A rare period tintype of Abraham Lincoln: The "Beardstown Portrait," ca 1860. | Estimate $15,000 – 20,000

By CGN Staff

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Freeman’s is preparing a major 2026 slate of auctions and public programming that brings America’s past to the auction block—one document, portrait, and artifact at a time. The Philadelphia-founded auction house will present sales and events throughout the year in Philadelphia, New York City, and Chicago.

The Semiquincentennial program opens with Printed and Manuscript Americana on January 29, 2026 (Philadelphia), featuring rare primary-source material tied to the country’s early political and diplomatic history. Highlights include an autograph letter signed by George Washington, written in March 1789 just weeks before his inauguration, along with a 1776 Continental Congress document signed by John Hancock appointing Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and Thomas Jefferson as commissioners to France.

In spring, Freeman’s heads to Chicago for The Fathers and Saviors of Our Country: A Presidential Sale on March 26, 2026, centered on presidential leadership and legacy. The sale includes important material relating to Abraham Lincoln, including a rare early photographic portrait as well as a notable oil painting by Charles Alfred Barry.

Lot 29: Letter of credence appointing Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and Thomas Jefferson commissioners to the court of France to negotiate a treaty of alliance, September 30, 1776" | Estimate $150,000 – 250,000

Summer brings How History Unfolds on Paper: Important Americana from the Eric C. Caren Collection, Part X on June 30, 2026 (Philadelphia), showcasing historical documents from one of the most expansive private collections of Americana. The sale will include a signed letter from Thomas Jefferson written in 1783, along with a War of 1812-era ship’s log containing a firsthand account of the Battle of Baltimore and the bombardment that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Freeman’s will also host previews and programming in New York during Americana Week (January 23–28, 2026) at its Upper East Side gallery (32 East 67th Street), including a panel discussion on January 27. Additional auctions focused on American art and decorative arts will be announced in the coming months.