|
Poe Bicentennial Kicks Off in Richmond with Unveiling of Edgar Allan Poe Stamp Followed by 24-Hour Birthday Bash
On January 19, Richmond's own Edgar Allan Poe turns 200 and to
celebrate the Poe Bicentennial, Richmond and the entire state of
Virginia will kick off Poe Revealed 1809-2009,
a cooperative effort among Virginia historical sites, museums,
libraries and performing arts organizations to commemorate the life and
works of Poe throughout 2009.
On Friday, January 16, the U.S. Postal Service will release their new
Edgar Allan Poe stamp in honor of the Bicentennial at the Library of
Virginia. The First Day of Issue Ceremony will feature Poe's cousin,
Dr. Harry Lee Poe, who recently published Edgar Allan Poe: An Illustrated Companion to His Tell-Tale Stories.
He will also give a lecture on the evening of January 16 at 6pm at St.
John's Church about his life as a Poe, from appearing on a German TV
gameshow to writing Edgar Allan Poe's biography from a cousin's point
of view. Award-winning artist Michael Deas, who designed the new Poe
stamp, will also be a featured guest.
The First Day of Issue Ceremony will be followed by a 24-hour birthday
bash at the Poe Museum on Monday, January 19. The celebration will
include the opening of a new exhibit, "Poe Face to Face: The Portraits
of Edgar Allan Poe" as well as poetry readings throughout the day. The
Museum will also hold a candle-light vigil at Poe's shrine at dusk. The
celebration will culminate with an entertaining and historic
candle-light walking tour beginning at 6:45pm at Eliza Poe's grave site
in St. John's Church Cemetery. The tour will include visits to
Poe-related sites such as the Elmira Shelton House, Monumental Church
and the Craig House. Haunts of Richmond will entertain walkers with a
Poe-inspired performance and the tour will conclude at the Poe Museum
where participants will enjoy a performance of 'The Tell-Tale Heart'
along with coffee and dessert.
First Day of Issue Ceremony for New Edgar Allan Poe Bicentennial Stamp
Friday, January 16
11:00am-2:00pm
Library of Virginia, 800 East Broad Street
Dr. Harry Lee Poe Lecture
Friday, January 16
6:00pm
St. John's Church, 2401 East Broad St.
24-Hour Birthday Bash With Candlelight Walking Tour and Warm-Up Cocktail Hour
Monday, January 19
Poe Museum to open at 12:01am and remain open for 24 hours
*Candle-light Walking Tour: 6:45pm
Poe Museum, 1914-16 East Main Street
*Candle-light Walking Tour: begins at Eliza Poe's grave site in St. John's Church Cemetery.
A complete schedule of Poe-related events throughout 2009 as well as
information for educators, students, Poe enthusiasts and visitors is
available on the Poe Revealed Web site, www.Poe200th.com.
|
|
|
|
1.13.2009 
