After years of renovation, the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., reopened this summer on June 21. Since 1970, the Folger Institute has been revered for its research library and extensive collections documenting early modern English history and geography. While most known for holding the world’s largest Shakespeare collection, the Folger encourages research on all aspects of the early modern English period and subsequent theatrical productions of Shakespeare’s works.
George Mason University is a member of the Folger Institute’s Consortium, a community of colleges and universities that share the library’s resources and help fund its projects in return. Being local to the Institute offers many benefits. When programs are being hosted, local schools are often asked to participate and help conduct programs.
“We are so grateful to be a part of this national cohort of scholars,” said Jessica Otis, George Mason’s representative on the Folger Institute’s Consortium Executive Committee, assistant professor of history, and the director of public projects at the Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media. She added, “Since not many students are studying this exact field in every school, the Institution gives them the opportunity to build a community with one another.”
Being a consortium member allows George Mason students and faculty access the plethora of resources that the Folger offers. One of the most unique opportunities students and faculty have access to is being able to observe primary sources in person. The fragility of the documents enforces intentionality from the students and faculty studying this field.
The Institute often holds academic workshops and programs open to the members of the consortium and beyond. As members of the consortium, George Mason students and faculty have priority acceptance into these programs. Along with these opportunities, students and faculty also receive additional benefits. Students accepted into programs and workshops do not pay registration fees for programming and have priority access to financial aid from the Institute to cover their travel expenses. Faculty can access additional educational materials such as online resources for the classroom and are able to bring their classes to visit the Folger in person for interactive programming.
Graduate research assistant and PhD candidate in early modern European history Janet Hammond has attended two Folger programs within the past year. "These opportunities helped me access D.C. archives, network with colleagues in similar fields, gain a deeper knowledge of archival work, learn best practices for a dissertation, and read early modern handwriting," Hammond said. “I would encourage graduate students to apply to the Folger's skills courses and seminars as it offers a broader community for academic support."