From the poems of Emily Dickinson to Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita, many of the masterworks of modern literature were originally written by hand, then typed. But their creators were rarely the ones to type them. This work was performed by typists—usually women—working for love, money, or both. Largely uncredited, this labor has generally been undervalued and misunderstood, with the typists seen as mere conduits for the writing that passed through their hands. Drawing on collections across Houghton Library, Thanks for Typing spotlight typists’ surprising contributions to literature, theater, film, and dance. The exhibition also puts typists in context by showing the technical skill required for their work and exploring portrayals of typists in popular culture.
Co-curated by Christine Jacobson, Associate Curator of Modern Books and Manuscripts, and Dale Stinchcomb, Drue Heinz Curator of Literary and Historical Manuscripts at The Morgan Library & Museum.
Opening Reception and Winship Lecture with Erin McGuirl
Please join us on March 4 from 5:30–7:30 PM in the Edison and Newman Room for the opening reception of Thanks for Typing and the annual George Parker Winship Lecture given by Erin McGuirl on “No Modern Publishing Without Women: The Story of Dr. Sabine Jessner Sehlinger, the Unrecognized Co-Translator of Simone de Beauvoir.” Beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be provided. Registration is encouraged but not required.
“The Lady and the Typewriter Film Series” at the Harvard Film Archive
This film series hosted by the Harvard Film Archive in collaboration with Houghton Library spotlights women who make their living at the typewriter—dames who type as fast as they talk. Join us for screenings of Meet Joe Doe, His Girl Friday, and The Hudsucker Proxy. For show times, tickets, and Christine Jacobson’s show notes, visit the Harvard Film Archive website.
Curatorial Chats
Join Christine and Dale on one of the 30-minute guided tours listed below. This will include discussion of the themes of the exhibition, highlights from the materials on display, and ample time for participant questions. Attendees should gather in Houghton's lobby. Advance registration is required.
- February 12, 12:00-12:45 PM Come for the tour, stay to type a valentine on our Olympia Typewriter!
- March 5, 12:00-12:45 PM *Special tour with co-curator Dale Stinchcomb
- March 13, 4:00-4:45 PM *Tour prior to Meet John Doe screening at the Harvard Film Archive (all are welcome whether seeing the movie or not)
- March 25, 4:00-4:45 PM
Room Closures
The Edison and Newman Room will be closed for events at the following times:
- March 4 starting from 2:45 PM
- March 26 starting from 2:45 PM
- April 15 starting from 2:00 PM
Planning to visit?
Houghton exhibitions are open to all visitors. Please see Harvard Library's Visitor Access Page for the most up-to-date information about visiting the library.
Persons with disabilities who would like to request accommodations or have questions about physical access, please contact us.