Hambleton Theatrical collection

The Hambleton Theatrical collection documents theater across the ages with a focus on Baltimore-area productions and playhouses. The material, originally held by the Peale Museum, appears to have been donated by T. Edward Hambleton, a prominent Broadway producer and avid theater-goer, who grew up in Baltimore (Md.). The Peale Museum used these items to build an exhibit on the history of theater from the late 1800’s to the 1940’s, especially in Baltimore. The notes of which are also a part of the collection.

The collection primarily holds ephemera, such as playbills, tickets, and advertisements, from many important Baltimore theaters. The materials included showcase the variety of productions staged in the city from elaborate productions at Ford’s Grand Opera House, amateur performances of the Paint and Powder Club, and events held at the Baltimore Stadium. A variety of plays were collected along with this material. Some contain notes from the actors or directors that may have performed them. Also included are lithographs and title pages from the plays adapted for performance at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London, England, published by John Bell. Bell printed multiple works meant for popular consumption on famous British poets, playwrights, and authors, including The Poets of Great Britain Complete from Chaucer to Churchill and The British Theatre series.