Behind the Bookcase | Rebellious Love: Exploring Queer History, Art, and Literature | In-Person
For many centuries, Queer people have faced marginalization by mainstream society. Yet their obstacles have also given them unique perspectives on the human experience and inspired important contributions to art, literature, and politics. In this tour, we will meet Queer people from history and consider how their diverse identities shaped their lives and informed their work.
Course | Writing Queer Identities with Greta Garbo and Mercedes de Acosta | In-Person
Celebrate National Coming Out Day 2026 at the Rosenbach, as we find inspiration for sensual Queer self-expression in the papers of lesbian playwright Mercedes de Acosta (1892-1968). Participants will leave the Rosenbach with a copy of an Acosta love poem, their own poetry, as well as a lavender pen to continue exploring and expressing Queer identity following the course.
Behind the Bookcase | Lady Starlight: The Radiant Romances, Dramatic Life, and Literary Legacy of Mercedes de Acosta, the “White Prince” of Queer Hollywood’s Golden Age | In-Person
This tour will introduce you to the life, literary work, and romantic liaisons of Mercedes de Acosta before exploring the fascinating story of how Acosta’s papers came to the Rosenbach under the guidance of curator and director William H. McCarthy, Jr. The tour will conclude with a discussion of Acosta’s life lessons for LGBTQ+ Americans in the 21st century.
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[SOLD OUT] Behind the Bookcase Tour | Yours Forever: Love Letters in the Archive | In-Person
Join us for this rare peek into some of the most personal and emotional writing in our collections. We’ll start with the yearnings of poet and notorious romantic John Keats, who signed “yours forever” in letters to the object of his affection, Fanny Brawne. Spend an evening with us as we get up close and personal with a variety of treasures, like handwritten pages from James Joyce’s Ulysses, correspondence from Marlene Dietrich to Mercedes De Acosta, and much more.
[ONE SEAT LEFT] Behind the Bookcase Tour | Yours Forever: Love Letters in the Archive | In-Person
Join us for this rare peek into some of the most personal and emotional writing in our collections. We’ll start with the yearnings of poet and notorious romantic John Keats, who signed “yours forever” in letters to the object of his affection, Fanny Brawne. Spend an evening with us as we get up close and personal with a variety of treasures, like handwritten pages from James Joyce’s Ulysses, correspondence from Marlene Dietrich to Mercedes De Acosta, and much more.