Whittier House Fundraiser at Maudsley June 24
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The Whittier Home Museum is proud to announce its third annual “Celebrating John Greenleaf Whittier” fundraiser and auction, to be held on Sunday, June 24, 2 – 5:00 pm (rain or shine) at the Maudslay Arts Center, 95 Curzon Mill Road, in the magnificent Maudslay State Park, Newburyport, MA. (Continued below)

Whittier was one of the most influential nineteenth century American poets and an ardent and outspoken abolitionist, humanitarian, and legislator. Join us as we honor his lifetime, dedicated to the pursuit of social justice, artistic expression and the sharing of the natural beauty around him.

Gathering with friends and family on the banks of the Merrimac River became an annual local tradition for local folks. Celebrating the blooming of the laurels (or Kalmia) at Maudslay State Park near the river's shores was oft called the “Feast of Flowers”. Here John Greenleaf Whittier enjoyed poetry, music, food, and dear friendships. Greenleaf captured the essence of this experience in his poem of the same name, “The Laurels” (excerpt below).

Whittier_Celebration

 

I thank you for sweet summer days,
For pleasant memories lingering long,
For joyful meetings, fond delays,
And ties of friendship woven strong.

 

POETRY READINGS, AUCTION AND LUNCHEON BUFFET

Once again we are privileged to have Charles Cullen, president of the Provident Bank, return as our master of ceremonies and auctioneer. There will be many auction items donated by area businesses, individuals, and Whittier enthusiasts. Attendees will enjoy the music of classical guitarist, John Tavano, playing a mix of original compositions and Romantic pieces, and browse and bid on auction items, such as two summer season tickets to the Maudslay Arts Center, an antique stereoscopic viewer plus local slides donated by Sally Ann Lavery, Olde Newbury pewter, and more.

Our poetry readings will begin at 2:30 pm. Speakers include Cynthia Costello, president of the Whittier Home, Elinor Curtain Cameron, president of the Whittier Birthplace, and special guest speaker, Bill Plante.

Bill Plante, former executive editor of Essex County Newspapers, columnist for the Newburyport Daily News and staunch believer in freedom of the press, will speak about John Green Whittier and William Lloyd Garrison, two nineteenth century journalists who advocated justice, tolerance, and complete emancipation of all slaves. He will also read the poem, “Overheard: William Lloyd Garrison and John Greenleaf Whittier” by Rhina P. Espaillat.

An elegant summer time luncheon buffet, catered by The Kitchen Witch of Kennebunkport, will follow the program.

Major sponsors for the event include Newburyport 5 Cents Savings Bank, Institution for Savings, The Provident Bank, Amesbury Public Library through a Museum Grant, Sen. Steve Baddour, Rep. Michael A. Costello, Seacoast Signworks, Maudslay Arts Center, Costello family, Michelmas Press, and Rita Mullis.

Celebrating Whittier tickets are $25.00.  Tickets can be ordered online at http://www.whittierhome.org. Limited Tickets will be sold at the Maudslay Arts Center. For more information call 978-388-1337.

ABOUT WHITTIER HOME MUSEUM

The Whittier Home Museum located at 86 Friend Street, Amesbury, is open for tours on Saturday, May through October, from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (last tour begins at 3:30pm). Private tours can be arranged by calling 978-465-5964 or 978-388-1337. Visit the Web site for a virtual tour and to check out our gift shop and calendar of events.

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