Tell-Tale Talks featuring: Alix Harrow
2025-04-16 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Poe Museum’s Enchanted Garden, 1914 E Main St, Richmond VA, Virginia, 23223, United States
About Alix Harrow:

Alix E. Harrow is the NYT-bestselling author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January, The Once and Future Witches, Starling House, and various short fiction, including a duology of retold fairy tales (A Spindle Splintered and A Mirror Mended). Her work has won a Hugo and a British Fantasy Award, and been shortlisted for the Nebula, World Fantasy, Locus, Southern Book Prize, and Goodreads Choice awards.

She’s from Kentucky, but now lives in Charlottesville, Virginia with her husband and their two semi-feral kids.

Her writing is represented by Kate McKean at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency.

Elora Overbey, 2023

About Starling House:

Starling House is a gorgeous, modern gothic fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January.I dream sometimes about a house I’ve never seen….Opal is a lot of things―orphan, high school dropout, full-time cynic and part-time cashier―but above all, she’s determined to find a better life for her younger brother Jasper. One that gets them out of Eden, Kentucky, a town remarkable for only two things: bad luck and E. Starling, the reclusive nineteenth century author of The Underland, who disappeared over a hundred years ago.All she left behind were dark rumors―and her home. Everyone agrees that it’s best to ignore the uncanny mansion and its misanthropic heir, Arthur. Almost everyone, anyway.I should be scared, but in the dream I don’t hesitate.Opal has been obsessed with The Underland since she was a child. When she gets the chance to step inside Starling House―and make some extra cash for her brother’s escape fund―she can’t resist.But sinister forces are digging deeper into the buried secrets of Starling House, and Arthur’s own nightmares have become far too real. As Eden itself seems to be drowning in its own ghosts, Opal realizes that she might finally have found a reason to stick around.In my dream, I’m home.And now she’ll have to fight.Welcome to Starling House: enter, if you dare.

We are pleased to be joined by Fountain Bookstore for Alix’s Tell-Tale Talk, who will be providing copies of Starling House for sale.

Learn more and purchase tickets by clicking the “Reserve Tickets” button below.

Edgar's Enchanted Garden Family Day
2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00 | The Poe Museum, 1914 E Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23059, United States
Celebrate National Poetry Month at the Poe Museum! Join us on Saturday, April 19th from 10:00am-12:00pm for an enchanted day of free Poe inspired arts, crafts, and programming brought to you by The Poe Museum.

Explore our Enchanted Garden and immerse yourself into the illuminating world of stories, nature, and poetry. In addition to programming provide to you by the Poe Museum, we encourage you to grab a book and read with your young ones amongst the flowers (The Poe Museum will provide a select number stories but we encourage you to bring your own storybooks as well).

Please contact emma@poemuseum.org with any questions regarding this event.

RSVP

April 2025 UnHappy Hour: Cirque du Poe-leil
2025-04-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Poe Museum’s Enchanted Garden, 1914 E Main St, Richmond VA, Virginia, 23223, United States
Presented by Stone Brewing, join us on Thursday, April 24th from 6-9 PM for the Poe Museum’s Cirque du Poe-leilUnHappy Hour!

Step right up for the first UnHappy Hour of the year! At this circus themed party, you can enjoy the musical accompaniement of Mothman Rodeo while taking in the nostalgic ambiance of an old-timey carnival. While dressing to theme is not required, we always encourage our guests to go all out. So dust off that clown nose and come on out to the Cirque du Poe-leil!

Beer from Stone Brewing and an assortment of wines will be available for purchase at the bar. 1115 Mobile Kitchen will also be for sale in the parking lot.

We hope to see you there, for a miserable time from six to nine…

Mothman Rodeo – This super group of VA musicians plays a mix of folk punk, & country rock!

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This event is open to all ages. The Poe Museum will not serve alcohol to any individual under the age of 21.

Exhibits remain open.

Email Nicole Coppino at nicole@poemuseum.org for media inquiries or any additional information.

Tell-Tale Talks featuring: Sharon Virts
2025-05-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Poe Museum’s Enchanted Garden, 1914 E Main St, Richmond VA, Virginia, 23223, United States
About Sharon Virts:

Best-selling historical fiction author, Sharon Virts is a successful entrepreneur and visionary who, after more than 25 years in business, followed her passion for storytelling. She has earned numerous accolades for her commitment to historic preservation, earning national recognition for both her business achievements and philanthropic endeavors. She has authored three books, Masque of Honor, released in 2021, Veil of Doubt, released in 2023, and The Grays of Truth released in October 2024.

Beyond her business acumen, Sharon is a gifted visual artist, intertwining her artistic expression with extraordinary storytelling to breathe life into intricate characters and vivid settings that captivate the heart and ignite the imagination.

About The Grays of Truth:

From bestselling historical true-crime author Sharon Virts comes a gripping tale of murder and deceit.

In Reconstruction-era Baltimore, members of the city’s elite keep turning up dead. Below the polished surface of high society, there are illicit affairs, jilted lovers, financial hardships, and countless motives for murder. When Jane Gray Wharton’s husband, Ned, dies unexpectedly while overnighting at his brother’s home, Jane has no reason to question the circumstances of his death. But on a visit to the same house a few weeks later, both Jane and her daughter fall gravely ill, and Jane begins to suspect foul play.

Though a trained chemist and former nurse, Jane is haunted by a history of delusion, loss, and institutionalization. As the unexpected and devastating deaths begin to multiply, Jane’s grip on reality starts to slip. When a respected army officer falls terribly ill after visiting the Whartons’ Baltimore home, Jane’s greatest fears become all too real. The time has come to act—but who will believe her? And can she even trust her own mind?

We are pleased to be joined by Book People for Sharon’s Tell-Tale Talk, who will be providing copies of The Grays of Truth for sale.

Click the button below to reserve your tickets!

May 2025 UnHappy Hour: Murder Mystery
2025-05-22 18:00 - 21:00 | Poe Museum’s Enchanted Garden, 1914 E Main St, Richmond VA, Virginia, 23223, United States
Join us on Thursday, May 22 from 6-9pm for the Poe Museum’s Murder Mystery UnHappy Hour!

There’s been a moider! Help us solve “The Mystery of Marie Rogêt” on Thursday, May 22. Sharpen your detective skills with the musical accompaniment of Duo Boheme, followed by Please Don’t Tell.

An assortment of libations will be available for purchase at the bar. 1115 Mobile Kitchen will also be for sale in the parking lot, because who can solve a mystery on an empty stomach?

We hope to see you there, for a miserable time from six to nine…

This event is open to all ages. The Poe Museum will not serve alcohol to any individual under the age of 21. Exhibits remain open. Extra parking available at the Holocaust Museum’s parking lot, accessible by 21st or Dock St.

Email Nicole Coppino at nicole@poemuseum.org for media inquiries or any additional information.

Tell-Tale Talks featuring: Allison Gunn
2025-06-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Poe Museum’s Enchanted Garden, 1914 E Main St, Richmond VA, Virginia, 23223, United States
About Allison Gunn:

Allison Gunn is a researcher, writer, and proud owner of Blue Fae Tarot, LLC with a penchant for all things whimsical and strange. An alum of University of Maryland, Allison has extensively studied marginalized communities as well as folklore.

She currently resides in the wonderfully weird land of West Virginia with her twin daughters, precocious pup, and one seriously troubled tabby.

Allison is represented by Logan Harper with the Jane Rotrosen Agency. Her debut horror novel, NOWHERE (Atria | 2025) is currently available for purchase here.

About Nowhere:

Mare of Easttown meets The Outsider in this spine-tingling and twisty debut about a series of disappearances in a small, fundamentalist town and what one broken family must do to remain together as dark forces close in.

A haunting family saga and a disquieting horror debut, Nowhere draws from Appalachian folklore to caution us that true terror is what we bury in our own hearts.

We are pleased to be joined by Fountain Bookstore for Allison’s Tell-Tale Talk, who will be providing copies of Nowhere for sale.

Evening Crane Theatre Presents: The Spyglass Seven
2025-06-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Poe Museum’s Enchanted Garden, 1914 E Main St, Richmond VA, Virginia, 23223, United States
The ghosts of Edgar Allan Poe and several of his contemporaries come to life this summer in a theatrical production of The Spyglass Seven at The Poe Museum on June 6, 2025.

Michael Seebold’s The Spyglass Seven finds Poe resurrected from the grave for one night, to speak again with the ghosts of the seven women who most shaped his life and work. In a cemetery before dawn, the ghosts reminisce on their loves, rivalries, and literature from the 1830s and 1840s. Under the mysterious presence and vigil of the Spirit of Beauty, Poe is given until sunrise to determine which of the seven women was his soul mate.

The play incorporates writings and poems from Poe and his contemporaries, including the infamous Obituary for Edgar Allan Poe written by Rufus Griswold. Among the historical figures to appear in the play are Jane Stanard, an early mentor figure from Poe’s years in Richmond; Sarah Helen Whitman, the enigmatic spiritualist and one-time fiancée to Poe; and Virginia Clemm, Poe’s first cousin and wife, whose death from tuberculosis inspired some of the poet’s most famous poems.

The Spyglass Seven received the 2012 Arts NC State Creative Artist Award for Playwriting and saw its world premiere at NCSU University Theatre in 2013. The play has run previously in New York and in the International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards in Baltimore.

The cast is led by actors Elias Morris (Poe) and Kylie Logan (Beauty), with hair, makeup, and special effect designs by Sol Henriquez.

Actor Michael Short, who portrays Poe’s literary executor and rival Rufus Griswold in the play, comments: “my most vivid memory of Miss Elias’ 10th grade English Literature class, was the moment we turned the page to Poe’s lyric poem Annabel Lee, and we began to read.”

“Returning to an old script is rewarding but uncanny,” adds Seebold, who will also direct the June production, “familiarity and novelty reside in the same lines. The world of the play begins to evade time.”

Reserve your tickets by clicking the button below!

Feline Fables and Macabre Meows: A Deep Dive into Poe’s The Black Cat [ages 9-12]
2025-06-13 10:00 - 12:00 | The Poe Museum, 1914 E Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23059, United States
This event is hosted by Richmond Young Writers

Join us for an engaging and immersive creative writing workshop where we explore the mystery, superstition, and symbolism of black cats – both in Edgar Allan Poe’s The Black Cat and in the real-life feline residents of the Poe Museum. Come meet the Museum’s black cats, Edgar and Tibs, and pay respect to the namesake of Poe’s own feline fable, dearly departed Pluto. Writers will explore the significance – and superstition – of black cats in literature, folklore, and society. This workshop encourages young learners to embrace creativity while exploring the power of mystery, symbolism, and the art of suspenseful storytelling.

Participants will tour the Poe Museum, immersing themselves in the mysterious world of the man and the myth. The tuition fee covers museum admission, materials, and dedicated instructional time. Unleash your creativity, be inspired by Poe’s enduring literary legacy, and join us for a macabre, melancholic, memorable writing journey!

2025 Black Cat Adoption Event
2025-06-13 17:30 - 19:30 | The Poe Museum, 1914 E Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23059, United States
This event has reached full capacity, and we will not be accepting walk-ins. Thank you for understanding.

Join us on Friday, June the 13th for the Poe Museum’s second annual Black Cat Adoption Day, in partnership with Richmond Animal League, the Richmond SPCA, Richardsons Rescue and Hanover Community Cats! From 5:30-7:30pm on Friday the 13th, the Enchanted Garden will once again be full of feline friends — and we’re not just talking about Edgar and Tib…

To make things even sweeter, we’ll be joined by Westray’s Finest Ice Cream.

Come find your purrfect companion at the Poe Museum on Friday the 13th!

This event is FREE to the public – just RSVP via the button below.

Please reach out to Nicole Coppino at nicole@poemuseum.org with any questions or media inquiries.

Feline Fables and Macabre Meows: A Deep Dive into Poe’s The Black Cat [ages 12-15]
2025-06-20 13:00 - 15:30 | The Poe Museum, 1914 E Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23059, United States

June 2025 UnHappy Hour: Pride
2025-06-26 18:00 - 21:00 | Poe Museum’s Enchanted Garden, 1914 E Main St, Richmond VA, Virginia, 23223, United States
Join us on Thursday, June 26 from 6-9pm for the Poe Museum’s Pride UnHappy Hour!

Celebrate Pride with a Summer Solstice Party at the Poe Museum!

The Summer Solstice marks the onset of summer, taking place on the longest day of the year. It is thought to be a time of new beginnings and transformation.

Give thanks to the sun and celebrate the beauty of Pride Month with live music from Flora & The Fauna, plus a special drag show from local queen and king, Melanin Monroe and Jocito!

Don’t forget to bring cash to tip the performers – it’s bad luck to leave a drag show with cash left in your pockets!

We hope to see you there, for a miserable time from six to nine…

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This event is open to all ages. The Poe Museum will not serve alcohol to any individual under the age of 21.

Exhibits remain open.

Extra parking available at the Holocaust Museum’s parking lot, accessible by 21st or Dock St.

Email nicole@poemuseum.org for media inquiries or any additional information.

Tell-Tale Talks featuring: Chris Semtner
2025-07-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Poe Museum’s Enchanted Garden, 1914 E Main St, Richmond VA, Virginia, 23223, United States
About Chris Semtner:

Chris Semtner, who recently celebrated his 25-year anniversary as the curator of the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia, is also an internationally exhibited fine artist whose paintings have entered numerous public collections including the Virginia Historical Society and the University of Maryland. He has written several books and chapters on topics including literature, visual art, and history. He will be discussing his most recent book, Edgar Allan Poe at Home, at his Tell-Tale Talk on Wednesday, July 16.

About Edgar Allan Poe at Home:

Author Christopher P. Semtner takes readers inside the homes of Edgar Allan Poe. Edgar Allan Poe’s terror tales and melancholy poetry carved a bold new path across literary genres. Meet the man behind the madness, murder and mayhem on this road trip to Poe’s homes in Richmond, Baltimore, Philadelphia, the Bronx and more. Along the way, meet the grave robbers, murderers and tooth thieves who inspired his greatest horror stories. Learn the secret histories of these Poe places to find out which was owned by a man who kept Poe’s wife’s bones in a box under his bed, which might be haunted by Poe’s ghost, which has the best basement for hiding corpses and which stood across the street from an anatomy lab.

Copies of Chris’ book will be available for purchase during the event.

Reserve your tickets now!

Edgar's Enchanted Garden Family Movie Night
2025-07-19 18:30 - 20:30 | The Poe Museum, 1914 E Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23059, United States
Enjoy a summer evening in the museum’s Enchanted Garden as we celebrate summer reading before the school year. Join us for a screening of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949, G-rated), an adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows and Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The museum will provide seating for the film, however, families are welcome to bring blankets to sit on. In addition to our page to picture screening, there will be garden games, a “Gold Bug” scavenger hunt, and poem-in-a-bottle craft.

We will be joined by Good Vices Ices who will sell Italian ice in the parking lot. The Poe Museum will provide nut-free snacks and refreshments.

View the parental guide of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad here.

Please reach out to programs@poemuseum.org for more information regarding this event.

Schedule:

Food vendor | 6:30pm-8:00pm

Crafts | 6:30-7:30pm

Movie Screening | 7:30-8:30pm

July 2025 UnHappy Hour: Land Poe!
2025-07-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Poe Museum’s Enchanted Garden, 1914 E Main St, Richmond VA, Virginia, 23223, United States
All aboard for Land Poe!—a nautical-themed UnHappy Hour at the Poe Museum!

Join us on Thursday, July 24 from 6–9pm for a raucous, salt-sprayed soirée where landlubbers and pirates alike will dance to the rowdy rhythms of Pitch ‘n A Fit and the tidal grooves of Pleco.

Quench yer thirst with grog and grape—beer and wine will be for sale, with libations generously sponsored by The Veil Brewing Co. And if yer belly’s rumblin’ like a sea beast, 1115 Mobile Kitchen will be on deck servin’ up hearty fare fit for the saltiest of crews.

Don yer best pirate garb, raise a toast to cursed voyages and ghostly lore, and revel in an evening where the sea meets the shadow of Edgar Allan Poe. It’s sure to be a hull of a time!

We hope to see you there, for a miserable time from six to nine…

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This event is open to all ages. The Poe Museum will not serve alcohol to any individual under the age of 21.

Exhibits remain open.

Extra parking available at the Holocaust Museum’s parking lot, accessible by 21st or Dock St.

Email nicole@poemuseum.org for media inquiries or any additional information.

Professional Development Workshop
2025-07-28 10:00 - 16:00 | The Poe Museum, 1914 E Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23059, United States
Edgar Allan Poe is often viewed as an anomaly in history, both for the gruesome subject of his literature and his peculiar appearance. How can one place Poe in the historical timeline when their appears to be so many deviations from our understanding of life in the 19th century? This professional development workshop explores how to contextualize Poe’s life and literature alongside other literary and historical people, trends, and events to provide a more comprehensive understanding of both Poe and the 19th century.

This free professional development workshop is hosted at The Poe Museum and Historic Richmond’s Monumental Church in Richmond, Virginia. This workshop includes a guided tour of the Poe Museum, three focused talks by Poe specialists, educator resources & more! Lunch and one complimentary drink at our UnHappy Hour social are provided. A detailed schedule of the event can be viewed below.

A portion of this event will be hosted outside in the Poe Museum’s Enchanted Garden. In addition to materials to take notes with, we recommend bringing hats, fans, and water if needed.

NOTE: This event is limited to 50 attendees. RSVP required.

*Certification Points available upon request* Please email emma@poemuseum.org for any questions regarding this event.

Tell-Tale Talks featuring: David Allen Voyles
2025-08-13 18:00 - 19:00 | Poe Museum’s Enchanted Garden, 1914 E Main St, Richmond VA, Virginia, 23223, United States
About David Allen Voyles:

Some of the tales in David Allen Voyles’ first collection of original horror stories, The Thirteenth Day of Christmas and Other Tales of Yuletide Horror, were those he told while conducting tours for his ghost tour company Dark Ride Tours in Asheville, NC. Playing the role of gravedigger/storyteller Virgil Nightshade, Voyles entertained guests as they were transported to various spooky sites in a 1972 Cadillac hearse converted for that purpose.

Having taught literature for thirty years, Voyles is no stranger to weird tales and horror fiction in general. In addition to publishing his stories in various anthologies, he is also the creator of the horror podcast, Dark Corners with David Allen Voyles, a program in which he narrates many of his tales of horror. Dark Corners can be found on most podcast apps including Spotify.

Voyles’ newest work, Edgar: When Poe’s Nightmares Began, is a historical fiction chronicling Edgar Allan Poe’s childhood in Richmond.

About Edgar: When Poe’s Nightmares Began:

What if Edgar Allan Poe’s scariest stories were inspired by actual supernatural events that took place when he was a boy?During the summer of 1826, fifteen-year-old Edgar Allan Poe hears a disturbing, low laugh while sketching and writing in a Richmond cemetery. He follows the raspy voice into a crypt where he sees a crouching figure, a cadaverous ghoul who transforms before Edgar’s eyes into a boy who looks just like him.When the boy vanishes leaving only the echoes of his laughter, Edgar is forced to question his sanity.Edgar first confides solely in his best friend Robert Stannard. As his evil twin continues to reappear throughout the summer wreaking supernatural chaos with each encounter, Edgar meets the beautiful and fiery-spirited Elmira Royster. Together with these two friends and a one-eyed black cat that harbors an incredible secret, Edgar navigates a series of uncanny events as frightening as any of the tales the adult Poe would later write.But which Edgar would remain to become the author we know so well?

Reserve your admission tickets below!

August 2025 UnHappy Hour: Wizard of Oz
2025-08-28 18:00 - 21:00 | Poe Museum’s Enchanted Garden, 1914 E Main St, Richmond VA, Virginia, 23223, United States
There’s no place like Poe…

Join us on Thursday, August 28 from 6–9pm for a whimsical, Wizard of Oz-inspired evening full of music, food, and magic under the summer sky.

Enjoy the smooth jazz stylings of the Charles Owens Trio as they transport you somewhere over the rainbow with every note. Savor delicious bites from 1115 Mobile Kitchen, serving up traditional or plant-based southern favorites all night long. Refreshments will be available for purchase, including craft beer from Benchtop Brewing and a curated selection of wines.

Whether you’re a good witch or a bad one, a lion or a scarecrow, themed costumes are always encouraged—but never required. Explore the museum’s enchanted garden, visit exhibits after hours, and raise a glass to the man behind the curtain himself—Edgar Allan Poe.

We hope to see you there, for a miserable time from six to nine…

***

This event is open to all ages. The Poe Museum will not serve alcohol to any individual under the age of 21.

Exhibits remain open.

Extra parking available at the Holocaust Museum’s parking lot, accessible by 21st or Dock St.

Email nicole@poemuseum.org for media inquiries or any additional information.

Student Writing Contest
2025-09-01 00:00 - 2025-10-31 23:59 | The Poe Museum, 1914 E Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23059, United States
SUBMISSION DUE DATE: October 31st, 2025 at 11:59pm.

PROMPT: Edgar Allan Poe, while most well-known for his gothic short stories, was also a founder of the science fiction and detective genres. Not only did Poe influence these genres, he directly inspired other authors such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Henry James, and Jules Verne. Verne went on to write a sequel to Poe’s one and only novel, “The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket.”

Find example’s of Poe’s different genres here:

Gothic: The Tell-Tale Heart, The Fall of the House of Usher, The Pit and Pendulum

Sci-Fi: The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall, Some Words with a Mummy

Detective: The Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Purloined Letter

Middle school: Write a short-story sequel to one of Poe’s short-stories in any genre he wrote in (gothic, sci-fi, detective).

High school: Write a short-story sequel or prequel to one of Poe’s short-stories in any genre he wrote in (gothic, sci-fi, detective) and include themes of loss or isolation.

Note: Please include the title of what Poe story you choose to write a sequel for.

CRITERIA & SUBMISSION:

Minimum word count of 500 words.

This contest is open to middle and high school students. One winner will be chosen from each category-Middle School (6th-8th) and High School (9th-12th).

Submissions must follow the prompt and must be an original work. No plagiarism.

Judging will be done by Poe Museum staff.

Contest winners will be announced by November 15th via email.

PRIZE: The winners of the Poe Museum student writing contest will have their short story showcased on the Poe Museum’s website. The winners will also receive a Poe Museum “swag bag” from the Poe Museum’s gift shop. The supporting teacher of the student will win one complimentary virtual field trip.

RESOURCES & QUESTIONS: For additional resources or questions on Edgar Allan Poe and his poetry, please refer to the Poe Museum’s website https://poemuseum.org/ or contact us at programs@poemuseum.org.

Submit Here

Tell-Tale Talks featuring: SJ Sindu
2025-09-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Poe Museum’s Enchanted Garden, 1914 E Main St, Richmond VA, Virginia, 23223, United States
About SJ Sindu:

SJ Sindu is a Tamil diaspora author of two literary novels (Marriage of a Thousand Lies, which won the Publishing Triangle Edmund White Award; and Blue-Skinned Gods, which was an Indie Next Pick and a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award), two hybrid chapbooks (I Once Met You But You Were Dead, which won the Split Lip Turnbuckle Chapbook Contest; and Dominant Genes, which won the Black Lawrence Press Black River Chapbook Contest), two graphic novels (Shakti and Tall Water), and one collection of short stories (The Goth House Experiment). Sindu holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Florida State University and teaches at Virginia Commonwealth University and Vermont College of Fine Arts.

About The Goth House Experiment:

In “Dark Academia and the Lesbian Masterdoc,” a millennial English professor facing mounting personal crises puts her energies into TikTok, but her newfound viral fame could wreck her already unstable life. In “Patriots’; Day,” a man trying to leave his marriage for the woman he loves finds himself caught up in larger currents of anti-Asian violence. In other stories, an array of loners and artists—a young poet haunted by the ghost of Oscar Wilde, a queer beer brewer, a boy with wings—struggle for connection and fulfillment in a world battered by the pandemic and reactionary politics.

We are pleased to be joined by Fountain Bookstore for SJ’s Tell-Tale Talk, who will be providing copies of The Goth House Experiment for sale.

Witold Krull & Edgar Allan Poe Writing Contest
2025-09-17 00:00 - 2025-10-31 23:59 | The Poe Museum, 1914 E Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23059, United States
THE KEY TO ONE’S DEATH, OR RATHER AN ABSURD EXPLORATION OF A WRITER’S LIFE

A Resolute Literary Contest on the Unearthed Connection Between Two Desperate Writers: Edgar Allan Poe and Witold Krull

“October 7th, 1849, Edgar Allan Poe found dead, wearing another’s clothes with only a key found in his pocket. The cause of his death is yet to be determined”

On October 1939, almost 90 years after the death of the American poet and writer Edgar A. Poe, a rare, unnamed manuscript of Poe’s was discovered in room 208 of the Hotel Greene. This discovery was made just days after the death of fellow writer Witold Krull. It is unclear how Krull came into the possession of this manuscript (in the last year of Poe’s life whilst living in Richmond, he sold several papers to Brodski and Lange) however, the significance of this parchment now connects these two desolate writers, out of time and out of space.

Now it is time to honor these two gone but not forgotten writers whose mysterious deaths haunt us today. The parameters are as follows…

i) Your work should embody the voice of a struggling writer

ii) Should attempt to unlock the key to death’s mysteries

iii) Must mention the wonderful city of Richmond and include details related to the locations of Hotel Greene and the Poe Museum (the more unique the better!)

iv) Should be no longer than a page

We encourage all our littérateurs to visit the grand buildings of Hotel Greene (508 East Franklin Street) and The Poe Museum (1914 E Main St) to draw inspiration for your masterpieces. During you visit, snap a photo and tag us @poemuseum and @hotelgreene.

SUBMISSION DUE DATE: October 31st 2025 at 11:59pm.

CRITERIA & SUBMISSION:

This contest is open to 18+ writers

Submissions must follow the prompt and must be an original work. No plagiarism. No AI.

Judging will be done by Poe Museum and Hotel Greene staff.

Contest winners will be announced by November 15th via email.

PRIZE:

$100 Hotel Greene gift card

Two tickets to a 2026 Poe Museum UnHappy Hour

Publication of winning work on The Poe Museum’s website

A reception (with cake)!

QUESTIONS: Please contact programs@poemuseum.org for questions regarding this contest.

Submit Here

Silent Music Revival at The Poe Museum
2025-09-19 19:00 - 21:00 | The Poe Museum, 1914 E Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23059, United States
Welcome the autumn season…Presented by James River Film Society, join us on Friday, September 19th at 7:00 PM for Silent Music Revival, Richmond’s enduring live music silent cinema series, live at the Poe Museum. Featuring silent era films based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe, with a live score by GULL.

Schedule:

Doors – 7:00 PM

Screening – 7:30 PM

Wine and beer will be available to purchase at a cash bar.

For questions or media inquiries, please contact Nicole Coppino at nicole@poemuseum.org.

This event has reached capacity. Sign up for the waitlist below!

September 2025 UnHappy Hour: Fairy-Land
2025-09-25 18:00 - 21:00 | Poe Museum’s Enchanted Garden, 1914 E Main St, Richmond VA, Virginia, 23223, United States
Live unhappily ever after…

Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “Fairy-Land,” join us for an evening of (dis)enchantment on Thursday, September 25 from 6–9pm at the Poe Museum’s Fairy-Land UnHappy Hour! Let the chimes of Tiara & Andrew and Deau Eyes transport you to a strange and beautiful place, full of moonlight and winged creatures. Eat like a king with 1115 Mobile Kitchen, serving up ye olde traditional or plant-based southern cuisine. Indulge in the delightful tinctures of our sponsor, Hidden Wit Brewing Company, plus an assortment of wines.

Optional Dress Code: Fairytale/Renaissance Fair

We hope to see you there, for a miserable time from six to nine…

***

This event is open to all ages. The Poe Museum will not serve alcohol to any individual under the age of 21.

Exhibits remain open.

Extra parking available at the Holocaust Museum’s parking lot, accessible by 21st or Dock St.

Email nicole@poemuseum.org for media inquiries or any additional information.

Short Story Club
2025-10-07 18:00 - 18:30
October readings: “The Oval Portrait” by Edgar Allan Poe and “The Birthmark” by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Join the Poe Museum for our virtual Short Story Club, a low-commitment literary gathering designed for busy reader who may not be able to commit to reading a new book every month. Our Short Story Club meets once a month on Tuesdays on Zoom from 6:00pm-6:30pm–a perfect chance to unwind midweek, connect with fellow literature lovers, and enjoy new reads—all without ever leaving your living room. Each meeting we will explore one Poe short story paired with a complementary piece by another author.

Bring a friend, pour a drink, grab a blanket, and settle in for half-hour of literary discussions!

Registration required.

Tell-Tale Talks featuring: Stephen Smith
2025-10-08 18:00 - 20:30 | Poe Museum’s Enchanted Garden, 1914 E Main St, Richmond VA, Virginia, 23223, United States
About Stephen Smith:

Stephen Smith is an actor and theatre producer from Watford, UK. He trained at the National Youth Theatre and LIPA (Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts). He is the Artistic Director of Threedumb Theatre, a four-time OFFIE award-winning theatre company. Under which, he has self-produced many of his own opportunities as a self-represented actor, including his solo shows Dog/Actor and One Man Poe, which have both toured nationally and internationally; visiting Dubai, Norway, Malaysia and USA.

Since the pandemic, Stephen has also become a multi-award-winning digital theatre creator and has taught undergraduate level actors-in-training how to create digital theatre in his innovative and unique ‘one-shot-live-film’ style.

Last year, Stephen took One Man Poe to the renowned Edinburgh Fringe – the world’s largest international arts festival – where he not only sold-out his entire run, but also won the Spookies Award for Best Horror Solo Show. One Man Poe has been hailed by critics across the UK as “the quintessential stage adaptation” of Edgar Allan Poe’s stories, and Stephen intends to share his theatrical renditions of Poe’s work for many years to come.

About One Man Poe:

Using Poe’s original text from the 1840s, one actor faithfully brings his words to life on stage, performing some of the most terrifying examples of gothic literature.

Run-Of-Show:

The Tell-Tale Heart / The Pit and the Pendulum / The Raven = 80mins (no intermission)

Edgar's Enchanted Garden Family Day
2025-10-11 10:00 - 14:00 | The Poe Museum, 1914 E Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23059, United States
Join us on Saturday, October 11th from 10:00am-2:00pm for an enchanted free family day! Enjoy spooky arts, crafts, and programming brought to you by The Poe Museum, Richmond Public Library, and St. John’s Church.

We will be joined by London actor Stephen Smith who will be performing one man performances of “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Raven” (recommended for ages 8 & up).

Big Day Polaroids will be set-up in our Enchanted Garden where family polaroids will be available for purchase (be sure wear your costumes). Good Vices Ices will be selling sweet treats (Italian ice) in our garden as well. You won’t want to miss this enchanted fall celebration!

SOLD OUT: Good For Her Presents: Nosferatu, A Symphony of Horror at The Poe Museum
2025-10-17 18:00 - 21:00 | The Poe Museum, 1914 E Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23059, United States
A Symphony of Horror…Presented by Good For Her, join us on Friday, October 17th at 7:00 PM for Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922).

Limited seating will be provided. Bringing a lawn chair or blanket is highly encouraged.

Each ticket includes one small popcorn and one mini soda.

Join us before the show for a market, raffle and special Count Orlock Look-Alike contest!

Schedule:

Doors open, market/raffle – 6:00 PM

Count Orlock Look-Alike Contest – 6:30 – 7:00 PM

Screening – 7:30 PM

Film synopsis: Summoned to a bloodthirsty vampire’s faraway castle, a young land clerk embarks on a harrowing journey into the unknown as his innocent wife falls under the spell of a terrifying shadow in her dreams.

Rating: NR

Runtime: 1h 21m

Exhibits remain open before the show.

Wine and beer available at a cash bar. Popcorn and other concessions for sale.

For questions or media inquiries, please contact nicole@poemuseum.org.

This event is SOLD OUT. Add your name to the waitlist below.

The Poe Sewciety 4th Annual Frocktails
2025-10-18 18:00 - 22:00 | Basic City Beer Co. Southside RVA, 212 W 6th St, Richmond, Virginia, 23224, United States
Join Richmond Really Sews for an unforgettable evening of fashion, fabric, and a touch of the macabre at The Poe Sewciety Frocktails 2025, proudly presented by Richmond Really Sews through partnership with Nonprofit Connection. This year in collaboration with The Poe Museum, inspiration is drawn from the haunting beauty and gothic elegance of Edgar Allan Poe. Step into a world where creative sewing meets poetic darkness—whether you’re channeling The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, or Annabel Lee, your tailor-made outfit is your canvas. Enjoy community and couture in an atmosphere that celebrates both craft and creativity. Don’t miss this annual celebration of stitchers and storytellers—where every thread tells a tale.

SOLD OUT: October 2025 UnHappy Hour: Rocky Horror Halloween
2025-10-23 18:00 - 21:00 | Poe Museum’s Enchanted Garden, 1914 E Main St, Richmond VA, Virginia, 23223, United States
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. Thank you for understanding.

LET’S DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN!

Celebrate 50 years of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a special Halloween UnHappy Hour on Thursday, October 23 from 6–9pm! Rock out to The Embalmers, sip on delicious brews from Triple Crossing plus an assortment of wines, and savor traditional or plant-based southern cuisine from 1115 Mobile Kitchen.

COSTUME CONTEST: The best Rocky Horror-inspired costume will win two complimentary tickets to the Poe Museum’s Birthday Bash in January!

We hope to see you there, for a miserable time from six to nine…

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GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION:

RESTROOMSThe Poe Museum has two single stall restrooms within its historic buildings. Additionally, portable toilets will also be available in the Poe Museum parking lot during this event.

PARKINGFree overflow parking is available at the Holocaust Museum’s parking lot, located one block away from the Poe Museum, accessible by 21st or Dock St.

FOOD & DRINKBeer, wine and non-alcoholic refreshments will be for sale at a cash bar. While we accept cash or card, we do not accept Apple Pay at this time. If you plan on purchasing alcohol during the event, please bring a valid form of identification. To comply with our ABC license, we will check the IDs of ANYONE who plans to purchase alcohol – no exceptions. 1115 Mobile Kitchen will be for sale in the Poe Museum parking lot during the event. No outside food or drinks are permitted. No food or drinks are permitted inside the museum buildings.

WEATHERThis event is rain or shine. This event will be cancelled in the case of severe thunderstorms.

ACCESSIBILITYThe Poe Museum is dedicated to creating an accessible space for all. The Poe Museum can provide wheelchair ramps upon request. Seating is limited, however The Poe Museum can provide additional seating upon request. The Poe Museum’s courtyard is laid with cobblestone, which may be difficult to navigate for individuals with wheelchairs. For more information on accessibility at the Poe Museum, please visit https://poemuseum.org/visit-us/.

CODE OF CONDUCTTo ensure a positive experience for all visitors, we ask guests to abide by our Poe Museum Code of Conduct.1. Respect the SpacePlease do not touch any exhibit displays unless otherwise indicated.Keep your voices low while indoors.Leave food and drink in the Gift Shop, or the Enchanted Garden.Keep to the garden paths to avoid trampling plants and flowers.2. Respect OthersBe courteous to other museum visitors who are here to explore Poe’s legacy.Show respect to Poe Museum staff and volunteers, who work to provide a positive experience for all visitors, by following their instructions.Please supervise children.Guests who do not comply with the Poe Museum Code of Conduct may be asked to leave.

Due to mature themes, this event is not recommended for those younger than high-school aged. For anyone under 18 years of age, parental discretion is advised.

Exhibits remain open.

For additional information or other inquiries please contact nicole@poemuseum.org.

Poe at the Pump House
2025-10-25 15:00 - 18:00 | Pump House Park 1708 Pump House Drive Richmond, VA 23221
Enjoy a dramatic reading of some of Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous work, performed by Poe Museum curator Chris Semtner.

Pump House’s most popular event is back for another ghoulish installment! Get your tickets while you can – this one is sure to be extra spooky with Halloween right around the corner.

Come for a tour of Richmond’s historic Byrd Park Pump House & listen to dramatic readings of Edgar Allan Poe’s greatest works! This historic building & its open-air ballroom offer the perfect venue for what has become an annual tradition at the Pump House.

Details:

From 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, three one-hour long Pump House experiences (20-minute tour + 40-minute Poe reading in the upstairs ballroom) are offered. These one-hour sessions will include a full walk-through history tour of the Pump House & dramatic readings of Edgar Allan Poe’s works, thanks to the Poe Museum.

Please arrive at the western door of the Pump House a few minutes early to sign in with an event volunteer.

Things to Note:

No need to print your tickets – they can e-check by name!

The building is not presently ADA accessible & those with mobility impairments may find some sections of the Pump House difficult to maneuver. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult during the tour. Animals are not permitted other than service animals.

Provided hardhats must be worn at all times while inside the Pump House.

Need help or have questions? Please contact info@friendsofpumphouse.org.

Know Your Poe: Private Perry/Private Poe
2025-10-29 18:00 - 19:00
Join the Poe Museum for our “Know Your Poe” series, an evening program hosted quarterly that explores Edgar Allan Poe’s life through various thematic lenses. This series offers Poe-enthusiasts across the world to connect with the Poe Museum, literary scholars, and each other in hopes of gaining a deeper understanding of one of America’s most influential literary figures.

This 45-minute evening program is hosted on Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent to your email the day before the scheduled program.

Private Perry/Private Poe: Explore Poe’s brief military career backdropped against his tumultuous relationship with his foster father. Fort Monroe will be joining the Poe Museum for this program.

RSVP Required.
