Dressing for Shakespeare in Shenandoah

Posted March 28, 2016 in Exhibits

JMU Libraries & Educational Technologies is pleased to present Dressing for Shakespeare in Shenandoah, an exhibit in the historic lobby in the west wing of Carrier Library, in celebration of the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s life & death.

Dressing for Shakespeare in Shenandoah illustrates the importance of the Bard in the first 50 years of JMU history, with a focus on 1916, when the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death was commemorated on campus and in Harrisonburg. In the exhibit, you’ll see images and ephemera from JMU’s Special Collections showing the two-day celebration, which included a mile-long parade and an outdoor pageant. Also featured are historic items from the JMU School of Theatre & Dance’s Historic Clothing and Costume Collections, as well as Shakespearean costumes from the Federal Theatre Project (c. 1935-1939). Come see how “town and gown” converged for the 300th anniversary in 1916 with pageantry and plays.While you’re in Carrier Library, go upstairs to visit the Students and Shakespeare exhibit on the second floor of the library, near the Special Collections Reading Room.

Some elements of this exhibit are also available to browse online at the accompanying digital exhibit, Shakespeare in Shenandoah: Celebrating 100 Years of the Bard in the Valley.

These exhibits are free and open to the public during all library hours. Metered parking is available in the lower level of the Grace Street Parking Deck, or visitors can obtain a free temporary parking permit at Parking Services, which is located on the ground level of the Champions Drive Deck adjacent to Bridgeforth Stadium. A map of campus & parking lots is available here (PDF). Parking Services’ business hours are Monday through Friday, 7am to 5pm.

The exhibit runs from March 2016 through February 2018. For more information, please contact Professor of Theatre Pam Johnson (johnsops@jmu.edu) or Julia Merkel (merkeljm@jmu.edu or 540-568-7040).