August 16: The Poetry of John Greenleaf Whittier – Staunch Abolitionist

Poetry of John Greenleaf Whittier – Staunch Abolitionist

The Whittier Home Museum and Tapestry of Voices invite you to its 17th annual collaborative readings from the poetry of John Greenleaf Whittier on Sunday, August 16 from 3-4:30 p.m. The poetry readings will take place in the Victorian garden of the Whittier Home Museum, 86 Friend Street, Amesbury.

2015 is the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and this year’s readings will be devoted to Whittier’s significant involvement and dedication to the abolitionist and anti-slavery cause. Whittier produced two collections of antislavery poetry: “Poems Written during the Progress of the Abolition Question in the United States, between 1830 and 1838” and “Voices of Freedom” (1846). He was an elector in the presidential election of 1860 and of 1864, voting for Abraham Lincoln both times

In honor of the the Civil War Sesquicentennial Chris Bryant, president of the Whittier Home, will read “In Peace” and one of Whittier’s most famous poems “Barbara Frietchie,” which focuses on simple patriotism and loyalty to the flag of the United States as symbol of freedom for all.

Other local Whittier aficionados include Bill Plante reading Whittier’s “Song of the Free”; Skye Wentworth “The Sentence of John L. Brown”; Edith Maxwell “One of the Signers”, “Landlocked” by Celia Thaxter and “Elizabeth, E.H.W., September 1864” by Lucy Larcom. The Whittier Home’s past president, Cynthia Costello, will sing “O Brother Man” in honor of the end of the Civil War being celebrated this year.

Harris Gardner, founder of the poetry organization Tapestry of Voices from Boston, will read The Answer”; Alfred Nicol “What the Birds Said”; Rhina P. Espaillat “The Clear Vision”; Lainie Senechal “Clerical Oppressors” and “Forgiveness”; Toni Treadway “How the Women Came to Dover” and “The Kansas Emigrants.”


Many of the readers will also present his/her original poetry.

An informal reception will follow the readings and light refreshments will be served. The Tapestry of Voices reading, free and open to the public, will take place in the garden at the Whittier Home. In case of inclement weather, the program will be held in the Whittier Home’s meeting room. For information, call Harris Gardner, (617) 306-9484 or the Whittier Home at (978) 388-1337.

Honorary Poet Laureate of Amesbury

Though Whittier was posthumously referred to as the Poet Laureate of the Nation, he was never actually appointed to the post in his lifetime. It’s with great pleasure that The Amesbury Cultural Council will name John Greenleaf Whittier the Honorary Poet Laureate of Amesbury.

About the Whittier Home

The mission of the Whittier Home Association is to act as steward for the preservation of the collections, structures and grounds of this John Greenleaf Whittier Home. As a nonprofit, educational organization, it strives to engage diverse audiences in the life-story of Whittier in his roles as a Quaker, writer, legislator and abolitionist. Open May 16 through October 24, Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and by special appointment: (978) 388-1337. Visit our website for more information, www.whittierhome.org