Literary Landmark: Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum
Baltimore, Md.
Dedicated January 19th, 2020
Partners: Citizens for Maryland Libraries, Maryland Humanities, Maryland Library Association, Poe Baltimore
The Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum, located at 203 N. Amity Street, was designated a Literary Landmark Sunday January 19, 2020. The dedication ceremony commenced in honor of the author and poet’s 211th birthday. Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849), best known for his gothic tales and poetry, is also credited with inventing the detective story.
The Edgar Allan Poe House was established as a museum in 1949 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971. It is the last remaining home in Baltimore where the author lived (from 1832 to 1835), and it was there Poe wrote some of his early stories; tales and poems written at 203 N. Amity Street include MS Found in a Bottle, Berenice, Morella, and The Coliseum.
The ceremony took place in a heated tent across the street from the Poe House, where guests were seated to listen to remarks from speakers. Each guest received a free coffee mug featuring pictures of Edgar Allan Poe upon entering. Speakers incuded Enrica Jang, Executive Director, Poe Baltimore; Jackson Gilman-Forlini, Historic Preservation Officer, Dept. of General Services, City of Baltimore; Pat Hofmann, Board Member, United for Libraries and President, Citizens for Maryland Libraries; Andrea Lewis, Program Officer, Maryland Humanities, Maryland Center for the Book; Andrea Berstler, Executive Director, Carroll County Public Library and President, Maryland Library Association; Eric Bouchat, Commissioner, Carroll County; and Hurst Hessey, Board President, Poe Baltimore.
Following remarks, all speakers in attendance unveiled the plaque. Cake and hot chocolate were served to the guests. The Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum is the first Literary Landmark established in Maryland.
Assistance provided by:
Thomas Brown, Woodwright, LLC
La Cite, LLC and Center West
The Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore
City of Baltimore Department of General Services
Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation
Baltimore National Heritage Area, Urban Rangers Program
Rocco Staino, United for Libraries Board Member
Volunteers, staff and board members of partnering organizations
Resources:
Photos from the dedication ceremony
Media coverage of the dedication ceremony
Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum