Over two centuries ago, a faithful group of our nation’s founders united to establish American Bible Society. This group of notable leaders included Supreme Court Justice John Jay, Continental Congress President Elias Boudinot, and national anthem lyricist Francis Scott Key, among other prominent Americans. In many ways, American Bible Society’s roots are closely entwined with those of the country itself.

Since its founding, and with the compassion and commitment of our generous supporters, American Bible Society has reached millions of people in the United States and abroad, transforming lives and eternities with the priceless gift of Scripture.

In 1835, we translated the first Braille Bible, which allowed the Blind to read God’s Word for the very first time. We also produced the first pocket Bible for soldiers during the American Civil War, bringing the light of the Gospel to the frontlines of one of our nation’s darkest chapters. Our first Bible translation was for the Lenape tribe of Delaware, and since then we have introduced Bibles in a host of other languages.

Today, we rejoice in God’s unceasing faithfulness, and in the persistent generosity of the donors who stand beside us in our mission to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so that all may experience its life-changing message.