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The Rosenbach Museum & Library

@rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social
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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.

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Reposted by The Rosenbach Museum & Library
Mary E. Brickthrower @marythewretched.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
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
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
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!
rosenbach.org
“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...
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
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.
A hand holds a copy of the book Frederick Douglass Prophet of Freedom by David W. BlightAn 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”
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
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...
rosenbach.org
“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 ...
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
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!
Hands hold a tall brochure featuring several colorful illustrations above the title “Bloomsday”
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Reposted by The Rosenbach Museum & Library
The Philadelphia Citizen @thephilacitizen.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
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
ow.ly
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
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
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
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
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.
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
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.
Four people in a marketplace surrounded by lighted display cases, each is examining an open bookAn illustration on a book, cover text reads "65th ANNUAL ABAA NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUARIAN BOOK FAIR APRIL 3-6 2025, PARK AVENUE ARMORY"
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
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!
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
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
Alexander Ames stands wearing a jacket and bow tie while addressing seated attendeesFour 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 booksTwo seated people wearing glasses discuss the books they hold with each other
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
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!
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 imageKirsten Quinn, seen through a camera monitor, wears pink while standing outdoorsMichael Toner reads aloud from James Joyce's Ulysses as he is filmed by Andrew Gormley
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
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!
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…”
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
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!
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
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.
Black and white photo of Patrick Kavanaugh sitting beside another man on a horse-drawn carriage
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
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!
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
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Reposted by The Rosenbach Museum & Library
Rebecca Romney @rebeccaromney.com · 05/03/2025
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...
rosenbach.org
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...
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
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.“
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
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!
Bryn Michelson-Ziegler smiles for the camera while standing with several boxes containing audio equipment
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
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!
Mercedes de Acosta in a long white scarf and wide-collared coat looks to her left into the distance
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
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
Sonia Gordon-Walinsky stands outdoors and smiles while holding a large piece of art featuring Hebrew calligraphy
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
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 !
A close up of john a. powell smiling, a Black man with white hair and a white beard
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 16/02/2025
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!
Several folded letters with wax seals arranged on a green surface
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
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!)
An open book shows a color illustration of an eagle opposite a page filled with French text
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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]
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
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!
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!"
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
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!
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
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
Zora Neale Hurston wears a fur coat and feathered cap while looking to the left and laughing
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
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
A gathering of eight people sitting around a long wooden table in a library with dark wooden shelves Alex Ames smiles for the camera standing in along hallway lined with chairs and bookshelves A darkened hallway lined with chairs and bookshelves behind glass doors and a black and white checkered floor A group of people stand together in a large white room with tall windows and a chandelier, listening to a person speaking
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
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 !
Hands hold an open book in front of a laptop monitor Portrait of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 02/02/2025
Celebrating James Joyce’s birthday today with news about Bloomsday 2025! #rmlsignatureprograms #bloomsday #jamesjoyce
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
Join us to learn how to make your own buttonhole stitch book. Whether it's destined to be a journal, a sketchbook, or a collection of pressed flowers, you will leave this workshop with a new prized possession and a new skill up your sleeve! #rmlsignatureprograms #bookmaking #bookarts
A hand touches an old open book with yellowed pages. Overlay text reads “Bookmaking &
Book Arts Workshop at the Rosenbach
Sunday, Feb. 16- details at rosenbach.org”
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
A few seats have just opened up for our special Behind the Bookcase tour The History and Future of the American Presidency next Sunday, February 2. Get yours at bit.ly/4gdcKxj ! #rmlsignatureprograms #americanhistory #presidentialhistory
A yellowed page from an old manuscript showing
Abraham Lincoln's signature
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The Rosenbach Museum & Library @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
There’s nothing quite like Burns Night at the Rosenbach. Thanks to all who joined us for tonight’s celebration! #rmlsignatureprograms #burnsnight #robertburns #scottishpoetry #repost @kscout.bsky.social
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