News

Selected stories from the Beinecke Library, YaleNews, and external media outlets (the latter noted by source in parentheses after title of article).

Yale exhibit highlights historical impact of Black communities in New Haven (NBC Connecticut)
March 4, 2026
An exhibit at Yale University features 300 years of history exploring how the Black community has impacted New Haven over the centuries. Visitors can view the exhibit through March 8.
At the Beinecke, students explore archives from the dawn of the Nuclear Age
March 3, 2026
In an undergraduate seminar, global affairs majors use the Yale Library’s archival collections to bring a historical perspective to contemporary questions about diplomacy and national security.
Object lesson: Hints to an enslaved family's history
March 1, 2026
This is a story about what has been kept, forgotten, and can be recovered. It began for me in 2017 with a mark on a map of New Haven from 1748 made by James Wadsworth, a Yale College senior from nearby Durham. It tracks to Ashmun, Grove, and York Streets, now a small city park adjacent to Grove Street Cemetery.
Music Library’s 3rd Miles Hoffman Concert features newly acquired guitar manuscripts
February 20, 2026
On March 5 at 4 p.m., Professor João Luiz Rezende and his students will present Yale Library’s Third Miles Hoffman Concert at the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. The performers will present works written by and for famed guitarist Andres Segovia. The concert is free and open to the public.
‘The Roots of Healing’: The books that fed our knowledge of medicinal plants
February 9, 2026
An exhibit at Sterling Memorial Library traces six centuries of “herbals” — guides to the medicinal properties of plants — highlighting the enduring intersection of art, science, and the humanities in the pursuit of better medicine.
The Daily Heller: Mixed Messages of American Patriotism (Print)
February 6, 2026
American patriotism demands more than displaying a flag lapel pin. To be patriotic is acceptance of the fundamental moral, ethical and legal principles without which the United States would cease to exist. On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the founding of this nation, Unfurling the Flag: Reflections on American Patriotism at the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library (March 16–Sept. 27), will explore what this charged word and concept means.
‘Revolutionary Barcelona’: in the archives, history comes to life
February 3, 2026
In an undergraduate course, Yale students examined historical objects from the Spanish Civil War — and engaged with history hands-on in Barcelona.
Yale Library announces the return of 12th-century manuscript to the Republic of Poland
January 29, 2026
Yale University Library has announced the transfer of a liturgical manuscript known as the Cistercian Collectar (Beinecke MS 883), from the collection of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library to the Republic of Poland. The library welcomed representatives from Poland to New Haven on Jan. 29 to retrieve the manuscript in person.
Newly processed archival collections at the Beinecke, October through December 2025
January 21, 2026

The following information on recent archival processing work at Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library was written by Mary Caldera, Associate Director for...
Let The Semiquincentennial Celebrations Begin! (New Haven Independent)
January 21, 2026
Wednesday morning Mayors Elicker and Sherman and a dozen members of the city’s America 250 Commission — among many representatives from Yale University, the New Haven Free Public Library and other participating institutions — were on hand for an enthusiastic press conference in the rotunda lobby of the New Haven Museum.
New Haven announces more than 60 planned events to celebrate America’s 250th birthday (WTNH)
January 21, 2026
New Haven on Wednesday announced a lineup of more than 60 events planned throughout 2026, celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Exhibit showcases ‘enduring power of hands’ through art and artifacts (Yale Daily News)
December 1, 2025
An exhibit on campus is trying to put a finger on the importance of hands. The exhibition, called “I hold it towards you,” is on display through Dec. 5 at the ISOVIST Gallery at the Center for Collaborative Arts and Media.
Beinecke Library 2024-2025 Annual Report
November 24, 2025

The Beinecke Library 2024-2025 Annual Report, including statistics and selected recent acquisitions, can be read and downloaded here: Beinecke Library 2024-...
Exploring centuries of worship: Liturgical studies students delve into rare manuscripts at the Beinecke Library
November 19, 2025
In early November, liturgical studies professors Melanie Ross and Nina Glibetić took Yale Institute of Sacred Music (ISM) students in the “Foundation of Christian Worship” class to the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library where they examined a variety of materials that show how Christian worship has been practiced across time and place.
Five Things to Know… ‘Textured Stories’: The crêpe-paper books that brought Japanese culture to Western readers
November 7, 2025
“Textured Stories,” an exhibit at the Beinecke Library, explores the history and influence of Japanese chirimen books that sought to familiarize Western audiences with Japan’s literature and culture.
Beinecke Library acquires Sylvia Plath family papers
November 7, 2025
The Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library has acquired a significant archive documenting the life and work of American poet Sylvia Plath.
The worlds of tarot: Students explore the history and meaning of divinatory cards
October 30, 2025
In a new course taught by Todne Thomas and Nicholas Jones, students are taking an interdisciplinary approach to the study of tarot—a divinatory medium practiced by fortune-tellers, artists, and the curious for centuries.
Newly processed archival collections at the Beinecke, July through September 2025
October 7, 2025

Newly processed archival collections at the Beinecke, July through September 2025 The following information on recent archival processing work at Beinecke Rare...
New U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze is recent recipient of Yale’s Bollingen Prize
September 15, 2025
Arthur Sze has been named the 25th U.S. Poet Laureate for 2025-26 by the Library of Congress. His term begins with a public reading on Oct. 9.
Beinecke project on early Black students continues to grow
September 10, 2025
A new website makes the ongoing research accessible to family members, scholars, and the public.