A Tour of the Newly-Reopened Folger | Part 2: Research at the Folger

Folger Shakespeare Library: Shakespeare Unlimited

Folger Shakespeare Library

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4.7 • 837 Ratings

🗓️ 2 July 2024

⏱️ 31 minutes

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Summary

After a four-year renovation, the Folger Shakespeare Library is now open with 12,000 square feet of new public spaces. But behind the scenes, in our original building, we’ve also revamped the way we serve researchers working with the world’s largest Shakespeare collection. On this episode, host Barbara Bogaev talks with Director of Collections Greg Prickman, Folger Institute Director Patricia Akhimie, and Folger Director Michael Witmore about how research happens at the Folger, from Folger Institute fellowships to the chairs in our Reading Room. From the Shakespeare Unlimited podcast. Published July 2, 2024. © Folger Shakespeare Library. All rights reserved. This episode was produced by Matt Frassica. Garland Scott is the associate producer. It was edited by Gail Kern Paster. Ben Lauer is the web producer. Leonor Fernandez edits a transcript of every episode, available at folger.edu. Final mixing services provided by Clean Cuts at Three Seas, Inc.

Transcript

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0:00.0	On today's episode, a look behind the scenes as the Folger Shakespeare Library reopens to researchers.
0:12.4	From the Folger Shakespeare Library, this is Shakespeare Unlimited. I'm Michael Whitmore, the Folger
0:17.9	director. On our last episode, the Folger staff and I gave a tour of the new wing of the Folger,
0:24.6	including the brand-new exhibition halls and gardens.
0:28.1	Today, we're going to learn more about another part of the Folger's mission,
0:32.1	serving researchers who come to visit the world's largest Shakespeare collection.
0:36.6	As we'll hear, the Folger's research
0:38.5	staff had to adapt during the four years we were closed for construction. Many of those adaptations
0:44.4	for remote access have informed new ways for researchers to work at the Folger. As we welcome our first
0:51.1	group of in-person researchers back into the reading room,
0:54.8	we're hoping those changes will make the Folgers collection more accessible than ever.
0:59.7	The first stop on this backstage tour is the reading room itself, the centerpiece
1:04.3	of Henry and Emily Folger's original vision.
1:07.8	Greg Prickman, the Folgers director of collections and exhibitions, showed Barbara Bogabe what's new underneath all that beautiful stained glass and wood paneling.
1:20.6	Okay, and here we are in the reading room of the Folger Shakespeare Library with its vaulted ceiling,
1:30.1	wood bookcases on either side, two levels with the balcony wrapping around in a staircase.
1:36.2	We're standing right now between two globes that frame the entrance into the room.
1:41.1	Oh, on huge pedestals.
1:43.2	Huge pedestals.
1:44.5	And then as we gaze up behind us now,
1:47.8	turning around is the stained glass window,
1:50.6	which depicts the seven ages of man
	...

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