Blog

An interview with Joyce scholar Vicki Mahaffey on her new book The Joyce of Everyday Life 

Vicki Mahaffey has been teaching and writing about James Joyce for decades, at the Rosenbach but also at University of Pennsylvania and University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. And yet she has more to say on the topic. Her new book, The Joyce of Everyday Life (Bucknell University Press), feels like a book Joyce himself might have …

The Portrait of a Lady: Reparative Cataloging at the Rosenbach

On the stairwell of the Rosenbach Museum & Library’s historic house hangs a portrait of a woman and her child (1954.1882). The woman’s elbow rests on a plush sofa while the child combs her mother’s dark hair. The identity of the woman has long been a source of confusion, and our limited documentation on the …

The Rosenbach Museum & Library Announces New Appointments 

The Rosenbach Museum & Library is pleased to announce two new appointments designed to support the organization’s mission of creating “a community that engages with and celebrates the art of the written word using our collection of rare books and manuscripts.”  Bryn Michelson-Ziegler joins us as Assistant Curator of Outreach & Engagement. In this newly created …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Bloomsday Festival 2024

(Philadelphia) – The international Bloomsday Festival returns to Center City Philadelphia on Sunday, June 16, celebrating the literary genius of James Joyce and his groundbreaking novel Ulysses. Celebrated around the world since 1954, the Rosenbach has made Philadelphia the North American destination for the event for over 30 years. An all-day affair featuring a public …

Tracing Celtic Heritage Across the Atlantic 

The Rosenbach Explores the Lasting Legacy of the Irish Diaspora, in Partnership with the Kelly House in Philadelphia and the Princess Grace Irish Library in Monaco  The history of Ireland is closely associated with the history of diaspora—that is, the movement of Irish people all around the world, including to Philadelphia. Irish identity, history, music, …

A letter from Kelsey Scouten Bates, February 2, 2024

Hello Friends, We hope you’re well and keeping warm this winter season. After two years of deep and energetic conversation within the Rosenbach community, I’m so pleased to unveil our new aspirational vision statement that puts what is already our practice into writing, strengthening our commitment toward a common goal:   Through unprecedented physical, intellectual, and …

From the Collection

In this edition of From the Collection, we’re highlighting the recent inter-departmental work that went on behind-the-scenes to prepare and open our new exhibition Succession: Why Presidential History Matters Now. Additionally, along with ongoing object movement and inventory activities, the Rosenbach is welcoming visitors back to the dining room after completing conservation work. Guests can once again see …