Current Exhibition
Samuel Breck (1771-1862): Books from the Library of a Philadelphia Francophile
Son of Samuel Breck, Sr., agent to the Royal Army and Navy of France during the Revolutionary War, Samuel Breck, Jr., was sent to the College of Loveze in France when he was 11 years old. Remaining there for four years, Breck then returned to the family home in Boston, but then moved with his family to Philadelphia in 1793. Fluent in French, Breck easily made friends among the large French community residing in Philadelphia. He joined the Athenaeum in 1819 and subsequently donated a large collection of his books in both French and English to the library. This exhibition, with the addition of some items loaned from other collections, represents Breck’s donation.
Free Admission
Exhibition Dates: December 7-March 1
Generously supported by The Barra Foundation