The Folger Institute is a dedicated center for collections-focused research and advanced study in the humanities at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Through its multi-disciplinary, cross-cultural programs and research fellowships, the Institute establishes scholarly communities, fresh research approaches, and new teaching agendas for early modern fields. Explore our current programs, available fellowships, and undergraduate opportunities to see what we have to offer you.
Research & Scholars
The rare materials held at the Folger are meant to be actively used; Henry Folger once called the collection “a fine kit of tools for scholars.” Today, the Folger Shakespeare Library continues to make its books, manuscripts, and artworks as accessible as possible within the limits set by their rarity and, in many cases, fragility. Please note though that our Reading Rooms are currently closed due to a major building renovation project.
Overview of available reference services
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Folger Institute
Fellowships
Each year, the Folger Institute awards a number of research fellowships in one annual competition. We welcome applications from scholars holding the PhD, as well as inquiries and applications from curators, librarians, archivists, and creative artists. A funded fellowship will provide sustained time to read, write, and share ideas.
Scholarly Programs
Folger Institute scholarly programs gather advanced scholars—from early stage graduate students to faculty—to work together around specific topics relating to the history and literature of early modern Europe and the British Isles. Program formats include weekend seminars and symposia, weeklong skills courses, and yearlong monthly colloquia, among others. Participant funding is available to support travel and lodging.
Mellon Initiative in Collaborative Research
The Mellon Initiative in Collaborative Research is designed to re-invigorate deeply rooted forms of humanistic inquiry. With a $1.5 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Folger Institute sponsors a new model of collaborative research at the Folger. The inaugural project is Before 'Farm to Table': Early Modern Foodways and Cultures.
Research at the Folger
The Folger welcomes individual readers, scholars on fellowship, and participants in Folger programs to our reading rooms. While access to the Reading Room and our materials can only be granted to registered readers, registered readers need not be scholars or academics. Anyone with a specific project directly related to Folger collection strengths is welcome to apply for a special permission reader’s card. Learn more about becoming a reader and explore our Scholars-in-Residence guide to get the most out of your visit.
Images and Permissions
The Folger's Department of Photography and Digital Imaging provides researchers and the public access to the Library's world-class collection of rare books, manuscripts, and art through high-quality digital images. You can explore and enjoy the Library’s treasures through our online digital image collection and download images free. Learn more about how to order new images of collection materials.
Online Resources
Our online catalog of vault, open stacks, and electronic materials
Images of our early printed books, manuscripts, and art
A collaboratively edited encyclopedia of all things Folger
A blog featuring scholarship from the Folger
