Schlesinger Library Boston
A true hidden gem in Boston!
I’m standing before Schlesinger Library, across a grassy area framed by red brick buildings on Harvard’s campus, watching squirrels playfully dart around. Soon, I’ll step inside, eagerly awaiting the chance to handle the original copies of Julia Child’s cookbooks. I discovered Julia through the movie Julie&Julia. Her recipes have since become my kitchen staples.
As a full-time traveler, my pre-trip research always prioritizes two things: food spots, and libraries. It’s almost surreal to find a place that perfectly combines my love for both. This library is a hidden haven, home to extensive documentation on the lives and contributions of women in the United States. I was drawn by the world-renowned culinary archive, housing over 15,000 books, including the first cookbook by a woman from 1679 and Julia Child’s personal papers.
I’m thrilled as I head to the reading room. The room, bathed in natural light from its high ceilings and adorned with artworks, feels welcoming. I choose a table, soon an attendant brings a folder and leaves me to explore.
Carefully, I pull out pages of delicate parchment, noticing Julia’s handwritten corrections and margin notes. The scent of the aged paper adds to the experience as I delve into recipes for sauces, soups, and meats. These original manuscripts transport me back in time, offering a unique glimpse into culinary history. I lose track of time, leave with photos, and plan to return. If you’re in Boston, don’t miss this hidden gem for an enriching experience of women’s works. Free entry with registration!
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