Where’s Ralph Waldo Emerson? Ralph Waldo Emerson was a frequent visitor to the Boston Athenaeum, even as late as 1875.

Often accompanied by his daughter Miss Ellen Emerson, who carried his papers and books in her satchel, they would settle into chairs by one of the windows overlooking the Granary Burying Ground. Here, they would plan their day in the city, with Miss Emerson occasionally persuading her father to join her on social calls.

He declined often, saying there were things he needed to look up at the Athenaeum. Feel free to use the same excuse!