“Holding History: Shakespeare’s Plays & Poems” Event Set for July 21

You can hold history in your hands and explore some of the most important books ever printed. On July 21, join us for “Holding History: Shakespeare’s Plays & Poems.” Meet with undergraduate and graduate students (with majors ranging from English to Astrophysics) to turn the pages of about a dozen rare volumes including the second printing of Shakespeare’s Sonnets.

The event welcomes public audiences into the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Special Collections, but also provides a forum for training students to share their knowledge and the resources of the campus with our broader community.

“Holding History is the truly the Wisconsin Idea in action,” said Joshua Calhoun, Assistant Professor in the Department of English at UW-Madison. “Holding History is just one project that helps encourage students to take responsibility for the Wisconsin Idea and the notion that their knowledge isn’t private. It’s meant to be spread throughout the community.”

This Holding History Event, hosted by Joshua Calhoun and UW Special Collections, is being offered in partnership with UW Continuing Studies, and UW-Madison Libraries. In November 2016, the University will also welcome Shakespeare’s First Folio to campus for a month long exhibition.

Want to learn more? Visit Joshua Calhoun’s site to read more on his work and watch videos detailing his studies.