The Athenaeum History

Please note that this is a student project, and represents the student's impressions of his visit.
This project should not be considered an authenticated source on the history of the Providence Athenaeum.

To find out more about the Providence Athenaeum, please visit the library's webpage, providenceathenaeum.org.

Keeping the idea of the separation of history and memory, I present a short history of the Providence Athenaeum in an object timeline.

1753- The library is founded as the fourth oldest membership library in America by librarian Nicholas Brown as well as other predominant Providence families, such as the Hopkins, Angells, Bowen’s and Olneys. The library collection is housed in the Old Town House on Meeting Street.

1758- A fire burns the original collection of books.

1772- The Library offers students of Brown the use of its books.

1836- The library merges with the group called The Providence Athenaeum and takes on the groups name.

1838- The current Greek Revival building is built on Benefit Street by William Strickland.

1881- The painting collection of the library was stolen.

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