Looking Ahead to Shakespeare's First Folio Tour

First, I apologize for the lack of updates. November and December once again proved to be my blogging downfall. However, I didn't want to let 2015 end without a new post, particularly since the new year is bringing something huge when it comes to English and English education. To commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death in 2016, the Folger Shakespeare Library, the Cincinnati Museum Center, and the American Library Association have partnered to bring copies of Shakespeare's First Folio to 53 sites throughout the year. This includes all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to the First Folio exhibit, the exhibition sites are also going to have related public events and activities.

As a self-professed Shakespeare nerd and a long-time fan of the Folger's approach to Shakespeare, I'm very excited about the potential that the First Folio has for students, teachers, and teacher educators. In addition to seeing the First Folio, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the related events should also offer a great way to get people thinking about Shakespeare. From my conversations with the host site in my state (I've been helping with outreach to my state's other NCTE members), it sounds like these events can include teacher workshops as well as lectures and student-friendly activities and opportunities.

For more information, be certain to visit the Folger page on the First Folio. Besides providing an overview for the First Folio and the tour, the page also has a link to tour dates, locations, and an interactive map.

Are you visiting the First Folio when it comes to a site near you? What do you hope to see or experience when attending the exhibit and/or the related events? Please feel free to share your answers and thoughts in the comments section.