Shakespeare and the American Story

As William Shakespeare’s home in the United States, the Folger Shakespeare Library is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by sharing how Shakespeare has always been a part of the American story. Selected items from the Folger’s collection offer unique insights into American history with a Shakespearean focus.

How did a British playwright become so intertwined with the American story? The first European colonizers brought Shakespeare’s words and stories with them. Since then, Americans from all backgrounds have made Shakespeare’s words and stories their own. They adopt, critique, and adapt Shakespeare, weaving his work throughout the American experience.

The focal point of Shakespeare and the American Story presents a trio of important American “firsts”: The first American edition of Shakespeare’s plays (1795), the first illustrated American edition of Shakespeare’s plays (1844), and the first American edition of Shakespeare’s plays edited by women (1903).