From the Collections
Stories and behind-the-scenes information on the rich holdings of our Library archives.
“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.
“…objects more beautiful”: The Mary Baker Eddy Memorial in Mount Auburn Cemetery
This month’s Object of the Month is a bit unusual—our object is not part of The Mary Baker Eddy Library’s collections. But it is nonetheless one that many visitors to the Boston area with interest in Eddy’s history have seen: The Mary Baker Eddy Memorial at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Buyer Beware: Mary Baker Eddy and “The Book of the Presidents”
Mary Baker Eddy’s celebrity made her a target for many solicitations. The Book of the Presidents is one interesting example of this. Hundreds of documents in the Library’s collections tell us about the negotiations and discussions; it’s a story with many twists and turns.
Maps of Belknap and Merrimack Counties, New Hampshire
Though her church was established in Boston, Massachusetts, Mary Baker Eddy lived the majority of her life in New Hampshire. Thus it seems fitting that The Mary Baker Eddy Library has in its collection nineteenth century maps of two Granite State counties, Belknap and Merrimack.
“My New Book”: The centennial of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany
In the summer of 1906, Mary Baker Eddy began thinking about a revision to her book Pulpit and Press.
“The Most Beautiful Thing I Ever Saw in My Life”
On February 15, 1895, one month after the Original Edifice of The Mother Church was completed, Mary Baker Eddy was presented with this beautiful gold scroll…
Inscriptions in Mary Baker Eddy’s books
Find out how a message on a flyleaf can give new insight to the researcher.
From the Collections: Treatment for the Glover letter
Read how a badly damaged document was given new life.
Building “Mrs. Eddy’s gift” to Concord, New Hampshire
Read how a church took shape to nurture the city she called home.
Joshua Bailey, United States Internal Revenue Collector
This student of Mary Baker Eddy achieved good despite his checkered past.
Hymns that Mary Baker Eddy “particularly loved”
Learn why several selections meant so much to her.