91ÇÑ×Ó

Looking for inspiration for the Songs of a Young Nation Competition? Explore the music that carried America from Revolution to Reconstruction (1770–1877). These archives and collections can help you find original melodies, lyrics, and instruments — or inspire new ways to reimagine the sounds of our first century. This contest is co-sponsored by the 91ÇÑ×Ó and the Ray and Vera Conniff Foundation.
 

Revolutionary War (1770s–1780s)

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  Songs and manuscripts from New England’s Revolutionary past
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  One of the largest collections of notated music in the world with over 22 million items. These include popular sheet music, instrumental and vocal music, scores and parts, and original manuscripts from composers of all eras.
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  Explore cultural and historical events from 1759 to 1799 related to American song.
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  Broadside ballads, lyrics, and historical commentary
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  The role of fifes, drums, and military music

War of 1812

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  Digitized sheet music and commentary
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  Ballads and lyrics tied to the conflict
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  Explore Francis Scott Key’s famous lyric and its musical roots

Civil War (1861 – 1867)

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  Thousands of digitized pieces, including political songs and ballads
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  Tens of thousands of digitized songs from the conflict
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  Curated recordings and educational material

Sounds of America (Cross-Era Inspiration)

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  The first published collection of African American spirituals. Use with care: reflects biases of its time, but a critical source for understanding slavery-era music.