Dr. A. S. W. Rosenbach (1876-1952)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Among America's most influential rare book dealers, he helped build many of the nation's great libraries. He and his brother Philip established the Rosenbach Museum & Library to share their personal collection with the public. They lived on this block from 1926 to 1952.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In the early 20th century, A. S. W. Rosenbach reigned as the most famous rare-book and manuscript dealer in America, the man great collectors and libraries turned to when they wanted a Shakespeare folio or a founding-era document. With his brother Philip he assembled a personal treasure trove and then gave it a permanent public home as the Rosenbach Museum & Library. The brothers lived on this Philadelphia block for the last quarter century of their lives.
Why it matters
Rosenbach helped stock many of the nation's greatest libraries, ensuring that priceless works of literature and history stayed in America and reached the public rather than vanishing into private vaults.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer1.2 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia1.3 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall1.3 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center1.3 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall1.3 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall1.4 mi away · PA
Attractions
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.5 mi away
- The Universal Sphere0.6 mi away
- Reading Terminal0.9 mi away
- Italian market1.1 mi away · Christian Street
- Chinatown Friendship Gate1.1 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- Rocky Steps1.2 mi away
Food & drink
- Munchie’s Cafe1.1 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Garden1.1 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily1.1 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory1.1 mi away
- Fat Salmon1.2 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill1.2 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City0.6 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City0.6 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.7 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express0.7 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn0.8 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City0.8 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
Own a business near here? Add it to the map.
Related people
- · A. S. W. Rosenbach
- · Philip Rosenbach
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Edward Drinker Cope
Philadelphia, PA · est. 2002
The paleontologist and zoologist Edward Drinker Cope lived and worked in this Philadelphia neighborhood in his later years, producing a torrent of scientific papers that described hundreds of fossil and living species. He is best remembered for the "Bone Wars," his fierce, decades-long rivalry with Othniel Charles Marsh of Yale to unearth and name new dinosaurs. Their competition, however bitter, dramatically expanded American knowledge of prehistoric life.
Vincent Persichetti (1915-1987)
Philadelphia, PA · est. 1997
Philadelphia-born Vincent Persichetti became one of his city's most respected twentieth-century composers, producing nine symphonies alongside a vast body of instrumental and choral music. A 1939 graduate of the Curtis Institute, he shaped generations of musicians as a teacher at the Philadelphia Conservatory and, for four decades, at the Juilliard School. His work bridged accessible melody and modern technique.
Mercy Hospital
Philadelphia, PA · est. 1992
Founded in 1907 by African Americans, Mercy Hospital gave Black doctors and nurses a place to train and practice at a time when other Philadelphia hospitals excluded them. It grew quickly, building a larger facility here in 1919 to meet the community's needs. In 1948 it merged with the Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital to form Mercy-Douglass Hospital.
Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital
Philadelphia, PA · est. 1992
When it opened in 1895, Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital became Philadelphia's first hospital serving the Black community, at a time when segregation shut Black doctors and nurses out of most medical institutions. It offered both care to patients and training and employment to Black medical professionals who were otherwise barred from practice. In 1948 it joined with another Black-founded institution to form Mercy-Douglass Hospital.