January 19th not only marks Edgar Allan Poe’s birthday, but the birthday of his brief flame, Sarah Helen Whitman.
This year, I was able to honor both Poe and Whitman in a virtual birthday tribute to Poe organized by Jeff Jerome, curator emeritus formerly with the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. Jerome has been orchestrating birthday celebrations for Poe since 1982, and in recent years, through virtual segments streamed over the course of the day. His program is viewed live by thousands of people from around the world!
For part of Jerome’s 2024 program, he interviewed me about Poe, Whitman, and their romance in Providence. You can watch that interview here. I encourage you to search that YouTube channel to watch the other segments that make up this year’s program.
Happy 215th birthday, Edgar Allan Poe! And a happy 221st birthday to you, Sarah Helen Whitman, wherever you two may be. Ave atque vale!
Edgar Allan Poe: Rhode Island 