The year 2009 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Ballets Russes, the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the 300th anniversary of the birth of Samuel Johnson—and all four will be celebrated at HCL’s Houghton Library.

Scholars from around the world will gather at the library next year for four major exhibitions and symposia dedicated to Lincoln’s life and legacy, the artistic impact of the Ballets Russes, a reexamination of Doyle’s place in literary history, and a comprehensive examination of Johnson’s contributions to intellectual and creative cultures.

Two of the events—the Ballets Russes and Samuel Johnson exhibitions and symposia—will highlight collections that are among the most extensive in the world. “The other two, the Lincoln and Doyle events, highlight collections that people do not normally associate with Houghton,” said Tom Horrocks, associate librarian for collections at Houghton Library.

“It just so happens that 2009 marks a significant milestone for four of our collections,” Horrocks said, “and we plan to celebrate each fully.”

Abraham Lincoln at 200: New Perspectives on His Life and Legacy
January 20–April 25
Houghton Library

Curated by Tom Horrocks, associate librarian for collections, Houghton Library

Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes: 20 Years That Changed the World of Art
April 15–August 28
Pusey Library

Curated by Fredric Woodbridge Wilson, curator, Harvard Theatre Collection

Ever Westward: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and American Culture
May 5–August 8
Houghton Library

Curated by Peter Accardo, coordinator of programs, Houghton Library

A Monument More Durable Than Brass: The Donald and Mary Hyde Collection of Dr. Samuel Johnson
August 26–November 14
Houghton Library

Curated by John Overholt, assistant curator, Hyde Collection of Dr. Samuel Johnson and Early Modern Books and Manuscripts, Houghton Library