“THE COURTSHIP OF MILES STANDISH,” illustrated by N.C. Wyeth, was published by Houghton Mifflin in 1920. A brief reading from Longfellow’s poem is scheduled for Feb. 8 at Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick.
The ninth annual Longfellow Days celebration will kick off in Brunswick on Feb. 4.
Longfellow Days 2012, scheduled to run from Feb. 4 through Feb. 26, is a “ celebration inspired by the life and works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (Bowdoin College class of 1825, professor of modern languages and librarian 1829-35),” according to a Longfellow Days Committee release.
This year’s celebration reflects the theme of “Longfellow: Poet of the Heart.” Related activities aim to “ honor the foremost 19th-century American poet with cultural programs that explore the loving connectedness that enriches our personal and public lives,” the release states.
The first half of the monthlong celebration will include a lecture on love, dating and marriage patterns; poetry readings; a public “Heart’s Delight” dinner; and tours of Longfellow’s home.
The schedule is as follows:
— Feb. 4, 2 p.m.: Community Tea with Maine Women Poets, Brunswick Inn, Park Row.
A brew of poetry and commentary with Maggie Finch and Jerry Day Mason, hosted by Leila Percy. Refreshments will be served. Bring a poem to share. Free.
— Feb. 5, 1 p. m.: The Coursen Readings, Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St.
Maine poets Ted Bookey, Helene McGlauflin and Ricardo Zarate read from their work. Free.
— Feb. 8, 12:15 p.m.: “What’s Love Got to Do With It? Changing Patterns of Dating and Marriage,” Morrell Room, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St.
Do people still date? Are fewer getting married? Does marriage mean what it used to?
Bowdoin College Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology Wendy Christensen answers these questions and more by examining historical trends and their meanings.
Christensen’s presentation will be preceded by a brief reading from Longfellow’s “ The Courtship of Miles Standish.” Free.
— Feb. 11, noon to 3 p.m., “Tour Longfellow’s Home,” Joshua Chamberlain Museum, Maine and Potter streets.
Visit as guests of the Pejepscot Historical Society. Tours begin each hour on the hour. Free.
— Feb. 12, 1 p. m.: The Coursen Readings, Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St.
Poets Robert Farnsworth, David Moreau and Alice Persons read from their work. Free.
— Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m.: Readings at The Highlands, Holden Frost House, 7 Academy Lane, Topsham.
Hosted by Ted Bookey and Helene McGlauflin, resident poets and community members read and discuss their works. Refreshments. RSVP by calling 725-2650. Free.
— Feb. 16, 6 p.m.: Heart’s Delight Dinner, Main Lounge, Moulton Union, Bowdoin College.
The Bowdoin College dining service will prepare a buffet supper. The menu includes Hungarian mushroom soup, green salad, ancient grains salad, haddock with Maine shrimp, pan-seared balsamic turkey steak, fettuccini with squash and baby spinach, roasted Maine root vegetables, wild rice pilaf, red velvet cupcakes, apple crisp, chocolate rum balls.
Maine Poet Laureate Wesley McNair will read from his most recent collection, “Lovers of the Lost.” McNair will sign copies of his book, which can be purchased following the program.
Reservations at $ 25 are required by Feb. 8 at www.brunswickdowntown.co m or by calling 729-4439.
Longfellow Days is a program of the Brunswick Downtown Association and Bowdoin College with support from the Nathaniel Davis Fund of Brunswick, the Senter Fund, Maine Humanities Council: Power and Pleasure of Poetry, Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, and the Association of Bowdoin Friends. Longfellow Days receives in-kind support from Art Forms/Cool as a Moose, Brunswick Inn, the Inn at Brunswick Station, Bohemian Coffee House and Curtis Memorial Library.
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