Established in 1910, the John Hay Library serves as one of five separate libraries that collectively make up the Brown University Library. It was named after John Hay (1838-1905), a prominent Providence citizen and Brown alumni. Hay became quite successful during his lifetime, serving as the private secretary for Abraham Lincoln. He was also a biographer, poet, and author, undoubtedly shaped by Sarah Helen Whitman, who mentored him while he was a student at Brown.

The library itself has no connection to Poe or Whitman. They were both long-dead by the time the library was constructed. I included it in this menu because it houses the extent of Whitman’s personal manuscripts. Among Whitman’s papers, the library’s special collection contains the original “Whitman” daguerreotype of Poe and the 1856 daguerreotype of Whitman by Joseph White. Hanging in a private room on the second floor of the library is the oil portrait of Whitman painted by John Nelson Arnold in 1869. One of the Hay’s most treasured artifacts is a lock of Poe’s hair that he had cut for Whitman during their courtship.

Although this library did not exist in Poe and Whitman’s lifetime, its significance lies in its collection of rare materials that tell the story of the couple’s romance. I am personally indebted to this institution for the resource it has been for me. I have spent countless hours going through stacks of papers to compile much of the history that you will find on this site, straight from the hands of the people who lived it. These materials have been essential in my research.

You can reserve artifacts at the John Hay Library by searching here and following the prompts to reserve the pieces for viewing. To make an appointment, you must register as a guest if you are not a student at Brown.

See the gallery below, teasing some of the pieces that you will find among the library’s collection. I have taken all of these photos throughout my multiple appointments over the years.