Our founders’ vision of community was limited by social, moral, and economic constructs that countenanced the institution of slavery as well as the denial of rights and opportunities to women, Native Americans, immigrants, and others.

Today, we seek a society that respects differences and embraces diversity inclusive of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, religion and other identities or affiliations.

The Boston Athenaeum is committed to being a welcoming institution that embraces change and growth. We work to tell full and complex stories grounded in historical truths, in a safe environment for debate, discussion, and growth. We strive to offer broad access to our collections to support research and education and elicit new perspectives through more expansive participation.