The Boston Athenæum is a membership library, museum, and venue for intellectual exchange. It was founded in 1807 and is one of this country's oldest, continuously-operating cultural institutions. Its rich, well-documented history and its continuing place in American society and culture are made tangible by the historic building on Boston's famed Beacon Street that it has called home since 1849, and the unique, varied collections of books, manuscripts, and art that it contains. Today, the Athenæum remains a vibrant and active institution that serves a wide variety of members and scholars and offers exhibitions and selected programs for the enjoyment and enlightenment of all. (more)