From the Collections
Stories and behind-the-scenes information on the rich holdings of our Library archives.
Webcast: Revelations — What Scholars Learn from the Mary Baker Eddy Collection
Dr. David Holland, a Research Fellow at The Mary Baker Eddy Library and Associate Professor of North American Religious History at the Harvard Divinity School, and Mike Davis, Senior Researcher at The Mary Baker Eddy Library, held an online audiocast discussion, with questions from the public, on how The Mary Baker Eddy Library collections are bringing about new understanding of Mary Baker Eddy.
Photo of George Glover III: “the dear little fellow”
Mary Baker Eddy treasured this framed photograph of her grandson George W. Glover III, which she kept on display in her living room.
Abraham Lincoln, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Mary Baker Eddy
To commemorate the publication of the Emancipation Proclamation, artist Francis Bicknell Carpenter (1830-1900) sought to depict President Lincoln reading it to his cabinet in September 1862.
Laying the cornerstone: “Let this ceremony be simple, prayerful, devout.”
One hundred and twenty years ago this month (January 6, 1895), the original Mother Church edifice was dedicated in Boston. Its cornerstone had been laid less than eight months before.
A Christmas gift from Mary Baker Eddy
Learn about Mary Baker Eddy’s Christmas gift to Sunday School children in 1904.
“A Faithful Likeness”: Alice Barbour’s portrait of Mary Baker Eddy
Learn about portrait artist Alice Barbour’s iconic portrait of Mary Baker Eddy, completed in late 1910.
Christian Science Emblem Jewelry and J.C. Derby
In 1889 James Clare (J.C.) Derby (1867-1928), a resident of Concord, New Hampshire, repaired watches at 54 N. Main St. The Concord Directory records that he later worked at Holland & Derby at the same address. By 1898 his occupation was that of jeweler. Derby worked that same year with Mary Baker Eddy and Henry P. (H.P.) Moore, a local artist and photographer, to produce and issue a portrait of Eddy.…
A “regal gift from loyal hearts”
In 1897 a diamond hair ornament, shaped like a crown, was given to Mary Baker Eddy. The ornament contains 12 diamonds, six large pearls, and 39 small pearls set in an 18-karat gold crown, with a band of indigo blue enamel across its middle. Engraved on the back is the inscription “Mother 1897.” The ornament is a “combination pin,” as described by its donor, Amanda Baird — meaning it could be worn as a hair pin or used as a brooch.
Calvin Frye’s Autoharp
Calvin Frye worked for Mary Baker Eddy longer than anyone else, as both a secretary and bookkeeper. His service from 1882 to 1910 (with only one day of vacation!) is an incredible testament to his devotion to both Eddy and Christian Science, and to her appreciation of his talents.
Science and Health Subscription Edition: A Brief History
The story of the “Subscription Edition1” began in 1900. William Dana Orcutt, who worked for Mary Baker Eddy’s printers, proposed the publication of a larger and more elaborate edition of Science and Health.
Gifts from Puget Sound
Find out what church photos and a case of salmon have in common.
Picnic at Point of Pines
See the largest group of Eddy’s students to sit for a single photograph.
Petty cash and ‘positive statements’
Explore the creative genius of photojournalist Gordon Converse.
Mary Baker Eddy’s personal photo album
Find out what people she chose to include.
A Christian Science art medal
Discover this collectible object commemorating Christian Science.
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