The Folger’s collection is vast and varied, including printed books; manuscripts; prints, drawings, photographs, paintings, and other works of art; and a wealth of performance history, from playbills to films, recordings, and stage costumes.
In addition to the rare material collection, the Folger holds a collection of over 100,000 monographs, periodicals, and electronic resources published between the 1830s and the present, related to the understanding and interpretation of Shakespeare, his works and impact, and to the early modern world.
History of the collection
Henry Clay Folger and his wife, Emily Jordan Folger, began amassing the collection of rare books that would become the Folger Shakespeare Library in 1889. They spent decades gathering the world’s largest Shakespeare collection, as well as associated works from Shakespeare’s time. The Library itself opened in 1932, and continues to expand its holdings today.
Related blog posts
Explore some of the scholarly work being done with, in, and around our collections.
Charles T. Grilley and the Garrick letter
How Henry Folger acquired a David Garrick letter in our collection
Interview and excerpt: Jessica Goethals, Margherita Costa, Diva of the Baroque Court
An interview with Dr. Jessica Goethals and an excerpt from her 2023 book Margherita Costa, Diva of the Baroque Court.
Marmalade boxes, Lenten fasts, and love
Heather Wolfe discovers the true intentions behind Jane Skipwith’s marmalade box
Who Cares about Care?
Fellow Zachary Dorner explores how labor, medical care, and class interacted in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Collection Connections: 'Homegoing' by Yaa Gyasi, Pt. 2
Ivie Orobaton revisits her February 2024 presentation on Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing, the second of a two-part series.