Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations - Folger Library

William Shakespeare was supposedly born on April 23 and definitely christened on April 26, 1564. April 23rd is also St George's day and St George was the patron saint of England. Which is probably why it has been stated (but NOT proven) that Shakespeare was born on April 23rd.

The fact that Shakespeare also died on April 23rd, to me, is somewhat suspicious. I would not be at all surpised if young William was several months old, possibly even 6 months old (making him born in 1563) when he was baptised. It was not unusual at all for parents to have several children baptised at the same time. It was very common for children to not be baptised until they were 2 or 3 or even 4 years old.

Anyway this week is the 443rd anniversary of Shakespeare's birth. The Folger Library in Washington DC is celebrating its 75th birthday by having an OPEN HOUSE on Sunday (April 29th) from Noon to 4pm.


It’s the one day of the year when the Folger Reading Room is open to everyone for free. And there is birthday cake for everyone!!!

Free children's activities including the following;
Shakespearean fortune-telling;
quill pen writing;
brooch-making;
felt pendant-making;
potpourri-making;
ivy garland-making;
and other Elizabethan crafts.
Plus Elizabethan games.

Other Activities include -
Renaissance music, song, and dance throughout the Folger.
Stories of life in sixteenth-century England.
Shakespeare lovers performing their own bit in "Spontaneous Shakespeare."
Folger Secondary School Shakespeare Festival performances.
Tours of the Reading Rooms and the Elizabethan Garden.
The Reading Rooms feature sixteenth-century tapestries, paintings from scenes of the Bard’s plays, and the famed "Seven Ages of Man" stained glass window.
The Elizabethan Garden features an herb garden with plants popular in Shakespeare’s time and mentioned in his plays.
Mementos for sale at the Folger Shop.