Some of the most important work of The Players Foundation happens quietly—just out of view.

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The recent renovation of our new Research Room on the Club’s fourth floor is one such example. Long used to house portions of the Foundation’s archival collection, the room has now been thoughtfully transformed to better protect, organize, and provide access to materials central to our mission.

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The upgrades—new flooring, ceiling, cabinetry, and electrical—were undertaken with care for the collection itself: primarily books, letters, and other paper materials that require stable, well-managed conditions. Just as importantly, the redesigned space allows for far greater organization and accessibility for researchers and those with a passion for theatre history.

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At the heart of this room is a newly clarified focus: the preservation of Edwin Booth’s legacy through his library and its context.

The room now brings together:​

• Volumes from Edwin Booth’s personal library, generously donated to The Players

• Works by and connected to his contemporaries, offering a richer view of the theatrical world in which he lived

• Books donated by Walter Hampden, linking another great American Shakespearean actor to this evolving scholarly resource
   

Together, these collections form a meaningful continuum—one that reflects the Foundation’s commitment not only to preservation and education, but to deepening understanding of Booth’s life, influence, and artistic legacy.

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Today, The Research Room houses more than 2,500 volumes, including works on Shakespeare, theatrical biography, and historic play. Each item is cataloged in PastPerfect, a professional museum collections management system that enables us to organize, track, and ultimately make these materials more discoverable and useful to scholars and enthusiasts alike.

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This transformation reflects both thoughtful design and extraordinary collaboration.

 

Our deep thanks to:​

• Michael Gerbino, whose design maximized every inch of space and brought clarity and coherence to the room

• Peter VanDyke, who secured essential financial support and access to contractors

• Arran Fenniman, for expert woodworking contributions

• Jim Eckerle, for steady project management and organization

• Pamela Singleton and Elizabeth Jackson, who helped shepherd the collection safely out—and back into—its renewed home

• Linus Redmond, for cataloging and ongoing support
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This room may not be a public space, but its impact is profound. It stands as a tangible example of how donor support advances the Foundation’s work: preserving the collection, protecting it for future generations, and making it increasingly accessible to those who seek to study and appreciate the history of the theatre.

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There is treasure in every corner—sometimes just a floor above.