Explore the collections of the Thomas Paine Historical Association
The Thomas Paine Historical Association’s Digital Library brings together Paine’s writings, TPHA scholarship, historic archives, newspapers, images, and research resources, with new material continually being added.
Thomas Paine’s original works, letters, essays and newly discovered writings. Explore
The Beacon, Studies in Thomas Paine, and other TPHA publications. Explore
Publications and archives from historic Paine organizations and collections. Explore
A curated collection of historical newspaper articles about Thomas Paine. Explore
Portraits, political cartoons, monuments, historical photographs and more. Explore
Essays, biographies, FAQs and other resources for studying Paine. Explore
Thomas Paine: Collected Writings
Almost 400 newly identified works
In the summer of 2026, Princeton University Press released a groundbreaking collection of Paine’s writings that revolutionizes Paine studies. This includes almost 400 newly discovered works previously unknown.
Thomas Paine: Collected Writings is the first major new edition of Paine’s works, bringing together his writings in six landmark volumes that dramatically revise our previous understanding of his activities as a writer and his importance as a democratic theorist in the age of revolutions. Explore the Project
The Beacon
TPHA’s Leadership Transition
Lisa Burton, the new President of the Thomas Paine Historical Association as of July 1st, is a respected community leader in Westchester. Read more
Saving Paine’s Grammar School
In April 2026, the Thetford Grammar School, where Thomas Paine was a pupil from 1744 to 1749, announced its closure effective August 31, 2026. Read more
Announcing Thomas Paine: Collected Writings
On June 30, 2026, Princeton University Press will publish Thomas Paine: Collected Writings, a six-volume scholarly edition of Paine’s works and correspondence. Read more
Paine’s Dream: A Collected Works
Paine talked about compiling a complete edition of his own works, and it is clear from his correspondence that he always saw this as a signature achievement. Read more
Before the Committee
The absence of surviving proto-drafts of the Declaration ofIndependence should not foreclose inquiry into its earliest stages of formation. Read more
From the Archives
“Wicked and Seditious” — Paine’s Rights of Man
In honor of Banned Books Week , I decided earlier this month to revisit Thomas Paine’s Rights of Man. Originally published in England as two separate pamphlets (in March 1791 and… Read more
“The glide of the smallest fish…”
It’s tough to choose a favorite quote by Thomas Paine — American Founder, career revolutionary, and perennial skeptic. Pithy sayings and memorable phrases are Paine’s stock-in-trade, from “We have in… Read more
`Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness’
The story of Paine’s “conversion” surfaced within days of his death. In fact there has rarely been a critic of Christianity who has not renounced his critical opinions according to… Read more
`No Respecter Of Persons’: Thomas Paine And The Quakers: The Influence Of 17th Century Quaker Persecution History On Paine’s Radicalism
How dared Thomas Paine, a man whose formal education had ended at thirteen, who had failed as a skilled craftsman, as a teacher, as a shopkeeper, as a street preacher,… Read more
Young Thomas Paine, Wesleyan Methodist Or Rational Dissenter?
Paine had very enlarged ideas of the rights of others and was, upon principle, a thorough friend to the civil and religious liberties of all mankind. In conversation he was… Read more
“The Natural Bent Of My Mind Was To Science”
Paine’s fame as a writer on social, political and religious themes plus his controversial activities, has tended to obscure his passionate interest in scientific matters. Paine was perhaps the first… Read more
‘The Rights Of Man’ Needs ‘An Age Of Reason’
Hitches may be a polemical writer but, judging by this performance, is certainly not an effective public speaker, except that his inordinately long and ponderous replies to questions, a technique… Read more
119th Anniversary Of Paine’s Birthday in Cincinnati
The 119th anniversary of the birth-day of Thomas Paine, 1856; contains the addresses made to the assembly by Isaac E. Hedge, Esq., President of the Festival, T. L. Nichols, M.… Read more
1806 Anecdote of John Melish Meeting Thomas Paine
On the 20th of August 1806, I was introduced to that celebrated character Thomas Paine. He was confined in New-York by a hurt in his leg. Read more
1827 Thomas Paine Birth Day In New York
The friends to the writings of the late Thomas Paine, will celebrate his Birth Day on Monday the 29th inst at John Crellin’s, Bank Lodge, No. 45 William st. near… Read more
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