Tinkering to Learn: Books, Toys, and Other Object Lessons in British Culture
Spring into Support: A special fundraising event featuring 2025 Schiller Prize Winner Elizabeth Hoiem!
Alphabet of Trades (London: A. Park, [1852]), Cotsen Children’s Library, Courtesy of Princeton University Library
Join us for a special virtual fundraising event as part of our 2026 Spring Sprint!
Dr. Elizabeth Massa Hoiem, winner of the 2025 Justin G. Schiller Prize, will be interviewed by Laura E. Wasowicz, Curator of Children’s Literature at the American Antiquarian Society. In this friendly discussion held on Zoom webinar, Laura and Liz will explore Liz’s research process and discuss the artifacts and findings behind her 2024 book. Your participation directly supports our goal to raise $14,200 by the end of May.
This virtual event directly supports the BSA Annual Fund, a key part of our 2026 “Spring Sprint” initiative. Funds raised will support BSA fellowship awards, partnering scholarships to seminars at Rare Book School and the American Antiquarian Society, small grants for bibliographical events, and BSA’s regular operating costs.
Suggested Donation: $26 (but open to all, regardless of donation amount)
Special Offer: Donors of $125 or more will receive a limited-edition letter press journal
How to RSVP: Register and make your donation directly on our website - form below!
Special Features: Live Q&A with Dr. Elizabeth Hoiem, moderated by Laura E. Wasowicz.
Learn more about our speakers by clicking on their pictures below.
Register & give now ↑
Can’t attend the virtual event but still want to support the 2026 Spring Sprint? Fantastic! Give online now or learn about other ways to make a tax-deductible donation to the BSA.
The first 50 people to donate at $125 or more will receive one of these limited edition BSA journals!
Elizabeth Hoiem, winner of the 2025 Justin G. Schiller Prize and author or The Education of Things: Mechanical Literacy in British Children’s Literature, 1762-1860
A wooden box with sliding lid for Wallis’s Elegant Present of Natural History, with a 5 volume set of books: 1. Beasts, 2. Birds, 3. Fishes, 4. Insects, 5. Flowers. Held at Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, QH48 .W214, copy 1.