United for Libraries designates Literary Landmark™ for Walt Whitman

For Immediate Release
Tue, 09/16/2014

Contact:

Jillian Kalonick

Markting/Public Relations Specialist

United for Libraries

jkalonick@ala.org

PHILADELPHIA United for Libraries, in partnership with the Suffolk County Library Association, Suffolk School Library Media Association, Lambda Literary Foundation and Empire State Center for the Book, designated the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site & Interpretive Center in Huntington Station, N.Y., a Literary Landmark™ during a celebration on Friday, Sept. 5.

More than 125 people attended the celebration, including Congressman Steve Israel (D-N.Y.). The plaque was revealed by Walt Whitman Birthplace Association (WWBA) Board President William T. Walter, Ph.D.; WWBA Executive Director Cynthia Shor and Empire State Center for the Book Director Rocco Staino.

Also in attendance were S. Chris Shirley, board president, Lambda Literary Foundation; Jackie Narkiewicz, president, Suffolk County Library Association, and Madelyn Haussner, president, Suffolk School Library Media Association.

Proclamations celebrating the designation were delivered from Suffolk County Legislator Doc Spencer and New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele. A citation was presented on behalf of Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano by Special Assistant Christopher Brown.

Mary Nagin performed 19th century music on the fiddle. Darrel Blaine Ford appeared as Walt Whitman in traditional garb. Historic tours of the site followed the ceremony and reception.

Poet and journalist Walt Whitman was born at the site, and memories of the house and of Long Island strongly influenced his writing. Apprenticed to a printer in his youth, Whitman taught at Long Island schools and founded a weekly newspaper in the area that continues to this day.

The Literary Landmark program is administered by United for Libraries. One hundred and forty Literary Landmarks across the United States have been dedicated since the program began in 1986. Any library or group may apply for a Literary Landmark through United for Libraries. More information is available on the United for Libraries website. 

United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the American Library Association that supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries. United for Libraries brings together library trustees, advocates, friends and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information or to join United for Libraries, visit the United for Libraries website or contact Jillian Kalonick at (312) 280-2161 or jkalonick@ala.org.