THE COURSEN READINGS, PT. 1
Sunday, Feb. 4, 1 p.m.
Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Library
Longfellow Days features 12 writers who have had a connection to the Brunswick area, as part of a fourpart Sunday series named for the late poet and Longfellow Days’ friend, Herbert Coursen. Each has been nominated by a poet from a prior year. The series begins at Kristen Case, Maureen Thorson and Beau Williams. Refreshments provided.
COMMUNITY POETRY READING AT THORNTON OAKS
Thursday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m.
Merrymeeting Room, Thornton Oaks, 25 Thornton Way (off Baribeau Drive)
This informal gathering, facilitated by poets Ted and Ruth Bookey, is open to everyone. Attendees are asked to bring and share a poem. Refreshments provided.
THE COURSEN READINGS, PT. 2
Sunday, Feb. 11, 1 p.m., Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Library
Maine poets Sarah Anderson, Jim Glenn Thatcher and Sheila Wellehan are featured. Refreshments
provided.
THE CHARM OF READING AND REREADING
Wednesday, Feb. 14, 12:15 p.m.
Morrell Room, Curtis Memorial Librar y
Tricia Welsch, professor of Cinema Studies, will share a preview of “Loose Leaves,” which reflects on a lifetime of reading. She will discuss adult rereading of childhood favorites such as “Heidi” and “Little Women,” and leading a conversation about the books that are treasured. Valentine’s Day treats provided.
TEA WITH HARRIET…AND HENRY
Thursday, Feb. 15, 1 p.m.
Harriet’s Writing Room, Harriet Beecher, 63 Federal St.
Reservations required by calling (207) 725-3155
Bowdoin College Secretary of Development and College Relations John Cross — also an unofficial Bowdoin College historian — will speak about Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s experience in Brunswick during the 1820s and ‘30s, first as a Bowdoin student and later as an influential faculty member.
MORNING AT THE MOVIES
Saturday, February 17, 11 a.m.
Smith Auditorium, Sills Hall, Bowdoin College
A presentation of the fourth film adaption of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women.” Directed by Gillian Armstrong, this film features Christian Bale, Claire Danes and Winona Ryder. Tricia Welsch returns to provide context and lead discussion around the screening.
AFTERNOON AT THE JOSHUA CHAMBERLAIN MUSEUM
Saturday, Feb. 17, 1-3 p.m.
Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum, 226 Maine St.
Tours on the half-hour of one of Longfellow’s residences in Brunswick — later home to Maine Gov. and Civil War Gen. Joshua Chamberlain, courtesy of the Pejepscot Historical Society.
THE COURSEN READINGS, PT. 3
Sunday, Feb. 18, 1 p.m.
Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Librar y
Maine college faculty poets Derek Meader (Southern Maine Community College), Ellen Taylor (University
of Maine at Augusta) and Shana Youngdahl (University of Maine at Farmington) present their work. Refreshments provided.
COMMUNITY POETRY READING AT THE HIGHLANDS
Monday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m.
Georgetown Parlor, Maine Lodge, 30 Governors Way, Topsham
Ted and Ruth Bookey facilitate an informal gathering to share favorite poems at The Highlands. Refreshments provided.
WE SALUTE YOU!
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m.
The Brunswick Inn, 165 Park Row
Come participate in a public read-in of the quintessential “looking back” poem, “Moritori Salutamos,” which Longfellow wrote for the 50th reunion of his Bowdoin College graduating class. Gary Lawless, poet and co-owner of Gulf of Maine books, will emcee.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HENRY!
Friday, February 23, 7 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Church, 1 Middle St.
Gary Lawless returns as the featured
reader for an everyone’swelcome poetry open mic. Read your work and enjoy some birthday cake.
LITERARY CHAPEL SERVICE
Sunday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m.
Unitarian Universalist Church, 1 Middle St.
The theme for the ecumenical service, led by Rev. Sylvia Stocker, is “Poetry Through the Lifespan.” Visit the Bible that Longfellow signed and donated to his church in 1878.
THE COURSEN READINGS, PT. 4
Sunday, Feb. 25, 1 p.m.
Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Librar y
The final installment features poets Dave Morrison, Jefferson Navicky and Mihku Paul. Refreshments provided.
HISTORY OF HENRY IN BRUNSWICK
Tuesday, Feb. 27, 1 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Church, 1 Middle St.
A presentation about Longfellow’s experience in Brunswick during the 1820s-1830s.
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