walt whitman birthplace association newsletter: spring 2013
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Spring 2013 Promoting the Legacy of Walt Whitman www.waltwhitman.org
The Newsletter of the Walt Whitman
Birthplace AssociationWalking with Whitman: Poetry in Performance, the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association (WWBA) signature poetry series, enters its third season with an impressive roster of nationally known poets paired with regional poets from the Long Island poetry scene. This year, a new poetry
E.L. Doctorow Honored as Champion of Literacy at Oheka Castle
continued on page 7
The fourth annual Champion of Literacy Benefit took place at Oheka Castle on October 11, 2012, and WWBA honored novelist E. L. Doctorow as Champion of Literacy in the Literary Achiever category for his outstanding contribution to literacy. Executive Director Cynthia Shor said, “His lifetime achievement and body of work have promoted literacy on all levels. The Board was unanimous in his selection and we were honored with his acceptance.” Doctorow has been translated into 32 languages and he is a critically acclaimed author of historic fiction, short stories, plays and essays. His novels include Ragtime, Billy Bathgate, Homer & Langley, and most recently, All the Time in the World.
STARTING FROM PAUMANOK...!Spring 2013 Volume XXVI No. 2
InsideFrom the Director’s Desk 2Martín Espada 2Poet in Residence 3
Walking with Whitman Series Enters Third Season
Rentals 3 Poet of the Year 4 Book Corner 4
From the Archives 6 Tea Parties 6Exhibitions 7
Poetry Events 7Membership 8General Info 8
Writing Workshops Added to the Popular Reading Series
Anne WaldmanPierre Joris
Mary Jo BangDavid St. John
Cornelius EadyDiane Wakoski
Walking with Whitman: Poetry in Performance 2013 Featured Poets
writing workshop is offered in the afternoon prior to the evening readings. The workshop series, called Writing with Whitman, is conducted by the regional poet on a variety of themes. WWBA Writer in Residence George Wallace, who is the Artistic Director of both series, said the addition of the writing workshop “offers a direct and more intense connection” between the aesthetics of the regional poets and the audience.
E. L. Doctorow receiving an inscribed gilt edged copy of Whitman’s Leaves of Grass presented by Karen Karbenier, Ph.D. and Board President William Walter, Ph.D. continued on page 5
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Spring 2013 Promoting the Legacy of Walt Whitman www.waltwhitman.org
The Newsletter of the Walt Whitman Birthplace
From the Director’s DeskWalt Whitman was so fortunate to have been born in a community that values cultural arts, historic preservation, student education, and lifelong learning. Little did Walt know a group of residents would come together to form the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association to purchase and preserve his birthplace. He would be humbled to learn that his hometown of Huntington and his county of Suffolk would support the Association in promoting arts and education. He would be proud to hear that his birthplace would be owned by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and be included in Governor Cuomo’s “Path through History” initiative which brings us new parkway signage and state website coverage. Because of him, the Walt Whitman Shops not only carry his name but also carry on his name through their outstanding support of the Association. Thank you, Walt Whitman Shops! Thank you, Town of Huntington! Thank you, Suffolk County! Thank you, State Parks and Governor Cuomo! Thank you, Association members and friends!
Our newsletter highlights our efforts to give back to the community. We work hard to maintain the highest standards as a community asset, a literary crossroads, a national attraction, and a world renown Historic Site. Last year Melville Chamber named us “ ‘Non-Profit’ Business of the Year.” This year we are one of 12 Huntington founding organizations participating in SPARKBOOM, a program funded by NYS Council for the Arts and managed by the Huntington Arts Council which aims to stimulate our regional economy through arts projects. Watch for a variety of SPARKBOOM events coming soon! As our calendar grows, we have attracted unprecedented audiences. We invite you to bring children and grandchildren to our Family Events, bring friends to our art exhibitions, bring students to our school programs, bring Scouts to our Badge opportunities, and most of all, bring yourself to our premier poetry & literary events. We work hard to maintain the high reputation of Huntington and Suffolk county as a thriving cultural arts region. I am proud of what strong Board leadership and loyal member support have accomplished amidst unparalleled economic challenges. When Walt wrote, “Stop this day and night with me and you shall possess the origin of all poems,” little did he know his invitation would be heard around the world. Though we are a State Historic Site on the National Register of Historic Places, we receive no state or national funds directly. Therefore, your contributions are vital. In order to continue to offer programs at the lowest cost to the widest possible public, we must rely on all of you to support our activities. So stop by, walk in Walt’s footsteps, and contribute to the arts and historic preservation in a way that suits you best – through participating in events, volunteering, donating, sponsoring, or joining in our 2013 membership drive. You will receive rewards far beyond your expectations! I thank you for your individual roles in supporting us as we work together for Long Island and New York State in preserving the past and celebrating literacy in the spirit of Walt Whitman.
Starting at Paumanok...
The Soldiers in the Garden Isla Negra, Chile, September 1973After the coup,the soldiers appearedin Neruda's garden one night,raising lanterns to interrogate the trees,cursing at the rocks that tripped them.From the bedroom window they could have beenthe conquistadores of drowned galleons,back from the sea to finish plundering the coast.
The poet was dying; cancer flashed through his bodyand left him rolling in the bed to kill the flames.Still, when the lieutenant stormed upstairs,Neruda faced him and said:There is only one danger for you here: poetry.The lieutenant brought his helmet to his chest,apologized to señor Nerudaand squeezed himself back down the stairs.The lanterns dissolved one by one from the trees.
For thirty years we have been searchingfor another incantationto make the soldiersvanish from the garden. -Martín Espada
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Martín Espada2012 Poet in Residence
2012 Poet in ResidenceMartín Espada, called “the Latino poet of his generation,” was honored as 2012 Poet in Residence on June 2, 2012. In this role he conducted a generative poetry writing workshop followed by a spirited reading of his own poetry. He has published more than fifteen books as a poet, editor, essayist and translator. His latest collection of poems is called The Trouble Ball (2011). His 2006 collection, The Republic of Poetry, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. A previous book of poems,
EditorsSusanne Byrnes, Media and Events Director Cynthia Shor, Executive Director
Contributor Richard Ryan, WWBA Curator
Imagine the Angels of Bread (1996), won an American Book Award and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. He has received numerous awards and fellowships, including the Robert Creeley Award, the National Hispanic Cultural Center Literary Award, the PEN/Revson Fellowship, the USA Simon Fellowship and a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship. His poems have appeared in the The New Yorker, Harper’s, The New York Times Book Review and The Best American Poetry. His work has been widely translated; collections of poems have recently been published in Spain, Puerto Rico and Chile. He was born in Booklyn in 1957. A former tenant lawyer, Espada is a professor in the English Dept. at the University of Massachusetts -Amherst.
Spring 2013 Promoting the Legacy of Walt Whitman www.waltwhitman.org
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Spring 2013 Promoting the Legacy of Walt Whitman www.waltwhitman.org
Naomi Shihab Nye Named WWBA 2013 Poet in Residence
The Board of Trustees is pleased to name Naomi Shihab Nye 2013 Poet in Residence. Ms. Shihab Nye will be conducting a master class and giving an evening reading as part of the 194 Whitman Birthday celebration on June 1st.
The poet describes herself as a “wandering poet.” Nye was born to a Palestinian father and an American mother and grew up i n S t . L o u i s , Jerusalem, and San Antonio. Drawing on her Palestinian-‐American heritage, the cultural diversity of her home in Texas, and her experiences traveling in Asia, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America and the Middle East, Nye uses her writing to attest to our shared humanity.
Naomi Shihab Nye is the author and/or editor of more than 30 volumes. Her books of poetry include 19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East, A Maze Me: Poems for Girls, Red Suitcase, Words Under the Words, Fuel, and You & Yours (a best-‐selling poetry book of 2006). Other works include eight prize-‐winning poetry anthologies for young readers, including Time You Let Me In andThis Same Sky. Her collection of poems for young adults entitled Honeybee won the 2008 Arab American Book Award in the Children’s/Young Adult category. Fall of 2011 saw the publication of two new books, There Is No Long Distance Now (a collection of very short stories) and Transfer (poems).
Naomi Shihab Nye has been a Lannan Fellow, a Guggenheim Fellow, and a Witter Bynner Fellow (Library of Congress). She has received a Lavan Award from the Academy of American Poets, the Isabella Gardner Poetry Award, the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, the Paterson Poetry Prize, four Pushcart Prizes, and numerous honors for her
children’s literature, including two Jane Addams Children’s Book Awards. . In 2011 Nye won the Golden Rose Award given by the New England Poetry Club, the oldest poetry reading s e r i e s i n t h e c o u n t r y . H e r co l l ec t ion 19 Varieties of Gazelle was a finalist for the National Book Award. She is a regular columnist for Organica. Her work has been presented on National Public Radio on A Prairie
Home Companion and The Writer’s Almanac. She has been featured on two PBS poetry specials: “The Language of Life with Bill Moyers” and “The United States of Poetry” and also appeared on NOW with Bill Moyers. She has been visiting writer for full semesters for The Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. In January, 2010, Nye was elected to the Board of Chancellors of the Academy of American Poets. In October, 2012, she was named Laureate of the 2013 NSK Prize for Children’s Literature.
Naomi Shihab Nye
The Gathering House is a self-contained structure overlooking the grand lawn and is designed to accommodate art exhibits or meetings of up to 20 people.
Our modern Interpretive Center looks out over the grand lawn and Birthplace. Not shown is a small stage and seating for up to 90 people. PA system and kitchen available.
The Classroom offers tables and chairs, TV/DVD, blackboard and podium. There is seating for 45 people.
Guided tours of the Birthplace and exhibits are available with every rental. For rates and information, please call 631-427-5240 ext. 113
RentalsDo you have an event or meeting to host? The beautiful Walt Whitman Birthplace sits on a landscaped acre conveniently located near the N.S. Parkway and the L.I.E. This historic site offers a unique venue with three lovely areas for your gathering.
Master ClassMs. Shihab Nye has spent four decades traveling the world giving readings and conducting workshops to groups of all ages. WWBA is pleased to offer this master class with its 2013 Poet in Residence.
25 Participants / $100 each20 Auditors / $50 each
(12:30- 3:30 PM)
Evening ReadingMs. Shihab Nye is the author of numerous books of poetry including Different Ways to Pray and You and Yours . WWBA is pleased to offer this evening reading as part of its Walt Whitman Birthday Celebration.
Reception and reading $15 per ticket(5:30 PM)
Poet in Residence EventsSaturday, June 1st
Limited space, register early online or call631-427-5240 ext. 115
th
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Spring 2013 Promoting the Legacy of Walt Whitman www.waltwhitman.org
Featured Poetry CollectionsThe Fish Has Swallowed Earth by Annabelle Moseley“Annabelle Moseley has mapped out a crucial geography of love—a n t i c i p a t i o n , e x p e c t a t i o n , frustration, consideration—all the delicious motions, half-steps and pauses as a person moves in the love-ward direction. She has a marvelous grasp of the tenuous flickers of substantial feeling. This book is a delight.”
Baron WormserPoet, Author of Impenitent Notes
Incident on the Orient Express by George Wallace“George Wallace zooms across time and space in a poetry that opens our world wider. He travels with a wisdom both grounded and beautifully crazed, revealing, in his poet’s vision, that we can, and must look deeper.”
Neeli CherkovskiPoet, Author of Whitman’s Wild Children
Bursting with Danger and Music by Jack Coulehan
“With courage, conviction, and an eye for the singular, Jack Coulehan brings us to the intersection of body of body and sou l . Hi s poems are t h o u g h t f u l , i nv i t i n g, a n d transporting.”
Danielle Ofri, M.D., Ph.D.Author of Medicine in Translation
Board VP Tom Wysmuller, Executive Director Cynthia Shor, Long Island Poet of the Year Mario Susko and Board Secretary Jack Coulehan.
Board member Dr. Ricard Bronson, Pramila Venkateswaran and 2010 Long Island Poet of the Year Gladys Henderson.
Long Island Poet of the Year AwardWWBA annually honors a poet who lives on Long Island, has published poetry of excellent quality, and has worked to foster the growth and appreciation of poetry in local communities. WWBA proudly honored Pramila Venkateswaran in 2011 and Mario Susko in 2012.
Pramila Venkateswaran is the author of Thirtha (2002), Behind Dark Waters (2008), Draw Me Inmost (2009), and Trace (2011). A 1999 finalist for the Allen Ginsberg Poetry Award and a 2002 recipient of a Hedgebrook residency and a 2003 Norcroft residency, she is widely published in literary journals. She has a doctorate from George Washington University and teaches English and Women’s Studies at Nassau Community College. In her capacity as Poet of the Year, she conducted a workshop entitled Telling Stories of Liberation. She will be reading and conducting a workshop on November 2 as part of the Walking with Whitman series.Mario Susko, Ph.D., is the author of 30 poetry collections including Closing Time (2008), Epi/Logos (2011), and Framing Memories
(2011). He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Prernio Internazionale di Poesia e Letteratura “Muove Lettere” (1998 Italy), the Tin Ujevic Award for the best book of poems published in Croatia in 1999, the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship
and Creative Activities (2003), and the Nassau Community College Outstanding Faculty Achievement Award in 2003 and 2011. He was elected a member of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts. He has read his poems domestically and internationally, and his poems have appeared in publications in Croatia, Italy, Hungry, Sweden, and Austria, among others. He is an editor and translator of major American writers such as Saul Bellow, Bernard Malamud, and James Baldwin. In 2002, he published a Croatian translation of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass. He currently teaches in the English Dept. at Nassau Community College.
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Spring 2013 Promoting the Legacy of Walt Whitman www.waltwhitman.org
E.L. Doctorow signing his books in Otto Kahn’s former library at Oheka Castle.
Scott Neher with Board member Jeffrey Gould and his wife Lenore.
Supervisor Frank Petrone, 2011 Honoree.
were adapted for film; notably, Ragtime became a 1981 movie and was adapted for the musical theatre in 1998 with a revival in 2009.
E. L. Doctotow has received three National Book Critics Circle Awards, two Pen/Faulkner Awards and the 2012 PEN/Saul Bellow Award for Achievement in American Fiction. He was the 1998 recipient of the National Humanities Medal awarded by President Bill Clinton. He is a prolific author and many of his books
continued from page 1
Peter Sloggatt, Board Treasurer Michael Schenkler, Jillian Schenkler, Writer in Residence George Wallace, and Rosemary Sloggatt.
Young Poet Award winner Melvin Li and Board President William Walter, Ph.D.
Over one hundred and twenty guests gathered for the elegant Benefit Gala dinner dance. During the cocktail hour, Doctorow signed 100 books donated by Random House for the fundraising effort. Board members Dr. Richard Bronson, and Brenda Leigh Johnson accompanied by her husband Peter, greeted him and Mrs. Doctorow upon their arrival. Michael Soloway provided lively Jazz and Ragtime piano music. For the second
consecutive year, Deborah Weber, General Manager for Walt Whitman Shops, showcased her fundraising talents and duplicated her outstanding success as Benefit Chair. Whitman scholar and Honorary Board Member Karen Karbiener, Ph.D., eloquently introduced E. L. Doctorow and William Walter presented him with the Champion of Literacy Award. In his acceptance, Doctorow said: “It is a great honor, and Whitman had an enormous influence on all of us. He was a great genius and a revolutionary poet so it’s nice to associate myself with any organization that has his name attached.”
Renee Petrola, an English teacher from the Mt. Sinai School District, received the first WWBA Teaching Excellence Award. Ms. Petrola has maintained a long-standing passion for teaching creative writing and literary analysis to her students. Her student centered methods encouraged and motivated her students to participate in the WWBA Young Poets Poetry Contest every year for over 20 years resulting in a multitude of winning poems. Also for the first time, WWBA recognized a student poet who won first place in the 2012 Young Poets Poetry Contest. Ward Melville HS senior Melvin Li was the recipient of the Young Poet Award for his poem, “Song of the Brooklyn Bridge,” which he read to the gathered crowd. His reading delighted the guests and evoked the lyric voice and free verse style of Walt Whitman.
Board VP Tom Wysmuller, Renee Petrola and Board President William Walter, Ph.D.
All proceeds from the Benefit support WWBA literacy programs which aim to create a passion for reading and writing for children and adults. Over 6,000 students attend WWBA school programs that fulfill NY State Regent requirements for fourth grade Social Studies and incorporate the new Core Curriculum Standards for reading and writing. The Young Poets Poetry Contest receives over 4,000 entries and distributes over 110 prizes. Community Service for high school students and Internships for college students are available. Many of the WWBA adult literacy programs are highlighted in this newsletter. WWBA programs are supported with grants from the New York State Council for the Humanities, Suffolk County, the Town of Huntington, Huntington Arts Council, Poets & Writers, Inc., The New York Community Trust / Issacs & Abramowitz Charitable Fund and Bethpage Federal Credit Union. 3E Fund
A.A.A. Maintenance L.L.C.Blackhawk, Inc.
Dale Carnegie TrainingRandom House Bertelsmann
VHB
Westbury Paper Stock Corp.Gary Melius, Oheka Castle
Special Thanksto our
Benefit for Literacy Sponsors
Deborah Weber, Benefit Chair and Darrel Blaine Ford, Whitman Personator.
Novelist E.L Doctorow with Executive Director Cynthia Shor.
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Spring 2013 Promoting the Legacy of Walt Whitman www.waltwhitman.org
PAGE6
Tea PartiesChildren’s Victorian Tea Party
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Photo of the very first Walt Whitman Birthday Celebration which took place on the anniversary of Whitman’s 100th birthday on May 31st, 1919, at the poet’s birthplace. The event, called ‘Pilgrimage’ was arranged by The Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences and included a tour of the home and a reading of Whitman’s poems by Dr. Mabel Irwin of Brooklyn.
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Above is the masthead of the New York based German language newspaper Staats-Zeitung und Herold (Herald Newspaper, Sunday edition) from August 3, 1952. The paper ran an article by Lore Funke entitled “Späte Ehrung für einen Dichter” or “Late Distinction for a Poet,” subtitled “Walt Whitman’s Birthplace is Now a Memorial.” The article was in strong support of the efforts of WWBA to raise funds to purchase and restore the property and open it to the public. The unattributed sketch of the house at right is titled “Whitmans Geburtshaus in West Hills,” translated “Whitman’s Birthplace in West Hills.”
Program is well-suited for birthday parties. Daisy and Brownie Girl Scouts will earn their manners and etiquette badges. House tour included with all tea parties.
From the WWBA Archives
Unattributed sketch of Walt Whitman Birthplace from a 1952 article in the German newspaper Staats-Zeitung.
Special thanks to our archival intern Josh Sitek for unearthing this article and for providing the German translation.
Hold your child’s next party in our beautiful Gathering House on our lovely grounds. Conducted by a teacher in Victorian-era costume. Children will learn dining manners, table setting and making introductions.
NewAdult
Program
Enjoy the elegance of a bygone era and transport yourself back to the time of Queen Victoria as you experience High Tea in our lovely Gathering House. Guided tour of the Birthplace is included.
$25/person (minimum 8 people)
For details and reservationsCall 631-427-5240 ext. 113
High Tea for
Groups and Organizations
Special Thanks
Richard Ryan – CuratorCarolyn Diglio -- Education CoordinatorBonnie Lowe – BookkeeperSusanne Byrnes – Media & Events DirectorSusan Brozinsky – Administrator
Susan K. BoweSue Anne DennehyArlene Farrell
VolunteersJoseph AlbaneseGina CarusoRachelle ChambersJanet DemerestAlicia HeislerHarold LaWareJohn LauraChris LiottaRobert MichelsBeverly PokornyTom Pombonyo
Guides
Diane GisonnyMargaret Guardi
Curator’s NoteThe man in the white suit and hat near the center of the photo could be Horace Traubel, who interviewed Whitman over the course of three years and compiled notes which led to the publication of With Walt Whitman in Camden.
Join the NY State"I Love My Parks" Day
on Saturday, May 4 at the Birthplace
10 AM - 1 PMHurricane Sandy Debris Clean-up
Please come and help beautify the grounds
Rain date May 11
Call 631-427-5240 ext. 114 for details
Staff
Toni Fleig
Cameron Williams
George Wallace further states the writing workshops “will enhance the experience for the audience, and add to the sense of ‘shared’ experience which we have worked to foster in the tone and style of our programming.”
The March 2 kickoff event paired internationally renowned poet Anne Waldman with regional poet Phil Asaph who led the writing workshop. All involved proclaimed the afternoon poetry writing and the evening poetry performance a unique success. Wallace believes this type of pairing creates “one of the best series around that brings national and regional writers together on a shared stage. Promoting that exchange between performers and a regional audience is an affirmation and enrichment of the regional writing community that does not occur in any other format or venue” on Long Island. According to Wallace, the first two years established a foundation for the reading series which contained the elements of “range, diversity, inclusiveness and a sense of communality of experiences.” Year three builds on that foundation and presents poets with “outstanding performance ski l ls, tremendous emotional range and a shared sense of responsibility as custodians of the spoken and written word.”
The series continues with Pierre Joris and Dan Giancola appearing April 6; Mary Jo Bang and Maxwell Wheat on May 4; David St. John and Robert Gibbons on October 5; Cornelius Eady and Pramila Venkateswaran on November 2; and Diane Wakoski and Jane Le Croy on December 7. All events are offered on the first Saturday of the month with the monthly schedule of April, May, October, November and December. The afternoon writing workshops, conducted by Dan Giancola, Maxwell Wheat, Robert Gibbons, Pramila Venkateswaran and Jane Le Croy, are held from 3 – 5 PM and cost $15 each; this fee includes a ticket for the evening reading. The evening poetry readings cost $10 each and are scheduled for 7 – 9 PM. All fees include the “Meet the Poets” reception which begins at 6:15 PM prior to each reading. For complete information on these highly acclaimed Walking with Whitman poets who will be performing and conducting workshops, visit waltwhitman.org. Workshop space is limited so register early. Reserve online or call: 631-427-5240 ext. 115. Tickets for evening reading available in advance or at door.
Walking with Whitman Reading SeriesAdds Writing Workshops in Third Season
STARTING FROM PAUMANOK...! PAGE7
Spring 2013 Promoting the Legacy of Walt Whitman www.waltwhitman.org
continued from page 1
Walking wi! Whitman
Hosted by George Wallace
Saturday, March 2 (7-9 PM)Anne Waldman with Philip Asaph
Saturday, April 6 (7-9 PM)Pierre Joris with Dan Giancola
Saturday, May 4 (7-9 PM)Mary Jo Bang with Maxwell Wheat
Saturday, October 5 (7-9 PM)David St. John with Robert Gibbons
Saturday, November 2 (7-9 PM)Cornelius Eady
with Pramila VenkateswaranSaturday, December 7 (7-9 PM)
Diane Wakoski with Jane Le Croy
“Meet the Poets” Reception at 6:15 PM before each reading.
$10 per event
Poetry Writing & Readings
New Writing Workshop: Writing with Whitman
Workshops held same day as readings listed above from 3-5 PM
$15 per workshop Includes evening reading
$60/ series of fiveRegister online waltwhitman.org or call 631-427-5240 ext. 115
for details and tickets
Rotating art exhibits fill the modern Interpretive Center and the charming Gathering House situated on the Birthplace grounds. Ed Centenno’s second exhibition here, again titled Commercial Whitman, contained another round of artifacts from his personal collection that uses Whitman’s likeness or his quotes for marketing purposes. One notable item was Walt Wit, a white ale produced by the Philadelphia brewing Company.
Syosset and Walt Whitman High Schools again held their year-end student art exhibitions here last June. Syosset High School sells their artwork to the public and donates a portion of their proceeds to the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association. We are much appreciative of their support. We are happy to welcome back Syosset HS for the fourth year from May 18-25. The public is cordially invited to view and purchase their artwork. Admission free.
Poetry in Performance
Exhibitions at Walt Whitman Birthplace
If you are interested in exhibition space, please contact [email protected] or call 631-427-5240 ext. 112.
Join Us!
Member Benefits Include:
Spring 2013 Vol. XXVI No. 2
Walt Whitman Birthplace AssociationThe Walt Whitman Birthplace Association preserves and operates the Walt Whitman Birthplace, a state-owned Historic Site, in cooperation with the Long Island Region of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The Walt Whitman Birthplace is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Summer Hours:June 15 through Labor Day:Monday through Friday 11:00 AM-4:00 PMSaturday and Sunday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Winter Hours:Wednesday through Friday 1:00-4:00 PMSaturday and Sunday 11:00 AM-4:00 PMThe Birthplace is closed on major holidays.
Closed: New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving & Christmas Day.
Admission:Adult $6. Senior /Group/Veteran $5. Student $4. Members Free Children under 5 Free
School and group tours by appointmentFor information, call 631-427-5240 ext. 113
Walt Whitman Birthplace Association
Board of TrusteesWilliam Walter, Ph.D., PresidentThomas Wysmuller, Vice PresidentMike Schenkler, TreasurerJack Coulehan. M.D., SecretaryStuart BesenRichard Bronson, M.D.Michael DeCristofaroJeffrey GouldBrenda Leigh Johnson
Honorary TrusteesNelson DeMilleEd Folsom, Ph.D.Susan IsaacsKaren Karbiener, Ph.D.
Executive DirectorCynthia Shor
Your support helps us preserve and promote the legacy of Walt Whitman.
STARTING FROM PAUMANOK...246 OLD WALT WHITMAN ROADHUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746-4148
Free admission to the Birthplace Invitations to special events Our seasonal newsletter Book placement in gift shop Gift shop discount 10%
Non-profit OrganizationU.S. Postage PaidPermit No. 283
Huntington Sta., NY 11746-4148
Walt Whitman Birthplace Associationwww.waltwhitman.org 631-427-5240 ext. 114
Membership LevelsStudent / Senior $20Teacher / Veteran $20Individual $30Family / Library $40Patron $100Benefactor $1000
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