american antiquarian society

This over-privileged non-profit has twice at least published or allowed to be published information that they have certain special items, like George Washington's diary, say, and I can tell you for a fact that I worked there for a while, and no one on the inside would confirm that the rumored stories were actually true. Anything to stay in business, I guess. Not really contributing to society.

I hadn't been to the Antiquarian Society since I was a teenager, when I attended a writing award reception. Returning now as a writer and teacher, I was amazed that I had not frequented the place in-between those two moments in time. It was a privilege to be screened for the entry process, receive a card, and enter the building to research. I was able to request (and receive within ten minutes) journals from the early 1800s, and peruse them in peace and quiet. It's important to remember than when you enter the record room you are required to place all bags (including purses) into a locker, and you are not allowed to have any food or drink (including water) while in the library. However, you are allowed to bring a camera to capture digital images in silent mode.

The American Antiquarian Society houses the largest collection of American printed material from the 16th century thru the mid 19th century. It is the primary resource library for historical research for this period. It is open to the public one day a week, for tours, Wednesdays at 3 PM. But it also holds regular evening lectures given by world famous historians. Find out more at http://www.americanantiquarian.org/

I've only recently started going to the Antiquarian Society after over thirty years of living in Worcester. They have a fall and a spring speakers series that are free for the public. It is a beautiful building much in the style of Jefferson's Monticello sitting on the corner of Salisbury and Park. The speakers are for the most part researchers/academics/fellows who have been researching a particular topic from within the files/stacks of the libraries extensive collection of American print history. Surprisingly, what one might think is going to be a stuffy séance of a talk, runs the gamut on so many interesting topics that really surprise you with their content. Two that stood out from recently were on the American Scrapbook and The Great American Novel.One would almost hate to tell anyone about this gem of an experience in Worcester for fear of overcrowding these great events. But you won't ever regret going!

A privilege to learn what use is made of letters, newspaper collections, thousands of printed items, their restoration and visit the temperature controlled stacks.

This museum is only open at specific times but their treasures are great. Students and scholars can be found there and the staff is helpful and pleasant.

Excellent collection, staff is most helpful. One of the best collections of early American Newspapers and Broadsides in the U.S. Coverage is national, not all material is in the on-line catalog. If you are looking for something specific a call to the reference department may be helpful.

I went here to do research.This is a rare place and repository of printed materials that were created before the Civil War. The current repository is the Library of Congress. The building is a small version of what Jefferson would have built.Access is limited to researchers.

There are very interesting archives which can be seen on a tour. Many lectures are held here throughout the year. Famous writers are often to be heard here.

An amazing step back into American history. The docent led tours are informative and give you an overview of the entire collection, which is normally only available to scholars. You are able to see real Colonial Era newspapers and journals - view archives and see documents being scanned. Very worthwhile for Adults, teens and older children. Not a tour for young children -

This very specialized library comprises one of the best collections in the country for scholars doing research on American history before 1876.