Events - Feb 1 23
We're back again with full programming after a two-year absence. Join us as we embark on a month-long celebration of Longfellow, poetry, and community. All events are free!
TRAVEL ABROAD & WITHIN
Longfellow Days is Brunswick's month-long celebration of the great American poet, who lived here while he was a student and, later, as a faculty member at Bowdoin College. Throughout February – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's birth month – entertaining cultural events all over town will explore themes that are suggested by the poet's life and work. This year's event is titled "Travel: Abroad and Within."
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was inspired by traveling, whether internationally or close to home. His adventures shaped his writing, even when his subject had nothing to do with journeys or locales. Truly, travel can happen over great distances or within our thoughts.
Thursday, February 2, 2-3 PM
Exhibition Excursion
A docent-led tour of two BCMA exhibits illuminating aspects of HWL's time in Italy. Antiquity & America: The Ancient Mediterranean in the United States features sculpture and paintings that influenced artists like Longfellow. In Light of Rome: Early Photography in the Capital of the Art World, 1842-1871 reveals the eternal city's impact on the development of early photography. Co-sponsored by the Pejepscot History Center.
Bowdoin College Museum of Art
Sunday, February 5, 1 PM
The Coursen Readings, Part One
Many superb writers have graced Brunswick and its vicinity through the years. We feature twelve of them in a four-part Sunday series named for the late poet and Longfellow Days' friend, Herbert Coursen. We begin with Maine poets Jen Walker Grace, Claire Hersom, and Marcia Simmons. Refreshments.
Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Library
Tuesday, February 7, 6:30-8:30 PM
Parsing a Poem: Devilish Dante
A literary and social event hosted by Gary Lawless, who guides us in exploring the First Canto of Dante's Inferno, translated by Longfellow, as well as "Mezzo Cammin," Longfellow's sonnet written while grieving the sudden death of his first wife. Refreshments and cash bar.
OneSixtyFive, The Inn on Park Row
Friday, February 10, 1 PM
Poetry Reading with Wesley McNair
Wes, the Poet Laureate of Maine from 2011-2016, will read from his recently published volume Late Wonders: New and Selected Poems.
Unitarian Universalist Church, 1 Middle Street
Saturday, February 11, 10:30 AM
Morning at the Movies
Be transported back to Victorian America by I Heard the Bells, the 2022 feature film about Longfellow and the inspiring story behind the beloved Christmas carol. Introduced by Tricia Welsch, Bowdoin College Professor of Cinema Studies.
Eveningstar Cinema, 149 Maine Street
Watch the movie trailer here
Sunday, February 12, 10 AM
A Lyrical Service
Poetry is the focus of this ecumenical service, led by Rev. Kharma Amos and with music from Jud Caswell. Visit the Bible that Longfellow signed and donated to his church in 1878.
Sunday, February 12, 1 PM
The Coursen Reading, Part Two
Maine poets Cate Marvin, Jefferson Navicky, and Jonathan Pessant are featured. Refreshments.
Wednesday, February 15, 12 PM
Poetry & Travel: Longfellow in Europe
As a Professor of Modern Languages, Longfellow toured Europe, expanding his worldview and his art. Gary Lawless, another continental traveler, speaks about HWL, poetry, and the value of travel in strengthening the creative arts. This event is part of the Midcoast Senior College's Winter Wisdom program.
Morrell Room, Curtis Memorial Library
Longfellow Trivia Challenge
We bet you know more than you think you do and, either way, you are sure to have fun. Trivia master Andrew Hamilton emcees, and there'll be prizes!
Saturday, February 18, 12:30 & 2 PM
Tours of the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum
Longfellow Days and the Pejepscot History Center co-host visits to one of Longfellow's residences in Brunswick – later home of Maine Governor and Civil War General Joshua Chamberlain.
226 Maine Street
The Cousen Readings, Part Three
Maine poets Dennis Camire, Jim Donnelly, and Anna Wrobel are featured today. Refreshments.
Wednesday, February 22, 2 PM
Community Poetry Reading at the Highlands
Local bard David Sloan will read from his work and host this informal poetry-sharing gathering for the community. Bring yours or favorites by others. Refreshments.
Georgetown Parlor, Maine Lodge, The Highlands, 30 Governors Way, Topsham
Thursday, February 23, 12:30 PM
Community Poetry Reading at Thornton Oaks
Poet David Sloan shares his own writing and hosts this informal verse-sharing session for the community. Bring yours or favorites by others. Refreshments.
Merrymeeting Room, Thornton Oaks, 25 Thornton Way (off Baribeau Drive)
The Coursen Readings, Part Four
Maine poets Kara Douglas, Valerie Lawson, and John Reinhart are on deck for our final Coursen Reading. Refreshments.
Monday, February 27, 6:30 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HENRY!
He's a mere 216 today – and always deserving of a fuss. Ren Bernier hosts our popular poetry open mic, and we invite you to add your voice! Come share your poem or another's that you love, and enjoy some delicious cake, courtesy of Union Street Bakery.
Longfellow Days is an annual program of the Brunswick Downtown Association, with support from Bowdoin College, Nathaniel Davis Fund, Eveningstar Cinema, OneSixtyFive: The Inn on Park Row, Union Street Bakery, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick.
Check out this site and our Longfellow Days Facebook page for updates.
And Joyful New Year Wishes to All!
https://www.uubrunswick.org/longfellow-days-2023/
02/01/23 at 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Midcoast Senior College presents its FREE "Winter Wisdom" series sponsored by The Highlands. Each week presents a new topic and speaker.
This illustrated presentation and discussion will explore the true history of the community who lived on Malaga Island, off the coast of Phippsburg, Maine, in the late 1800s. The program examines the individuals who were part of this community and the state's actions to evict them from their homes through the complex history of racism and eugenics in Maine. Kate McBrien currently serves as Maine State Archivist, overseeing Maine State Government's archives and records management programs. As curator of the award-winning exhibition "Malaga Island, Fragmented Lives," Kate is also an historian for the Malaga Island community. She previously held positions as Chief Curator and Director of Public Engagement at the Maine Historical Society and as the Curator of Historic Collections for the Maine State Museum.
More details on our website at midcoastseniorcollege.org/programs/winter-wisdom