Virtual Public Program: Perspectives from the Collection: The Bay Psalm Book

Perspectives from the Collection: The Bay Psalm Book With Nan Wolverton, Elizabeth Watts Pope, J.P. Ascher, Nancy Fresella-Lee, and Babette Gehnrich.
Presented on: January 7, 2025

Join us as we explore the intriguing history of The Whole Book of Psalms, the earliest edition of which dates to 1640. Known as the Bay Psalm Book, it was the first book printed in British North America and an early acquisition made by AAS's founder Isaiah Thomas. This modest volume of metered psalms, meant to be sung during worship services, had many subsequent editions. In 2014, the Society was able to acquire a copy of the also exceedingly rare fourteenth edition, printed in 1709. That edition featured musical notations, making it the earliest example of printed music in the Society's collections. As the volume arrived in a perilous state, too damaged to be handled safely, extensive conservation was undertaken by AAS conservators the following year.

This virtual program features an engaging discussion between scholar J.P. Ascher; Nancy Fresella-Lee, conservation assistant; Babette Gehnrich, chief conservator; and Elizabeth Watts Pope, curator of books. Each will share their perspectives on the Bay Psalm Book, drawing from their own areas of expertise.