Activists and Politicians

Daniel Coit Gilman's network of correspondents included more than just his fellow educators. He counted political and social activists and politicians among those from whom he regularly received letters. Gilman's national profile enabled him to advocate for and influence policy in many spheres – from the local state educational boards, to national commissions, to advising numerous presidents and presidents-to-be, to international world’s fairs and endeavors such as the Venezuela Boundary Commission.The letters featured below, from Helen Keller and Woodrow Wilson, exemplify the broad and diverse conversations that can be found in Gilman's correspondence files.