May Meeting: An Evening at the Rosenbach Museum

The May Chapter Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at the Rosenbach Museum and Library at 2008-2010 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215-732-1600; map). The Board of Directors will meet at 5:30 pm; all ASA members are welcome. The general meeting from 6:30-8:30 pm will include a buffet dinner and private tour of the Rosenbach townhouses, including the current exhibition, Of Two Minds: Creative Couples in Art and History.

The Rosenbach Brothers
Located in two immaculately maintained 19th century townhouses minutes from Rittenhouse Square, the Rosenbach Museum was established by the testamentary gift of Dr. A.S.W.  Rosenbach and his brother and business partner, Philip Rosenbach -- bachelors who lived at 2010 Delancey. The brothers were probably the most famous dealers of rare books, manuscripts, and decorative arts of the early 20th century.

The Brothers’ Legacy
The Museum contains the brothers’ original libraries and residential areas as well as their collections of rare books, manuscripts, furniture, silver, paintings, prints, drawings, and sculpture. Among the treasures are James Joyce's manuscript of Ulysses and the earliest known letter by George Washington. And manuscripts, notes, photos, and drawings from other luminaries including Lewis Carroll, Cervantes, Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens, Joseph Conrad, and Dylan Thomas.

Other Collections
Two other collections deserve special mention. Maurice Sendak, the famed author and illustrator of Where the Wild Things Are and many other books, had a close, personal relationship with the Rosenbach and donated his rare book collection, including books by Herman Melville, Beatrix Potter, and William Blake.

The Rosenbach also owns almost all of the manuscripts and papers of Modernist poet Marianne Moore, as well as her personal library, thousands of photographs, and the contents of her Greenwich Village living room -- which is permanently installed on the third floor of the historic Rosenbach house.

Register
Space is limited, so please register early for this intriguing educational evening, which will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer. You’ll want to bring a guest to this special event, which qualifies for 2 hours credit toward ASA reaccreditation.

Payment
The cost, including the private tour and buffet dinner, is $35 per person for members and guests. To pay online with your major credit card or PayPal go to the ASA Philadelphia Members Page. Otherwise please make checks payable to ASA Philadelphia Chapter 35.  Please RSVP by Thursday, May 10, to Chapter President Sheila Gorman by mail to 10 Presidential Blvd, Bala Cynwyd PA 19004, email, or phone (484-270-1240).