Written by Emma Clark, Education Manager
Introduction
The land surrounding the fall line of the James River, now known as Richmond, Virginia, has played a pivotal role in this nation’s history. As the ancestral home of the Powhatan Confederacy, the site of Patrick Henry’s “Liberty or Death” speech, and an epicenter of the American Civil War, there is no doubting Richmond’s influence over the major events of U.S. history. Several notable American figures called Richmond their home including Chief Justice John Marshall, Maggie Walker, and perhaps most notably, Edgar Allan ...
The Poe Museum Blog
2023 Student Writing Contest
The Poe Museum hosted its annual writing contest for middle and high school students this fall. Students were encouraged to submit either a narrative or persuasive essay pertaining to Poe's legacy in Richmond today. Check out the winners of each category below. For more information on our 2024 "Tell-Tales" writing contest contact our Education Manager at emma@poemuseum.org.
Persuasive Essay 1st Place WinnerSophia | Grade 8
Persuasive Essay Prompt: Persuasive: Many cities, including Baltimore and Philadelphia, claim Edgar Allan Poe, but Poe claimed Richmond. Write a ...
Poe Museum Poetry Contest
The Poe Museum turned 100 in 2022! To celebrate, we are hosting a poetry contest for Richmond (and surrounding area) schools. See below for details:
Edgar Allan Poe was one of America’s great lyric poets. It was here in Richmond that he wrote his first poems. We can think of no better way to honor him than to invite the young poets of Virginia to participate in this contest!
• Who can entero Any 6th -12th grade students/classroom in the State of Virginiao Each classroom may submit ONE poem to the contest.o The contest is NOT limited to English classes; all subject areas may submit!
• ...
The Valley of Unrest
The Valley of Unrest
Far away — far away —Far away — as far at leastLies that valley as the dayDown within the golden east —All things lovely — are not theyFar away — far away?
It is called the valley Nis.And a Syriac tale there isThereabout which Time hath saidShall not be interpreted.Something about Satan's dart —Something about angel wings —Much about a broken heart —All about unhappy things:But “the valley Nis” at bestMeans “the valley of unrest.”
Once it smil’d a silent dellWhere the people did not dwell,Having gone unto the wars —And the sly, mysterious stars,With a visage ...