Happy 200th Birthday, Edgar Allan Poe!

December 28, 3:06 PMBaltimore Family Entertainment ExaminerMichael Townsend

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Edgar Allan Poe at age 39.

Nevermore 2009 Events in Baltimore

Baltimore is gearing up to celebrate the 200th birthday of one of its most intriguing residents: Edgar Allen Poe. Best known for his tales of mystery and mayhem, Poe primarily earned his living as a poet, short story writer, and literary critic. Perhaps most significantly, he is credited with establishing the genre of detective fiction.

The city of Baltimore was pivotal to Poe in both life and death. Early in his professional career, Poe made Baltimore his home. His residence at 203 Amity Street still stands and is now preserved as a historic site which is open to the public from April to November. It was here that it is believed he wrote many well known poems and short stories which began to define his literary career.

Famously, Poe’s final resting place is located in Baltimore. Poe died October 7, 1849. The circumstances of his death were cloaked in mystery and the cause remains disputed. He was eventually buried at the Westminster Hall and Burying Ground. Today, Poe’s gravesite is a much frequented Baltimore landmark.

Come meet Edgar Allan Poe in person! He is slated to attend a toast in his honor at the Enoch Pratt Free Library—Southeast Anchor Library on Saturday January 3, 2009 at 2 PM. A bit of live theater will be followed by a screening of Poe films. Films will include: The Tell-Tale Heart (1941), The Fall of the House of Usher (1975), and Edgar Allan Poe: A Background for His Works (1958). Additional information on this event can be found at the library's calender webpage.  This event is geared towards teens and adults.

Commencing with the Pratt event, Baltimore will host a year-long celebration to pay tribute to this literary icon. A sampling of Poe-related events on the calendar for 2009 include:

• “POE-STER” Contest for Baltimore High School students.
• Edgar Allan Poe Bicentennial Birthday Celebration at Westminster Hall.
• Special Poe tours at thePoe House and various Baltimore locations during 2009.
• The Greater Baltimore History Alliance Poe Scavenger Hunt
• Poe Events featured at ARTSCAPE and the Baltimore Book Festival.
• The Art of Darkness: Inspired by Poe—an exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art

A comprehensive list of events can be found at the Nevermore 2009 website.
*** Please note that not all Nevermore 2009 events are appropriate for young children.

A wealth of Poe related information can be obtained from the Edgar Allan Poe Society in Baltimore.