Stories from the Folger Vaults

This new event series from the Folger Shakespeare Library sounds unbelievably cool. Their new after-hours series, "Stories from the Folger Vaults," includes talks with staff experts on topics ranging from the latest Shakespeare portrait controversy to 16th-century love spells. They're also extending the viewing hours of their summer exhibition, The Curatorial Eye: Discoveries from the Folger Vaults, which is a collection of items selected by Folger staffers.

Oh, and the lectures are free and include a dessert reception. Who's game?

The lecture line-up:

"Is this Shakespeare?"
July 15, 6-8 p.m.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the Janssen portrait, which was recently linked to the latest Shakespeare portrait controversy. Erin Blake, curator of art and special collections at the Folger Shakespeare Library, discusses why she believes the painting is not Shakespeare. The event also includes opportunities to talk with The Curatorial Eye exhibition staff about their favorite items.

"Conservation Lab: Preserving History"
July 29, 6-8 p.m.

Rare and fragile documents require expert treatment to safeguard them for present and future generations. Staff from the Folger's conservation lab has developed pioneering techniques for repairing and maintaining historic materials, and the lab is a leading center for research and training. See examples of the lab's work and talk with conservators about one of the Folger's most fascinating departments.

"Practical Magic"
August 12, 6-8 p.m.

Learn the secrets of black and white magic in the age of Shakespeare from a 16th–century book of spells. Generations of users consulted this rare manuscript to learn how to catch thieves, find love, or cure sickness. Heather Wolfe, curator of manuscripts at the Folger, shares stories from her work with this remarkable document.