@rosenbachmuseum
The Rosenbach Museum & Library is a community that engages with and celebrates the art of the written word using our collection of rare books and manuscripts. Learn more at rosenbach.org.
Today was one of my most anticipated @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social volunteer tour guide in training days; I booked some time to pore over the library.
It was so nice to just take my time, tilt my head, and go shelf by shelf.
#BookSky #RosenbachMuseum
We're delighted to share that in February of this year, the Rosenbach acquired a first edition of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. Read all about this addition to our collection from Assistant Librarian Nancy Loi here!
A hand holds a copy of the book Frederick Douglass Prophet of Freedom by David W. Blight
An aged book lies open on a foam support revealing an etching of Frederick Douglass, a Black man wearing a waistcoat and jacket, opposite the title page showing the text “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass an American Slave written by Himself”
A closeup up of Abraham Lincoln’s signature
An aged book lies open revealing an etching of Harriet Beecher Stowe, a white woman with her hair in long ringlets wearing a dark dress, opposite the title page showing the text “Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe”
Tonight’s #RepublicofLetters #bookclub discussion focused on David Blight’s inspirational biography of Frederick Douglass. We viewed a first edition of the Narrative, a first British edition of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, as well as Lincoln’s final address to Congress, among other collection objects.
New on our blog, Bryn Michelson-Ziegler, Assistant Curator of Outreach and Engagement, discusses Book Arts and the tactile life of words.
www.rosenbach.org/blog/what-is...
Hands hold a tall brochure featuring several colorful illustrations above the title “Bloomsday”
We’re delighted to share that all of the Bloomsday reader spots filled within hours of opening! Thank you to everyone who signed up to be a part of the day and for the enthusiasm you’re bringing to this beloved event.
Bloomsday is June 16— register to attend at rosenbach.org!
Despite losing nearly $600K in federal grants, The Rosenbach Museum remains committed to preserving and sharing the literature that shaped our world.
@rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social
ow.ly/4zge50VCCGt
Late last week we received notice that our two federal grants—totaling over $500,000—were canceled…
Read the full letter from John C. Haas Director Kelsey Scouten Bates on our blog at rosenbach.org
Rosenbach staff and supporters enjoyed a wonderful excursion to the New York Antiquarian
International Book Fair this weekend- plus a surprise encounter with Neil deGrasse Tyson!
Thanks to all who made this weekend such a delight. We're already looking forward to next year.
Four people in a marketplace surrounded by lighted display cases, each is examining an open book
An illustration on a book, cover text reads "65th ANNUAL ABAA NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUARIAN BOOK FAIR APRIL 3-6 2025, PARK AVENUE ARMORY"
We’re looking forward to spending the weekend in New York for the New York International Antiquarian Book Fair. Every year, Rosenbach staff and members of our Delancey Society head north to immerse ourselves in bookish community— to visit the fair is to see the rare book world at work and play.
Image 2- Illustrated logo featuring a lavender background and a stack of three books. Text reads “Rosenbach presents Biblioventures: The Picture of Dorian Gray hosted by Edward G. Pettit”
Image 1- Oscar Wilde, a white man with chin length dark, wavy hair wears a collared shirt, ascot, and fur coat holds his right hand to his head while looking straight ahead
Our latest Biblioventure on The Picture of Dorian Gray just finished. That was the 196th episode in our Biblioventures series since it began in 2020. Over 400 hours of talking about great books: Dracula, Frankenstein, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice… Thank you for taking these journeys with us!
Alexander Ames stands wearing a jacket and bow tie while addressing seated attendees
Four people are seated along one side of a long table, each person looks through a small book
A dozen people, all seated at a long table look through the pages of small books
Two seated people wearing glasses discuss the books they hold with each other
The Rosenbach is enjoying an afternoon at Andalusia Historic House looking (very closely) at rare books from the beautiful library of the Biddle family. #rousseau #voltaire #bouffant
Photos by Kelsey Scouten Bates @kscout.bsky.social
Jude Tuma sits holding a large green book in front of two cameras on tripods, Andrew Gormley's profile fills the right side of the image
Kirsten Quinn, seen through a camera monitor, wears pink while standing outdoors
Michael Toner reads aloud from James Joyce's Ulysses as he is filmed by Andrew Gormley
Another terrific day of filming for the upcoming Bloomsday festival. We welcomed Jude Tuma, a member of the Rosenbach's board of directors, spent time with our own Molly Bloom, Kirsten Quinn, in the garden, and got a masterclass in reading Joyce from the indomitable Michael Toner!
Monique Moore Pryor seen through a camera’s view screen, sits holding a book in front of a wall lined with books
Emilie Parker sits reading from a large book before two cameras on tripods and lighting equipment
A page of text reading, “Solemnly he came forward and mounted the round gunrest. He faced about and blessed gravely thrice the tower, the surrounding land and the awaking mountains. Then, catching sight of Stephen Dedalus, he bent towards him and made rapid crosses in the air, gurgling in his throat and shaking his head. Stephen Dedalus, displeased and sleepy…”
We spent this St. Patrick’s Day morning filming for the upcoming Bloomsday festival with Monique Moore Pryor, President of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, and Emilie Parker,Director of Education here at the Rosenbach— thanks to our videographer Andrew Gormley for keeping us on track!
Our Spring 2025 Signature Programs have been announced! Public registration begins March 28.
You can register early by becoming a Rosenbach Member or by joining our Delancey Society. Don't miss out-several of our winter programs sold out in record time. Visit us at rosenbach.org for full details!
Black and white photo of Patrick Kavanaugh sitting beside another man on a horse-drawn carriage
Thanks to Mike Barsanti for bringing us this photograph of Patrick Kavanagh at the first Bloomsday, June 16, 1954. Mike is a frequent Joyce instructor here at the Rosenbach and Kavanaugh is another dear author whose On Raglan Road still breaks our hearts almost 80 years after its first publication.
Chelsea Sanz operates a tabletop press in a large green room
Laura Janosik holds up a large piece of paper showing a reproduced bookplate from Philip Rosenbach and an etching of Phyllis Wheatley
Ahead of tomorrow’s workshop Book Arts: Printing America’s Founding Documents, we’re trying out our new proofing press from Provisional Press!
In this hands-on workshop, we’ll create copies of U.S. founding documents like the Bill of Rights—A handful of seats remain — secure yours at rosenbach.org!
I talked about JANE AUSTEN’S BOOKSHELF with Kelsey Bates, director of @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social, who asked delightful questions (and is now reading Ann Radcliffe!)
www.rosenbach.org/blog/in-conv...
@kscout.bsky.social
Our Executive Director Kelsey Scouten Bates spoke with Rebecca Romney, author of Jane Austen’s Bookshelf, a book that explores the lives of Austen’s favorite women writers.
Read it on our blog at rosenbach.org!
“Limitations are not a reason to despair; they are an opportunity to be creative.“
Bryn Michelson-Ziegler smiles for the camera while standing with several boxes containing audio equipment
Assistant Curator Bryn Michelson-Ziegler has been hard at work over the past several months creating a self-guided tour for the Rosenbach. It’s been a terrific experience working with Bloomberg Connects on this project we look forward to previewing the tour with you on Bloomsday!
Mercedes de Acosta in a long white scarf and wide-collared coat looks to her left into the distance
March 1 & March 29, join us for a special yoga workshop inspired by Mercedes de Acosta’s life and work! This yoga workshop will feature readings from her memoir, interaction with our de Acosta collection, and an extended yoga practice, open to all.
Space is limited— reserve today at rosenbach.org!
Sonia Gordon-Walinsky stands outdoors and smiles while holding a large piece of art featuring Hebrew calligraphy
Just four seats available for Sunday’s calligraphy workshop The Art of the Hebrew Letter led by Sonia Gordon-Walinsky! Using the Rosenbach’s Hebraica collection for inspiration, we’ll examine historic manuscripts to inform our creations. No prior experience necessary— all are welcome! rosenbach.org
A close up of john a. powell smiling, a Black man with white hair and a white beard
Just a few seats for our 2/25 book club discussing esteemed civil rights scholar john a. powell's The Power of Bridging.
Presented as part of our series The People's Friend: Civic Dialogues at the Rosenbach, and we're excited to welcome you to the conversation. Tickets at rosenbach.org !
Several folded letters with wax seals arranged on a green surface
Thanks to everyone who joined us for today’s Book Arts workshops, Book Making this morning and Locked Love Letters in the afternoon. It was full and creative day, and we’re glad to have shared it with you. We’re looking forward to seeing you again at our next Book Arts events in March!
![An open book shows a color illustration of an eagle opposite a page filled with French text
——
Georges Louis Leclerc, comte de Buffon (1707-1788), Histoire naturelle, générale et particulière, avec la description du Cabinet du roi. Paris, Imprimerie royale, 1749-an XII de la République [1803 or 4]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:jbeexpw3bixfbt3my6azoob7/bafkreiaxbgwdu3pqucxqoyx7ukewhr4bfn422afdrnrexbcq6s3ht6z7qi)
An open book shows a color illustration of an eagle opposite a page filled with French text —— Georges Louis Leclerc, comte de Buffon (1707-1788), Histoire naturelle, générale et particulière, avec la description du Cabinet du roi. Paris, Imprimerie royale, 1749-an XII de la République [1803 or 4]
Friends, the Rosenbach will close on Friday, February 14 as the @philadelphiaeagles take their victory lap through Center City. Regular museum hours will resume on Saturday.
Congratulations to the Eagles — we hope you’re all able to get out and enjoy the parade!
(Image info in alt text!)
Alex Ames stands by Emilie Parker who is seated at a laptop in a large green conference room. Behind them is a large projection of a slide that reads "Activity: Dream Your Biggest Dream!"
Director of Programming & Engagement Alexander Ames and Education Director Emilie Parker are preparing for their presentation at the Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference on Monday. This year’s theme is “Make it Happen!” and we’re excited to join the conversation!
Due to inclement weather, the Rosenbach has canceled tonight’s meeting of The Body in the Library mystery book club. We will be in touch with registrants to schedule a new date and time for the session. Thank you for your patience, and stay safe in the wintry weather!
Zora Neale Hurston wears a fur coat and feathered cap while looking to the left and laughing
Our virtual course Reading the Harlem Renaissance with Michele Lisa Simms-Burton got off to a terrific start last night. There are a handful of spots still available— details are at rosenbach.org !
#rmlsignatureprograms #harlemrenaissance #zoranealehurston #langstonhughes #alainlocke #nellalarsen
