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The Humanities Lab

Feed your curiosity, grow your mind, and enjoy smart conversation with the Humanities Lab, a full-day course where you can talk with scholars, get up close with the Folger collection, and see a Shakespeare play. It’s fun, and there’s no homework!

Two people discussing a Folger collection item in the Reading Room
Photo by Lloyd Wolf

Not your typical class

If you love literature, history, and drama, these courses are for you. Everyone’s welcome, whether you’re completely new to Shakespeare or a total nerd.

And the time commitment for each course is minimal: one Saturday, and registration includes Folger Theatre tickets and lunch.

Don’t expect a typical classroom setting. We’ll get you up on your feet, speaking Shakespeare’s lines, sticking your nose in books (the really old kind!), exploring our exhibitions, and learning forward at the edge of your seat in our theater.

Two people talking in the Great Hall
Photo by Lloyd Wolf

Course information

We’re running three courses this season, in October, March, and June. Each one costs $150, which includes the price of your theater ticket, lunch, and breakfast goodies. Folger Members pay only $125. Become a member

Please note: These classes are for adults. Participants should be at least 18 years old. For programming for students, please visit: https://www.folger.edu/teach/student-programs/

Open for registration

Humanities Lab: To Hear Her Speak
A group of adults sitting around a table talking to each other

Humanities Lab: To Hear Her Speak

Dive into themes in the Folger exhibitions while talking with scholars, exploring the Folger collection, and seeing Shakespeare's Measure for Measure as part of this course at the Folger.
Sat, Oct 17, 2026, 10:00am – 5:30pm
Folger Library
Humanities Lab: Hamlet
A man and a woman looking at an item in a case in a museum

Humanities Lab: Hamlet

Learn more about Hamlet by talking with scholars, viewing items in the Folger collection, and seeing the play as part of this full-day course.
Sat, Mar 20, 2027, 10:00am – 5:30pm
Folger Library
Humanities Lab: The Comedy of Errors
Two women looking at an item in a case in a museum

Humanities Lab: The Comedy of Errors

Learn more about Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors by talking with scholars and seeing the play as part of this full-day course.
Sat, Jun 12, 2027, 10:00am – 5:30pm
Folger Library

Past courses

 

Humanities Lab: Imagining Shakespeare
Two women looking over a case in a museum exhibit

Humanities Lab: Imagining Shakespeare

Dive into themes in the Folger exhibitions while talking with scholars, exploring the Folger collection, and seeing a play as part of this course at the Folger.
Wed, Jun 17, 2026, 5:30pm
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The Humanities Lab: As You Like It
Woman looking at an object on the wall

The Humanities Lab: As You Like It

Learn more about As You Like It by talking with scholars, exploring the Folger collection, and seeing a play as part of this two-day course.
Wed, Mar 11 & Wed, Mar 18, 2026
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The Humanities Lab: Julius Caesar and Julius X

The Humanities Lab: Julius Caesar and Julius X

Learn more about Julius Caesar by talking with scholars, exploring the Folger collection, and seeing a play as part of this two-day course.
Wed, Oct 1 & Wed, Oct 8, 2025
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