The Rosenbach Museum & Library stewards an amazing collection of American historical material that records centuries of turbulent history. We take seriously our responsibility to create an environment where our community can gather in civility and trust, to learn about our past and build a vibrant future.
To that end, we have created an eclectic series of public discourse-oriented programs designed to enhance civility, provide space for enjoyment and reflection, and build community, debuting in winter 2025. We look forward to welcoming you in the weeks and months ahead to continue this effort together.
IN-PERSON | WORKSHOP
Refuge: Hatha Yoga & Rumi’s The Guest House
Sunday, February 2, 2025 | 2:00 to 3:15 p.m.
Give yourself the gift of an hour on your mat, moving mindfully while exploring themes from this popular Rumi poem, including self-awareness, acceptance, and gratitude. The gentle flow sequence will be suitable for all levels.
REGISTER HERE
LIMITED SEATS
IN-PERSON | BEHIND THE BOOKCASE
The History and Future of the American Presidency
Sunday, February 2, 2025 | 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
On the eve of the presidential inauguration, join the Rosenbach Museum & Library for a consideration of the development of the office of the presidency over the last two centuries. View rare books and manuscripts documenting presidential history, discuss how the powers of the executive office fit into the separation of powers as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, and reflect on the evolving role of the presidency in the wider work of the federal government and American national life.
REGISTER HERE
IN-PERSON | K–12 TEACHER WORKSHOP
Teaching American History in Turbulent Political Times: A Workshop for Elementary
and High School Teachers
Saturday, February 8, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Teaching history will likely be a challenge in the wake of an election which revealed deep divides in our country. Primary source material can be an essential tool at times like these. In this workshop, we’ll take a close look at letters in the Rosenbach’s collection which reveal how leaders like George Washington, John Adams, and Ulysses S. Grant dealt with similar turbulence and division. Together, we’ll brainstorm ways to incorporate this material into your curriculum so that you can give your students a fact-based and unbiased view of American history.
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IN-PERSON | BOOK CLUB
Rosenbach Book Club Special Meeting: The Power of Bridging by john a. powell
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
We don’t want to live in a society in turmoil. Yet with increasing political and social fragmentation, many of us don’t know how to move past our differences. Esteemed civil rights scholar john a. powell offers a framework for building connection across differences through the practice of bridging. He shares personal reflections and practices to help you begin bridging wherever you are—even with those you might never have imagined you could find common ground.
REGISTER HERE
IN-PERSON | WORKSHOP
Book Arts Workshop: Printing America’s Founding Documents
Sunday, March 9, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
For centuries, the printing press has helped ordinary people influence their government, society, and culture. Printing has contributed to the spread of ideas critical for life in a thriving republic. In this hands-on printing workshop, you will use a tabletop press to create your own personal copies of U.S. founding documents. The workshop will be accompanied by a discussion of how print culture has served as a tool of change and given voice to the people, with examples from the Rosenbach collection.
REGISTER HERE