Description
Dr. John Gregory’s A Father’s Legacy to His Daughters was published by John Trumbull of Norwich, Connecticut in 1792. The book was originally written in 1761, after the death of Gregory’s wife. He wanted to pass on instruction to their daughters on religion, conduct and behavior, amusements, friendship, and love and marriage. The book was posthumously published by Gregory’s son in 1774.The Copp Collection contains about 150 books of early American imprint and shows a wide range of reading matter typical of a New England Puritan family living in a port town. Literacy was expected of many New Englanders, as Puritan doctrine required everyone to read the Bible. The abundance of multiple Bibles, psalms, hymnodies, sermons, and morality tales reflects the Copp’s religious beliefs. Other highlights of the library include the works of Shakespeare, almanacs, historical and political texts, and travel narratives.The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.Currently not on view
Gift of John Brenton Copp
