The Rosenbach

Art and culture connect us all. The Rosenbach Museum & Library is proud to be among the 322 organizations supported by the this year. This grant provides essential unrestricted support that allows us to serve the
Philadelphians we love.

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Influential American author and philosopher Henry David Thoreau was born on July 13, 1817. He lived a multifaceted life as an author, naturalist, philosopher, and historian. He was also known to be a tax resister, abolitionist, development critic, and surveyor. His book, Walden, is a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings.

July 2nd is recognized as National Simplicity Day, which honors Thoreau by inviting us to slow down and reflect on ways to simplify our lives. It offers an opportunity to clear away clutter, let go of unnecessary burdens, and focus on what truly matters. Even spending a few quiet moments in nature can help restore perspective, renew our focus, and bring a greater sense of balance.

Image: Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862). Title page of Walden; or Life in the Woods. Rosenbach Museum & Library. AL1 .T488w 854.

Today, we're celebrating our feline friends with a literary twist. One of the great cat lovers in American poetry, Marianne Moore, immortalized her beloved cat in her poem "Peter."

In "Peter", Moore captures the intelligence, independence, and quiet dignity that cat owners know so well. Rather than treating Peter as simply a pet, she portrays him as a unique personality—curious, self-possessed, and full of character—reflecting her keen eye for the natural world and her affection for animals.

These photographs from our collection show Marianne Moore holding a cat, offering a glimpse of the poet's lifelong love of felines, a passion that found its way into both her life and her work.

This National Cat Day, celebrate by reading "Peter" and plan a visit to the Rosenbach to explore the Marianne Moore Collection. Discover her manuscripts, personal library, photographs, and other treasures that offer an intimate look at one of America's most distinctive poets and devoted cat lovers.

Images:
Unknown Photographer. Marianne Moore with cat. Rosenbach Museum & Library. 2006.5031.
Unknown Photographer. Marianne Moore playing with a cat. Photographic print. Rosenbach Museum & Library. 2006.5140.
Esther Bubly. Portrait of Marianne Moore sitting in an armchair, looking photo-left at Siamese cat. Photgraphic print. Rosenbach Museum & Library. 2006.5973.

As we celebrate our nation's independence, we're reminded that national identity is shaped not only by historic events but also by the stories we tell, the books we read, and the conversations we share.

The Rosenbach Museum & Library will partner with Abbotsford - The Home of Sir Walter Scott for a transatlantic book club that invites readers to explore these themes. Together, we'll consider how national identity has been formed and reformed through history, literature, and culture in both Scotland and the United States.

Held via Zoom, each session features presentations of rare materials from the Rosenbach and Abbotsford collections, offering a unique opportunity to connect with literary treasures while engaging in thoughtful discussion with readers on both sides of the Atlantic.

We hope you'll join us to read fascinating works of literature, discover remarkable collection materials, and make new friends across the Atlantic. Visit www.rosenbach.org to learn more.

Photo credit: Alexander L. Ames