If you’ve ever joined our friends at The Rosenbach for Bloomsday, you know how fun (and slightly surreal) it can be to hear a book read aloud over an extended period of time. Well, the next Bloomsday may be several months off yet, but we have something else you just might be interested in!

The Rosenbach – in conjunction with Independence Seaport Museum – will be reading Herman Melville’s classic Moby-Dick in its entirety over a 24-hour span, October 19-20. That’s right, a whole day’s worth of the Great White Whale! In addition to the reading, the event will feature a boatload (badum bum!) of food, fun, and activities for all ages.

The Rosenbach is home to an extensive collection of Melville items, including a first-edition of Moby-Dick inscribed to his father-in-law, Lemuel Shaw, and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s personal copy. You can also find Moby Dick ephemera in our digital collections via the Rare Book Department, and if you just want to read up and refresh your memory before joining us for the celebrations, you can check out the book, ebook, or audiobook from our catalog!

Don’t miss out – it’s going to be a WHALE of a good time!

(We’ll see ourselves out.)

For a detailed schedule, as well as more information on admission, the VIP option, the chowder tasting (!), and much more, please visit Rosenbach.org.