Shakespeare and the American Story
Shakespeare and the American Story is an exhibition at the Folger Shakespeare Library that explores how the British playwright became deeply woven into the fabric of American history and identity. Conceived to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the exhibition draws from the Folger’s collection to highlight moments when Americans from all backgrounds adopted, critiqued, and adapted Shakespeare’s words and stories for their own purposes. The core of the show presents three landmark “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 (the 1903 edition by Charlotte Porter and Helen Clarke). Additional items from the Folger collection will be added in mid-May.
When: Friday, April 17 through Sunday, August 2, 2026.
Venue: Stuart and Mimi Rose Rare Book and Manuscript Exhibition Hall at the Folger Shakespeare Library.
Tickets: Free; no tickets required.
Exhibition highlights: The central display features three groundbreaking American editions of Shakespeare. Visitors can also use the Folger’s free digital exhibition guide on Bloomberg Connects for curator insights throughout the show. Look for the quill icon placed throughout the gallery to identify objects that are part of this exhibition; the same icon also appears in the adjacent Shakespeare Exhibition and Out of the Vault exhibitions, where additional related objects will be on view.
Digital guide: A free digital guide is available via the Bloomberg Connects app, offering recorded curator commentary and additional context.
Related content: The Folger’s “Shakespeare and Beyond” blog offers three related articles: one on quoting Shakespeare in early America (featuring George Washington and other founders), another on actress Charlotte Cushman’s benefit performances for Union troops during the Civil War, and a third on the work of editors Charlotte Porter and Helen Clarke.
Note: The exhibition is part of a larger suite of offerings at the Folger, including the ongoing Shakespeare Exhibition (First Folios and Shakespeare’s cultural legacy) and the Out of the Vault exhibition (through July 26, 2026), but the description above pertains solely to Shakespeare and the American Story.