanan, "men who have retired from active life, and 'have nothing to do.'" 👇

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

On this date in 1862, Martin Van Buren died at his home, Lindenwald, in Kinderhook, New York. His death was not unexpected, as newspapers reported that the 79-year-old had been suffering from a "lingering illness." (con't below)

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Don't forget--next Wed., July 15, is the deadline to submit a proposal for next April's symposium! See the attached flyer or visit our website for more information. vanburenpapers.org/martin-van-b...

On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Papers of Martin Van Buren wants to reflect on Van Buren’s influence on the United States.
We invite paper proposals that address, either directly or indirectly, Van Buren in relation to the following themes: slavery, Indian removal, diplomacy, gender relations, political leadership, political partisanship, political culture, and democracy. Proposal abstracts should be 300-500 words and should clearly outline the ways in which Martin Van Buren will be connected to one of the symposium’s themes. The deadline for proposals is July 15, 2026. Accepted papers will be considered for an edited collection published by the University of Tennessee Press. Proposals should be submitted to vanburenpapers@cumberland.edu.
The symposium will be held Thursday, April 8, through Saturday, April 10, 2027, on the campus of Cumberland University, located thirty miles east of Nashville, Tennessee. Presenters will be provided with travel funds and an honorarium. Funding for the symposium is provided by Cumberland University and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
For more information, contact Mark Cheathem, project director, at mcheathem@cumberland.edu.
https://vanburenpapers.org/martin-van-buren-and-250th-anniversary-united-states-symposium-april-8-10-2027

Photo of Gerry Leonard, the keynote speaker

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

The June 2026 newsletter for the Papers of Martin Van Buren is out! In it you will find project updates, incl. news abt. next April's symposium! Visit our website or contact us if you want to be added to the subscription list. The newsletter comes out in June & December. mailchi.mp/0b03cd0bd353...

mailchi.mp

The Papers of Martin Van Buren: June 2026 Newsletter

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

The beginning of the American Experiment led to the expansion of suffrage as citizens came to terms with living under elected officials instead of a monarchy. Voting rights varied from state to state. (con’t)

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

A reminder that New York weddings between two crazy kids in love is not just a 21st-century phenomenon. #ItWasALoveStory

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

A reminder that New York weddings between two crazy kids in love is not just a 21st-century phenomenon. #ItWasALoveStory

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

On this day in 1868, Martin Van Buren's brother, Lawrence, died in Kinderhook. He and his older brother had been very close throughout their lives. (con’t reading below)

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Mark R. Cheathem @markcheathem.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

The June 2026 newsletter for @vanburenpapers.bsky.social is out! In it you will find project updates, incl. news about next April's symposium! Visit our website or contact us if you want to be added to the subscription list. The newsletter comes out in June and December. mailchi.mp/0b03cd0bd353...

mailchi.mp

The Papers of Martin Van Buren: June 2026 Newsletter

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

On this day in 1841, John Van Buren married his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth Vanderpoel. Attached is their wedding announcement from the NYC Marriage & Death Notices 1836-1842 at the New York Society Library.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Martin Van Buren and his son, Martin Van Buren Jr., embarked for Europe in 1853, hoping to find some relief for the younger Martin's tuberculosis. While staying in Italy, they began to work on Martin Sr.'s memoirs.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Martin Van Buren became a father in 1807 when his wife, Hannah, gave birth to their first son, Abraham. He would go on to become a father four more times, with his sons Abraham, John, Martin Jr., and Smith living to adulthood. We wish all the dads out there a Happy Father's Day!

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

On this date in 1842, Martin Van Buren's son Smith Thompson Van Buren married Ellen King James. Ellen was aunt to three famous Americans: the psychologist William James, the writer Alice James, and the author Henry James Jr.

Portrait printed on paper of Elle King James (first wife of Smith Thompson Van Buren)

Scrapbook of newspaper clippings of wedding and death announcements 1836-1842 from the archives of The New York Society Library.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

On this date in 1841, Martin Van Buren's grandson Singleton Van Buren was born. Singleton was the son of Abraham Van Buren and Angelica Singleton Van Buren. The portrait shown here was painted by John Carlin in 1844. He used an ivory base and watercolor.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Gerald F. Leonard, Professor of Law and Law Alumni Scholar at Boston University School of Law, will deliver the keynote address at next year's symposium on Martin Van Buren. Submit your proposal by July 15!

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Andrew Jackson (to Van Buren's right) offers commentary that rivals Jim Lampley's: "It's bunged up Matty's peeper, and if he don't keep his other eye open he'll get a Cross buttock."

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

UFC fights at the White House are unprecedented, but cartoons about boxing matches between presidential candidates have been going on for nearly 200 years. In this 1836 cartoon, Martin Van Buren boxes William Henry Harrison. Image credit: The Library of Congress

Depicts two men boxing, with a crowd of onlookers behind a fence and two supporters for each men near them. Text balloons come from the boxers and each of their supporters.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

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Mark R. Cheathem @markcheathem.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

@vanburenpapers.bsky.social is hosting a 2027 symposium symposium that places Martin Van Buren's legacy in conversation with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. See the attached flyer or go to the link for more information. vanburenpapers.org/martin-van-b...

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

See the attached flyer for information on an upcoming symposium that places Van Buren's legacy in conversation with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

We invite you to join high school teachers and historians for a free webinar on how to bring 19th century documents into 21st century classrooms! Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 19th (6:30-8:30 PM Central). We look forward to seeing everyone! Register today at the link below:

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Are you a teacher who has wanted to incorporate Martin Van Buren into your classroom but just didn't know how? Now you can! On May 19, our editors & a team of U.S. high school teachers will be leading a workshop centered on lesson plans that use MVB's papers to illuminate the era in which he lived.

virginia.zoom.us

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Teaching Martin Van Buren in the High School Classroom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

Teaching Martin Van Buren in the High School Classroom: Historical Connections and Classroom Resources from expert teachers and Van Buren scholars.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

🚨Job Alert🚨The Papers of Martin Van Buren is hiring! We are looking for an assistant editor and a research editor, with start dates of July 1 (or sooner, if possible). Info on both positions can be found at www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.p... (posted under Staff).🗃️

paycomonline.net

Job Opportunities

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

paycomonline.net

Job Opportunities

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

virginia.zoom.us

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Teaching Martin Van Buren in the High School Classroom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

Teaching Martin Van Buren in the High School Classroom: Historical Connections and Classroom Resources from expert teachers and Van Buren scholars.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

Today marks ten years since the Papers of Martin Van Buren officially launched at Cumberland Univ. Our project has built on the solid foundation provided by the original PMVB project @ Penn State Univ. (1969-87), transforming its microfilm edition into a more accessible 21st-century digital edition.

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

Two weeks from today, we will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of our project!

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Mark R. Cheathem @markcheathem.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

On Presidents Day, Feb 16, we're celebrating the tenth anniversary of @vanburenpapers.bsky.social's launch, starting w/ an afternoon event looking at the history of the Van Buren Papers & providing updates on its progress. At 7 PM, PMVB editor Andrew Wiley will deliver the Cynthia Van Buren Lecture.

Flyer with info on afternoon celebration of project

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Anyone know of a site that has the complete text or images of the plaques for the new "Presidential Walk of Fame"? Looking for one particular president . . . 😉

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

Visit our website (vanburenpapers.org) or contact us if you want to be added to the newsletter subscription list, which comes out in June and December.

vanburenpapers.org

Home | Papers of Martin Van Buren

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

Our December 2025 newsletter is out! In it you will find updates about the project, including an in-depth look at one of Van Buren's letters and an interview with one of our former student interns! us17.campaign-archive.com?u=d991be5c79...

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

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Papers of Martin Van Buren @vanburenpapers.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

On this date in 1782, Martin Van Buren was born in Kinderhook, New York. He would serve as the 8th president of the United States. You can learn more about his life at our website vanburenpapers.org

Forward-facing portrait of MVB from the 1820s

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