folger

Folger is a surname that is associated with several notable people and institutions in the United States. Among the most prominent are James Athearn Folger, the 19th-century founder of Folgers Coffee, and Henry Clay Folger, a philanthropist who, with his wife Emily Jordan Folger, funded the creation of the Folger Shakespeare Library.

Folger Shakespeare Library: Located in Washington, D.C., the Folger Shakespeare Library is a research library and cultural center dedicated to William Shakespeare and to early modern English drama. Opened in 1932 through a gift from Henry Clay Folger and Emily Folger, the institution houses a world-class collection of Shakespeare-related materials, including rare editions and manuscripts. The library’s building was designed by Paul Philippe Cret and also hosts the Folger Theatre and a range of scholarly programs, exhibitions, and public events.

Folgers Coffee: Folgers is a major American brand of coffee founded by James Athearn Folger in the 19th century. The company grew into a nationwide name for ground and instant coffee and has remained closely associated with American coffee culture. Folgers is currently owned by The J. M. Smucker Company, which acquired the brand in 2008.

In addition to these specific uses, Folger may appear as a family name in other contexts. Institutions such as the Folger Shakespeare Library reflect the philanthropic and cultural contributions of people bearing the Folger surname.