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!

“No such thing as a moral or an immoral book:” Rosenbach acquires copy of The Picture of Dorian Gray — The Rosenbach Museum & Library

At the end of March 2025, the Rosenbach wrapped up a subscription-only Biblioventures series featuring Irish author Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)’s The Picture of Dorian Gray , in which a team of hosts led...

rosenbach.org

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...

“What is your favorite book?” — The Rosenbach Museum & Library

When getting to know new people, I love to ask the question, “what is your favorite book?”  What I’m hoping to learn is not their favorite story, although this may factor into their answer, but ...

rosenbach.org

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

Guest Commentary: “Our Job Just Got Harder”

The Rosenbach Museum & Library's work has never been more important, despite — or because of — nearly $600,000 in federal funding cuts

ow.ly

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.

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.

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!

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

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!

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!

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.

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...

In Conversation with Rebecca Romney, author of Jane Austen’s Bookshelf — The Rosenbach Museum & Library

Thanks to rare book dealer Rebecca Romney, I am more than halfway through Ann Radcliffe’s The Mysteries of Udolpho , a book I would have never picked up if it weren’t for Rebecca’s new book, Jane Au...

rosenbach.org

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.“

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!

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!

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

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 !

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!

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!)

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!

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

Wonderful evening at Carpenters’ Hall for our collaborative #RepublicofLetters #bookclub. Our discussion of Henry Wiencek’s book Imperfect God was insightful and lively. Such a delight to gather in this beautiful space. #libraries #museums #rarebooks #specialcollections

Our winter virtual courses are off to a terrific start! It’s great to see so many new faces joining longtime supporters. Next Tuesday, February 11, we’ll begin Reading Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and The Last Man with Vivian Papp. Just a few spots left for this program- details at rosenbach.org !

Celebrating James Joyce’s birthday today with news about Bloomsday 2025! #rmlsignatureprograms #bloomsday #jamesjoyce