Department of English

Shakespeare at Penn: Uncovering Mysteries and Relics at Penn Libraries

A Global Discovery Series Event Featuring Professors Zachary Lesser and Whitney Trettien

Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm

VIRTUAL

Explore the enigmatic treasures of the Penn Libraries’ world-class Shakespeare collection in this fascinating webinar. Conservators at the Steven Miller Conservation Laboratory, in collaboration with faculty, curators, and researchers, have uncovered new insights into objects steeped in history, intrigue, and mystery. Among the highlights are the ashes of a burned Shakespeare folio, once owned by famed Philadelphia actor Edwin Forrest, whose collection met a fiery fate in the 19th century. For years, these ashes were believed to be the remnants of a priceless First Folio, but the truth behind them tells a more complex story. We’ll also delve into the lore surrounding a pair of embroidered leather gloves. Displayed on a tufted red satin bed, these gauntlets carry rumors of curses and claims of belonging to Shakespeare himself. Join English professors Whitney Trettien and Zachary Lesser, and Head of Conservation Sarah Reidell, as they lead us through these stories and the technology, old and new, that helped to unravel these mysteries, which holds lessons for thinking about the present and future of libraries and conservation. We will also tour the Steven Miller Conservation Laboratory via live stream, followed by discussion.

Featuring Zachary Lesser, Whitney Trettien