Massachusetts Center for Renaissance Studies

The Massachusetts Center for Renaissance Studies is a research institute of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Its mission is to support the research, teaching, and dissemination of Renaissance studies. We welcome all qualified scholars and students to do specialized research with our unique collection of manuscripts, rare books, and secondary monographs. The Center also provides a vibrant calendar of events during the academic year, offering graduate classes, community classes, lectures, concerts, play readings, and more to our community members. The Renaissance Center occupies the grounds of the former 28-acre estate of Winthrop Saltonstall Dakin. Shakespeare performances and concerts of early modern music are held on the patio and in the Centers 22-acre meadow. For a minimum donation of $27 you can become a Friend of the Center and receive our biannual newsletter and invitations to special events, and be secure in the knowledge that you are helping the Centers mission.