Inside the Archives: Rare Documents from the Jefferson Davis Citizenship Restoration
Some pieces of history live only in books. Others you can actually hold in your hands.
The Jefferson Davis Citizenship Project collection includes documents that aren’t just records — they’re witnesses to a promise kept, a law passed, and a moment of reconciliation in American history.
The Red-Line Resolution
One of the most striking artifacts is the official red-line copy of the Joint Resolution that restored Jefferson Davis’s citizenship. It shows the exact changes and final wording approved by Congress — the document President Jimmy Carter signed into law on October 17, 1978.
For Dr. Howard Edward Haller, holding that paper meant the end of 13 years of work and the fulfillment of a pinky promise to his grandmother.
Letters from the Senate and the White House
The collection also includes personal letters from U.S. Senators and from the White House itself, congratulating Howard and acknowledging the significance of the legislation.
From Senator Alan Cranston’s updates to the formal correspondence from President Carter’s staff, each letter tells its own part of the story.
If you would like to read the full story in Dr. Haller’s own words, Unveiled Truths — Restoring Jefferson Davis’ Citizenship is now available as a complete illustrated digital book.
You can download your personal copy here.
A Collector’s Treasure
For history enthusiasts, educators, and collectors, these documents are more than mementos — they’re tangible links to a pivotal moment in post–Civil War reconciliation.
These aren’t just papers — they’re pieces of a story that changed history. And now, you can make them part of yours.