America 250

19th century superstar Charlotte Cushman’s final performances included benefits for Union troops during the American Civil War. The fundraising organizers thanked her with commemorative albums now in the Folger collection.

Charlotte Porter and Helen Clarke were outliers in the world of Shakespeare editing and scholarship—female, queer, non-academic, and the first editors to base their edition and analysis on the text of Shakespeare’s First Folio of 1623.

As America celebrates its 250^th anniversary, we’re exploring the larger-than-life role played by an English playwright from more than 400 years ago in American entertainment, education, and history. Enjoy a round-up of Folger podcasts and blog posts about Shakespeare’s influence in America.