American History

Americans have conscripted Shakespeare in causes all the way back to Jamestown’s founding. Looking ahead, might Shakespeare’s talent for giving “us pause” or “time to pause. And attend” in a fractured world create a new unifying consensus?

The word happiness had multiple meanings at the time that Jefferson was writing the Declaration of Independence, and those different definitions also appear in Shakespeare, a writer whom Jefferson admired.

Shakespeare is part of American history and the Folger collection offers unique insights into his impact on American culture. Meet some of the political and cultural figures from America’s first 250 years and learn about their ties to Shakespeare.

In an excerpt from her new book about when literature spoke truth to power during the Red Scare, critic Marjorie Garber looks at how Shakespeare inspired journalist Edward R. Murrow and the role it continued to play in his reporting.

Shakespeare was familiar to George Washington and many other advocates for independence from Great Britain. They thought that he embodied the American spirit and adapted him to their uniquely American needs, in letters, speeches, and more.

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.