In a recent webinar hosted by the National Council for History Education, historians demonstrated how everyday economic documents—like receipts—can reveal intimate details of life in Revolutionary-era Philadelphia. Drawing on primary sources from the American Philosophical Society and the TheRevolutionaryCity.org project, the session illustrated how scholars piece together the past from seemingly mundane records.
The webinar showcased how these documents offer a window into the daily transactions, social networks, and material culture of a city at the heart of the American Revolution. Educators were also introduced to digital resources available for classroom use, helping bring history to life through original manuscripts and records.