Our Events

Special Event

Alex Ames, Re-imagining Melville for Modern Times: Behind the Scenes at The Rosenbach’s New American Voyager Exhibition

Wednesday, October 30, 2019 - 2:00 PM | Whitridge Room | for members only | free of charge | advance registration required

Learn more about the Library’s connection to one of America’s most important literary and historical figures.

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Herman Melville, a Library shareholder, the Library and The Rosenbach, a museum and special collections library in Philadelphia, have partnered on an exciting exhibition titled American Voyager: Herman Melville at 200. Join us for a behind-the-scenes peek into the design and development of the exhibition with Dr. Alex Ames, The Rosenbach’s Collections Engagement Manager and curator of the show. In addition to exploring Melville’s life, times, and literary legacy, Ames will explain efforts undertaken by The Rosenbach to link the exhibition to timely issues facing the United States today, namely LGBTQ+ identities, ecology, ocean pollution, social justice, and globalization. The presentation will include an introduction to The Rosenbach’s Melville collection, information about visiting American Voyager, details about the Library’s major loan to the show, and a special offer for Library members interested in coming to Philadelphia.


This event is co-sponsored with The Rosenbach.