Penn Projects
The following projects have been organized for Whitman at 200 by Penn Libraries Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts:
We Contain Multitudes: Celebrating Walt Whitman’s 200th Birthday with Poetry, Song, and Cake
May 31, 2019 · 11am-2pm · Philadelphia City Hall—Interior Courtyard
This community poetry reading, focusing on diversity, marks the 200th birthday of Walt Whitman, America's "poet of democracy." Readings of Whitman's poetry from a diversity of community members will be interspersed with an array of musical performances. Additionally, the event will feature special appearances by icon Patti Smith and daughter, Jesse Paris Smith, as well as Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. The event will take place at City Hall and offer free letterpress printing for individuals wanting to make their own Whitman souvenirs, as well as an edible five-foot-tall bicentennial birthday cake baked by the winner of Whitman’s “Birthday Cake Bake-Off” (more information below).
Whitman Vignettes: Camden and Philadelphia
May 29-August 8, 2019 (opening reception May 28 · 4pm-7:30pm) · Penn Libraries—Kamin Gallery
The American poet Walt Whitman (1819-1892) spent the last two decades of his life officially residing across the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey. This exhibition, in conjunction with the 200th anniversary, on May 31, 2019, of the birth of Walt Whitman, focuses on the Camden/Philadelphia connection, both during Whitman’s life and in the decades that followed. Mining Penn’s important Whitman Collection, which includes original paintings by Herbert Gilchrist, son of Whitman’s English admirer Anne Gilchrist, it explores his friendships, his writings, his influence, his collectors, his legacy, and even the naming of his bridge.
Shades of Whitman: A “Look-Alike” Contest
April 13, 2019 · 3pm-6pm · Philadelphia Brewing Company
Whitman at 200 and Philadelphia Brewing Company are teaming up for a nontraditional take on a Walt Whitman “Look-Alike” contest…what’s the catch? Your looks don’t matter! In celebration of the 200th birthday of “America’s poet of democracy” in 2019, this event will crown the individual who best captures Whitman in both body and spirit. All are encouraged to participate regardless of age (21+), race, sex, or gender identity. Judging is based on the following categories: 1) Best Costuming 2) Whitman Trivia 3) Poetry Reading 4) Pitch—what is your likeness with Whitman?
Whitman at 200: Looking Back, Looking Forward
March 29, 2019 · 4pm-6:30pm; March 30, 2019 · 9:30am-6:00pm Penn Libraries—Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts
This symposium explores Walt Whitman, his work and his life, from various perspectives. The keynote, “Whitman Getting Old,” will be given by Ed Folsom (Iowa), co-director of the Whitman Archive and editor of the Walt Whitman Quarterly Review and the Whitman Series for the University of Iowa Press. Speakers include Matt Cohen (UNebraska, Lincoln), Jay Grossman (Northwestern), Virginia Jackson (UCalifornia, Irvine), Meredith McGill (Rutgers), Don James McLaughlin (UTulsa), Michael Warner (Yale), Edward Whitley (Lehigh), and Michael Winship (UTexas, Austin).
Birthday Cake Bake-Off
February 26, 2019 · 5:30pm-7:00pm · Free Library of Philadelphia—Parkway Central Branch
The winner of this historic birthday cake bake-off will earn the honor of making Walt's 200th birthday cake. The winning cake will be featured (and eaten) at his birthday event at Philadelphia City Hall on May 31, referenced above. Contestants will be judged on design, taste, and creativity, and a “People’s Choice” winner will be selected. Nick Malgieri, pastry chef, author, and member of Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America, will head the team of judges and be joined by local press. Event is free to the public.
*Click the link below to see updated event information, including the contest winner.
Walt Whitman, From Photographs to Print: A Series of Three Workshops
January 26, February 9, February 23, 2019 · 10:00am-4:00pm · Penn Libraries and Common Press
As part of Whitman at 200: Art and Democracy, the Common Press and the Penn Libraries are offering a series of three workshops around the creation, translation, and printing of images, which was a major part of the nineteenth century print trade in which Whitman played an important role. Create your own take on Whitman’s visage in this three-part series.
January 26: Drawing from Vintage Photographs with artist RA Friedman.
February 9: Cutting a Linoleum Block with artist Barbara Henry.
February 23: Printing from Linoleum Blocks on the Letterpress with printing expert Mary Tasillo.