YORK — Scholars, filmmakers and poets from around the country will gather in York on May 3-6 to celebrate and life and works of poet, author and memoirist May Sarton. The May Sarton Centennial Symposium, the first-ever event to focus on Sarton as a major 20th century literary voice, will be held in the community she called home for the last 22 years of her life until her death in 1995. The opening night of the symposium marks her 100th birthday.

Sarton is the author of 16 books of poetry, 19 novels, 12 published journals and memoirs and two books for children. Her works have long attracted the attention of literary and women’s studies scholars, a number of whom will be presenting at the symposium. Photographers and filmmakers inspired by Sarton and her writing will also share their works with symposium participants.

Those attending the symposium will have a rare opportunity to see the film, “Mrs. Stevens Hears the Mermaids Singing,” the only film adaptation of any Sarton novel.

Martha Wheelock, a filmmaker and founder of Ishtar Films in Los Angeles, will show and discuss her film, “World of Light: A Portrait of May Sarton.”

The symposium opens on Thursday, May 3, with refreshments and a birthday cake and concludes Sunday, May 6, with a service devoted to Sarton at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Portsmouth, N.H.

Registration is $50. There is also an opportunity to register for $100, which includes a New England clam bake with all the trimmings on Saturday night, as well as boxed lunches Friday and Saturday. Early registration is encouraged, as attendance is limited. For more information, visit www.maysarton100.org.