H+H maintains an archive of more than 1,000 concert program books going back more than 200 years. This collection, totaling 30,000 pages of historical material, is a treasure trove of both musical and social history in America, unmatched by any other arts organization in the country. And now, with the help of the Boston Public Library and Digital Commonwealth, the story this collection tells, from July 1818 through our bicentennial year and beyond, is available to the public. Some of the biggest names in American music history appear on these pages, as well as important historic milestones. Here you can see the American premieres of Verdi’s Requiem (1878) and Bach’s St. Matthew Passion (1879), and our memorial services for President Lincoln (1865) and Franklin D. Roosevelt (1945).
These digitized programs are just one of the many collections H+H holds. We also have membership rolls and photographs from the 19th century, early financial ledgers, scrapbooks of reviews, records of our past Gala celebrations, historical recordings and videos of concerts and rehearsals, and scores and other music publications from the 19th century. Curious to learn more? Contact the archivist at archivist@handelandhaydn.org!
BEFORE YOU SEARCH …
We recommend that you read our Search Tips and Tools page for suggestions that will help you find what you’re looking for.
Please bear in mind that we do not have a program for every single H+H concert. If you’re looking for information about a particular concert and you don’t see a program for it, feel free to reach out to the archivist at archivist@handelandhaydn.org.
We are always improving this site and adding new material. Check back often for updates!
