General Public

Panel Discussion: What is “America”?

What is “America”? What does it look like? Where can it be found? What does “America” mean and for whom? Join us on the Mezzanine at the Beinecke on April 17 at 4:00 pm for a panel that celebrates the publication of MAGNUM AMERICA/USA, an ambitious new book that juxtaposes historical commentary with eight decades of vivid photographs in the archive of the renowned Magnum Photography collective, founded in the wake of World War II, to offer potential answers to those questions.

Passover Pop-up Exhibition

Yale’s Special Collections at the Beinecke house extraordinary Passover Haggadot, books of Jewish custom (minhagim), and legal treatises related to the holiday. Join us to explore these rare and beautiful books from around the world as the Passover season begins. At a pop-up exhibit, you are welcome to come at any time during the one-and-a-half-hour period to view the materials and ask questions.

A Cosmos of Similarity

Imagine a world in which similarity is the foundation of everything. That idea, inspired by the writings of cultural theorist Walther Benjamin (1892–1940) and Yale Professor Paul North, is the basis for the new exhibition in the Cushing Rotunda: A Cosmos of Similarity. Showcasing lesser-known works from the founding collection of the Medical Historical Library, this captivating new display charts a rich intellectual history in which mathematics, theology, natural philosophy, art, and medicine intertwine.

Creating “Theatres of Living Memory” in Nigeria

Join trailblazing architect Seun Oduwole, Co-founder/ Director of Living Object and Principal Architect at SI.SA, for a discussion on the curatorial and architectural vision behind the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. This landmark institution reclaims and reimagines Yoruba history and culture. Learn about the significance of this site in preserving cultural heritage in Nigeria.

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Transforming Public Libraries in Kenya

Book Bunk in Nairobi, Kenya is reimagining and renovating public libraries into sites of heritage, public art, and learning. Join Book Bunk’s Co-founder Wanjiru Koinange for an inspiring discussion on how Kenya’s colonial-era libraries are being transformed into vibrant, inclusive spaces for creativity, knowledge, and community.

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Meeting the Moments: Connecticut’s Roger Sherman and America 250

Beinecke Library welcomes all to a special display of materials from Yale Library collections related to Roger Sherman, America 250, Connecticut, New Haven, and Yale History on Sherman’s birthday. The display will be on Saturday, April 19, from 12 noon to 4pm in the Beinecke Library reading room, 121 Wall Street.

Mondays at Beinecke: America 250, Roger Sherman, and Connecticut with Jason Mancini and Frank Mitchell

Zoom webinar registration link: https://bit.ly/41tIZmF

Michael Morand, Beinecke Library Director of Community Engagement and New Haven City Historian, will be in conversation with CT Humanities Executive Director Jason Mancini and Board Chair Frank Mitchell about plans and aspirations for America 250 in Connecticut and the work of the America 250 | CT Commission, which is administered by CT Humanities.

54 Years in the Studio: An Oral History on Violin Pedagogue Dorothy DeLay

Keeley Brooks, graduating senior, will present her senior thesis which consists of approximately 30 oral history interviews with students of the great violin pedagogue, Dorothy DeLay

Yale Collegium Musicum Concert

The Yale Collegium Musicum presents

Music of Renaissance Spain

Sacred and secular vocal and instrumental music, including villancicos, folias, pavanas, canarios, jácaras, españoletas, and more, played on recorders, flutes, sackbuts, violins, viols, guitars, theorbos, harpsichords, and percussion.

Wednesday, April 16
Lecture 4:30 pm, concert 5:15 pm
Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

2nd Annual Miles Hoffman Concert

The Gilmore Music Library is excited to present the second annual Miles Hoffman Concert, honoring the memory of noted violist and public radio commentator, Miles Hoffman ’73. The concert series is possible thanks to the generosity of Dr. Jeffrey Ravetch, ’73, classmate and friend of Hoffman. This year’s concert will feature a variety of selections exploring early examples of chamber music and looking at how the idea of some kinds of “chamber music” grew in other directions. The concert takes place in the Beinecke Library on April 10, 2025 at 4:00. A reception will follow.