On December 14, 2023 the Folger’s virtual book club continues with a discussion of The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown. To prepare for the discussion, we have pulled together a list of resources related to families in Shakespeare’s work and the Folger collection.
EXPLORE early modern family dynamics
- Aphorism therapy, or, How to cope with dishonest relatives
- Wooing and Wedding: Courtship and Marriage in Early Modern England
LEARN more about how family history can be traced
- Folger copy 54: The First Folio as family scrapbook
- Where do family trees come from?
- Symbols of Honor: Heraldry and Family History in Shakespeare’s England (Folger Exhibition)
LISTEN to related podcast episodes, including on Shakespeare’s own family relationships
- Episode 60: Shakespeare and Girlhood
- Episode 105: Imagining Shakespeare’s Wife
- Episode 150: Maggie O’Farrell on Hamnet
- Episode 180: Lena Cowen Orlin on The Private Life of William Shakespeare
TEST your knowledge of families in Shakespeare plays
We would like to thank the following organization for its generous support of this program
Join us for a future event
Pairing Texts: Shakespeare and the Sweep of Literature
Pairing Texts: Shakespeare and the Sweep of Literature
This free professional development session for teachers guides participants into a paired-text approach that places Shakespeare in genuine conversation with other literature.
Wed, May 13, 2026, 8pm ET
Folger Salon with Nakeisha Daniel and JaMeeka Holloway, and Lorenzo Gatta
Folger Salon with Nakeisha Daniel and JaMeeka Holloway, and Lorenzo Gatta
Learn about research happening at the Folger in real time! Each month, Folger Institute scholar and artist fellows will share their most exciting finds and thought-provoking challenges, followed by casual open conversation.
Thu, May 14, 2026 at 4:30pm
Family Workshop: An Ode to the Gardens
Family Workshop: An Ode to the Gardens
Families will take inspiration from the season to make connections with nature in Shakespeare’s plays and throughout the Folger itself. Then, head to the Folger’s gardens to compose an “Ode to the Folger Gardens,” using lines from Shakespeare and Rita Dove’s poetry!
Sat, May 16, 2026 at 11:30am & 1pm
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