A lock of Poe’s hair, a spiritualist photobooth, an immersive performance of The Raven — join the fun Thursday evening (not midnight) when a major Poe exhibition opens at the Providence Athenaeum with a fundraising event. “A Midnight Dreary” (Sold Out) is open to members and non-members alike. (Become a member and save money on the ticket).
On January 31st, the Providence Athenæum will travel back in time to celebrate the life and legacy of Edgar Allan Poe. The entire library will come alive with an array of weird and wonderful attractions including an immersive performance of “The Raven,” a spiritualist photobooth, music by Community MusicWorks Alumni, a visit from Providence Ghost Tours, and themed cocktails. Party like it’s 1848 in the very building where Poe visited, read, and courted his fiancée Sarah Helen Whitman before their dramatic break-up. Proceeds from this evening will directly benefit the Athenæum’s collections, programs, and historic home.
This is a 21+ event. Open bar and hors d’oeuvres served. The event will take place on both levels of the building. Dark/gothic/Victorian/cocktail attire welcome. (For more info and tickets go here.)
This event serves as the opening of the major exhibition, Ravenous: The Enduring Legacy of Poe, on view through April 2019. Showcasing the Athenæum’s extensive collection of Poe-mania, the exhibit will also display items from Brown University’s John Hay Library (including a lock of Poe’s own hair) and from the world-renowned Susan Jaffe Tane Collection of Edgar Allan Poe (featuring objects from a first edition of “The Raven” to a Poe-themed skateboard).
A Midnight Dreary, 7pm to 9pm, Thursday, January 31, Providence Athenaeum, 251 Benefit Street, (directions)