It’s 1914: Belle da Costa Greene pens a moving letter to Eleanor Elkins Widener, still grieving the loss of her son—Harvard graduate and passionate bibliophile Harry Elkins Widener—who perished on the Titanic. This tragedy would inspire the creation of the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library at Harvard. Today, Anne-Marie is asked to lead a bold new public engagement initiative at Widener Library, echoing Belle’s mission to open doors and break barriers. Joined by Harvard’s University Librarian Martha Whitehead, Anne-Marie reflects on legacy, transformation, and what it means to “boss like Belle” while making history in real time.

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Ever wondered about the stories hidden behind the walls of Harvard’s iconic Widener Library? In this special bonus episode, I take you inside Widener on my very first day as Director of the Public Engagement Project. Joining me is Peter Accardo, a true walking encyclopedia of Harvard history and Curator of the Harry Elkins Widener Collection. We explore the building’s fascinating origin story, its ties to the Titanic, Belle da Costa Greene’s surprising connections, and even an attempted Gutenberg Bible heist!

Whether you're a history lover, a library enthusiast, or just curious about how we make exclusive spaces more inclusive, this episode offers a rare peek into the past—and a look at an exciting future. Join us for reflections, revelations, and a little librarian lore.

It’s 1938: Belle stands on the brink of becoming a fellow of the Medieval Academy of America amidst stiff competition from male Ivy League professors. Inspired by her appointment, Anne-Marie Eze embraces her identity as a medievalist. She speaks with Lisa Fagin Davis, Executive Director of the Medieval Academy of America, and Nahir Otaño Gracia of the Medievalists of Color, uncovering the collaboration and tensions that shaped Belle’s new legacy as the patron saint of diversity in medieval studies. Together with co-host Rachael Lowell Ellison, Anne-Marie delves into the power of representation and breaking the mold in professional arenas.

**Special Offer**

Use code BELLE2025 to get a 30% discount on Nahir Otaño Gracia's book The Other Faces of Arthur: Chivalric Whiteness in the Global North Atlantic from publisher Penn Press. Offer expires October 1, 2025.