Folger Shakespeare Library

Folger Shakespeare Library is a world-renowned research institution and museum located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.. Founded by Henry Clay Folger and his wife Emily Jordan Folger, it houses the world’s largest collection of materials related to William Shakespeare and is a leading center for Renaissance scholarship. Administered by Amherst College, the library serves as a vital resource for scholars, students, and the public, offering extensive collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.

History

The institution was established through the vision and philanthropy of Henry Clay Folger, a graduate of Amherst College and later president of Standard Oil, and his wife Emily Jordan Folger, who earned a master's degree from Vassar College. Their shared passion for William Shakespeare led to the amassing of an unparalleled private collection of Shakespeareana. Following Henry Folger's death in 1930, the project was overseen by Emily Folger, with the building designed by architect Paul Philippe Cret opening to the public in 1932. The library's founding was significantly influenced by the American Renaissance and the establishment of other major cultural institutions like the Huntington Library in California. Its location near the United States Capitol was chosen to symbolize the importance of Shakespeare to American democracy and civic life.

Collections

The collections are globally preeminent for the study of William Shakespeare and the Early Modern period. Its holdings include 82 copies of the First Folio, the largest collection in the world, alongside rare quartos, manuscripts, and printed books from the 16th and 17th centuries. The scope extends far beyond Shakespeare to encompass a vast array of materials on the English Renaissance, Continental Europe, and the Atlantic world, including works by contemporaries like Christopher Marlowe and Ben Jonson. Other significant holdings include collections related to the history of theatre, music, politics, and science from the period, making it an indispensable archive for interdisciplinary research into the Elizabethan era and Jacobean era.

Building and architecture

The building, a designated National Historic Landmark, is a masterpiece of Art Deco design by Paul Philippe Cret, with a neoclassical exterior of Georgia marble that harmonizes with the federal architecture of Capitol Hill. Its facade features nine bas-relief scenes from Shakespeare's plays carved by sculptor John Gregory. The interior centers on the grand, oak-paneled Reading Room, a scholars' haven, and includes the evocative Elizabethan Theatre, a replica of an early modern playhouse. The building also houses exhibition galleries, conservation labs, and the recently renovated Folger Garden. A major expansion project, designed by architect Meganom, is underway to increase public access and modernize facilities while preserving the historic structure.

Programs and research

It fosters a dynamic environment for scholarship and public engagement through diverse programs. The Folger Institute offers advanced scholarly seminars and conferences, often in collaboration with consortia like the Newberry Library and universities in the Ivy League. Its renowned fellowship program hosts researchers from around the world. Public programs include performances by the resident Folger Theatre and the touring Folger Consort, alongside lectures, poetry readings, and K-12 educational initiatives like Shakespeare in American Communities. The library also produces major digital humanities projects, such as the Folger Digital Texts, and hosts the annual Shakespeare's Birthday Lecture.

Governance and funding

The institution is governed by Amherst College, its trustee, with guidance from a board of governors that includes representatives from Amherst College and other academic and cultural leaders. Day-to-day operations are led by a director, a position held by scholars such as Michael Witmore. Funding is derived from a combination of endowment income, generous private donations from individuals and foundations, federal support through agencies like the National Endowment for the Humanities, and revenue from public programs and memberships. This financial model ensures the preservation of its collections and the continuation of its mission to advance knowledge and inspire a love of William Shakespeare's works.

Category:Libraries in Washington, D.C. Category:Shakespearean archives Category:Art Deco architecture in Washington, D.C. Category:Research libraries in the United States