January 19, 2021 marks 212 years since the birth of Edgar Allan Poe and 218 years since the birth of Sarah Helen Whitman. Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts to traveling actors Elizabeth Arnold Poe and David Poe Jr. Helen was born here in Providence, Rhode Island to parents Anna Marsh Power and Nicholas Power.
So yes, these Providence love-birds did in fact share a birthday—and we’re left to imagine the impressive birthday bash they would’ve thrown had they been married.
2020 was a harrowing year for us all. 2021 is looking brighter, but we’re still not out of the woods just yet. Fans across the world will be celebrating this day virtually, with many scheduled online events happening on just about every social media platform you can think of.
I had ambitious aspirations for 2020. I was going to begin my walking tours of Providence and really kick-off this whole endeavor, but of course Covid and the pandemic interfered with that. However, I’m hopeful for this year, and that’s why I want to announce the First Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony for Sarah Helen Whitman on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at the North Burial Ground in Providence, Rhode Island.
This will be an in-person event, CDC and RIDH permitting. Rules and regulations will be closely monitored in the weeks prior, and if it needs to be virtual, it will. Details will follow in the months to come, but I wanted something special to announce today!
Now go toast the poets and eat some cake. You deserve it.
Edgar Allan Poe: Rhode Island 