BRUNSWICK — The ninth annual Longfellow Days celebration, inspired by the life and works of foremost 19th-century American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, will kick off on Feb. 4.
Longfellow graduated with the 1825 class at Bowdoin College, where he was a professor of modern languages and librarian from 1829 to 1835.
Longfellow Days 2012, themed “Longfellow: Poet of the Heart,” will feature cultural programs that explore the loving connectedness that enriches our personal and public lives.
The first half of the celebration running through Feb. 26 will include a lecture on love, dating and marriage patterns, just before Valentine’s Day; poetry readings; a public “Heart’s Delight” dinner; and tours of Longfellow’s home.
Here is a schedule of those events:
*Saturday, Feb. 4, 2 p.m: Community tea, a brew of poetry and commentary with Maggie Finch and Jerry Day Mason, hosted by Leila Percy; Brunswick Inn, Park Row; free.
* Sunday, Feb. 5, 1 p.m: Maine poets Ted Bookey, Helene McGlauflin and Ricardo Zarate reading their works; Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Library; free.
* Wednesday, Feb. 8, 12:15 p.m: An illustrated lecture by Wendy Christensen, Bowdoin College visiting assistant professor of sociology, examines historical trends and their meanings. Christensen’s presentation will be preceded by a brief reading from Longfellow’s “The Courtship of Miles Standish.” Morrell Room, Curtis Memorial Library. Free.
* Saturday, Feb. 11, noon to 3 p.m: Tour of Longfellow’s home, Joshua Chamberlain Museum, Maine and Potter streets. Tours begin each hour on the hour. Free.
* Sunday, Feb. 12, 1 p.m: Poets Robert Farnsworth, David Moreau and Alice Persons read from their work. Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Library. Free.
* Wednesday, Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m: Hosted by Ted Bookey and Helene McGlauflin, resident poets and community members read and discuss their works. Ballroom, Holden Frost House, 7 Academy Lane off Frost Way, Topsham. Refreshments. RSVP by calling 725-2650. Free.
* Thursday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m: Heart’s delight dinner, main lounge, Moulton Union, Bowdoin College. Maine’s Poet Laureate Wesley McNair will read from his most recent collection, “Lovers of the Lost.” Reservations, $25, must be made by Feb. 8. Call 729-4439 or log on to www.brunswickdowntown.com.
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- Maine’s Poet Laureate Wesley McNair will read from his “Lovers of the Lost” collection on Thursday, Feb. 16, at Bowdoin College as part of the ninth annual Longfellow Days celebration. A”Heart’s Delight” dinner will be served in Moulton Union. Reservations, $25, must be made by Feb. 8. Call 729-4439 or visit www.brunswickdowntown.com.
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