A Collaborative Behind the Bookcase Hands-on Tour with the German Society of Pennsylvania
Registration
Admission for this tour is $40. Members receive exclusive discounts on our programs and courses. Not a member? Learn more.
Please check your spam folder for your email confirmation. If you have questions, please call (215) 732-1600 or email rsvp@rosenbach.org.
This program is for those 18 and older.
To promote access to onsite and virtual Rosenbach experiences, we offer scholarships for each Signature Program. To inquire, email Associate Curator and Manager of Public Programs Bryn Michelson-Ziegler at bziegler@rosenbach.org.
Registration opens for Delancey Society members on September 17th, for Rosenbach members on September 24th, and for the general public on October 1st.
Description
Immigration has been a central theme of the history of the United States, especially in the 19th century, when many current U.S. citizens’ ancestors became American residents and citizens. In this special, collaborative tour, learn about Morris Rosenbach, the father of Philip and Dr. A. S. W. Rosenbach, who left Bavaria to start a new life in Philadelphia. Though his life was not always easy and he did not achieve financial success, Morris’s decision to settle in the United States set the stage for the rise of his children as leading collectors and purveyors of American historical material, as well as advocates for the importance of preservation of books and manuscripts.
This special tour is offered in collaboration with the German Society of Pennsylvania Library, whose German Script Transcription Group transcribed historical documents related to Morris’s immigration journey. The tour will include general commentary on immigration in the 19th century, an introduction to the life story of Morris Rosenbach, close consideration of the German-language documents, as well as time for reflection about the place of immigrants in American society today and the United States’ shifting relationship with its “melting pot” heritage.
This program is part of “The People’s Friend: Civic Dialogues at the Rosenbach.” As the United States reckons with challenging civic divisions, the Rosenbach is doing its part to create opportunities to learn, grow, and heal together, as one people. “The People’s Friend: Civic Dialogues at the Rosenbach” invites members of our community to learn about history and build a bright future, together.
Sponsor
2026 American History programming is generously sponsored by Elizabeth H. Gemmill.
Behind the Bookcase: Hands-on Tours at The Rosenbach
Behind the Bookcase: Hands-on Tours offer unparalleled access to see, and even touch, rare and important items not usually on view to the public. Each program is dedicated to a different author, theme, or topic and grants a truly hands-on experience with materials in The Rosenbach’s inspiring collection.
See all upcoming tours here. Space is limited and advance registration is strongly recommended.
This program is part of “The People’s Friend: Civic Dialogues at the Rosenbach.” As the United States reckons with challenging civic divisions, the Rosenbach is doing its part to create opportunities to learn, grow, and heal together, as one people. “The People’s Friend: Civic Dialogues at the Rosenbach” invites members of our community to learn about history and build a bright future, together.