Philip Atherton Knachel

Philip Atherton Knachel, a distinguished historian and former Associate Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, died at his home in Rockville, MD, on September 24, 2025. He was 99.

Mr. Knachel, who served the Folger for 37 years, was a gentleman and a scholar whose keen intellect was matched only by his devotion to his family and his lifelong love of classical music.

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, he was the son of Firman F. and Mary E. Knachel. Following high school, he served in the U.S. Navy. He then attended St. Ambrose College before earning a B.A. in history from Northwestern University. He continued his graduate work at Johns Hopkins University, where he earned both a Master's and a Ph.D. in history. He also earned a Master's in Library Science from Syracuse University.

His academic path led him to Europe as a Fulbright Scholar, conducting his doctoral research at the University of Poitiers in France. It was there that he met the love of his life, Pierrette Annie Roy. The couple were married in Saintes, France, in 1955 and soon returned to the U.S.

Mr. Knachel began his career teaching at Hunter College in New York City and later served as a historian for the U.S. Air Force in Rome, New York. In 1958, he and his wife settled in the Washington, DC, area, living in Bethesda, MD, for many years before they moved to Ingleside at King Farm in Rockville nine years ago.

The move to D.C. was prompted by his acceptance of a position at the Folger Shakespeare Library, where he served as Associate Director until his retirement. The Folger provided a rich environment for his research, fostering interactions with scholars and research librarians across the U.S. and Europe. He also conducted extensive research at La Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris. Mr. Knachel was the author of a book on England and The Fronde and served as an editor for other works.

After retiring, he continued his connection to the Franco-American world as a translator (French to English) for various organizations and was a member of the American Translators Association.

A talented pianist and avid traveler, his interest in classical music—especially composers like Debussy, Ravel, and Chopin – initially sparked his fascination with France and European history, setting him on the path of studying abroad in the 1950s.

This love of exploration continued throughout his life, with he and Pierrette spending many summers in St. Jean de Luz, France, and traveling extensively across the continent.

Above all, his family was of the greatest importance. He will be lovingly remembered as a consummate family man who treasured time with his wife, children, and grandsons.

Mr. Knachel was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Pierrette Knachel, who passed away in 2023.

He is survived by his daughter, Sylvette Bardach, and her husband, Moris Bardach, of Brookeville, MD; his son, Eric Knachel, of Ridgefield, CT; and five grandsons: Peter Bardach, Michael Bardach, Andrew Knachel, Christopher Knachel, and Matthew Knachel.

A private memorial service will be held this summer in France.