Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site

Join us for this special book launch event with author Paul Lewis, on the&nbsp;177th anniversary of the day Poe died in 1849. Copies of&nbsp;Quothing "The Raven": The First Responses to America's Most Famous Poem will be available for purchase and signing.
What factors influenced the attention devoted to Poe's "Raven" from the very day when it was first published in 1845? Why was it widely reprinted, praised, criticized, and mocked during the following weeks and months? How has it sustained interest from that first publication through to the present? And how did Poe's "Little Longfellow War" and Bostonian parodies of "The Raven" figure in the rollicking rollout of America's most famous poem?
Blurbs:&nbsp;"Paul&nbsp;Lewis's&nbsp;QUOTHING&nbsp;'THE RAVEN' is a wonderful romp through the sea of parodies that proliferated in the wake of the publication of Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven' in 1845. Here we meet not the saintly, stately Raven of Poe's poem, but 'The Owl,' 'The Turkey,' 'The Gazelle,' and even 'The Bed Bug.' Gathering these parodies together for the first time, Lewis expertly guides readers through the chaotic world of Antebellum magazines and newspapers that Poe himself navigated. Lewis has written an absolutely delightful book full of both humor and wisdom about America's most famous poem." --Sandra Tomc, professor of English Language and Literature, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, and author of INDUSTRY AND THE CREATIVE MIND
"QUOTHING&nbsp;'THE RAVEN' is a significant contribution to Poe scholarship and a genuine pleasure to read. Poe said that he wrote his most famous poem 'for the express purpose of running,' and&nbsp;Paul&nbsp;Lewis shows us how it 'ran' through 1840s pop culture and reshaped Poe’s career and reputation. The parodies themselves are fascinating, and the context Lewis provides for them is invaluable. This book is essential to understanding how 'The Raven' became America's favorite poem." --Scott Peeples, author of THE MAN OF THE CROWD and THE AFTERLIFE OF EDGAR ALLAN POE&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/morrissey/departments/english/people/retired-faculty/paul-lewis.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Paul Lewis</a>&nbsp;is a professor emeritus at Boston College, past president of the Poe Studies Association, the curator of exhibitions on literary Boston, and the neologist who coined the word “Frankenfood.” The author of books and articles on humor, American literature, gothic fiction, and literary Boston, Lewis edited&nbsp;The Citizen Poets of Boston: A Collection of Forgotten Poems, 1789-1820, for the University Press of New England. His newest book,&nbsp;Quothing "The Raven": The First Responses to America's Most Famous Poem, will be released October 6, 2026 from Mercer University Press.

Local Event: How "The Raven" Became America's Most Famous Poem

Middlesex County

Cambridge

Massachusetts

How "The Raven" Became America's Most Famous Poem

Join us for this special book launch event with author Paul Lewis, on the 177th anniversary of the day Poe died in 1849. Copies...

The spirit-world around this world of sense Floats like an atmosphere, and everywhere Wafts through these earthly mists and vapours dense A vital breath of more ethereal air. -From “Haunted Houses” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Scientific discovery – and the promise of glimpsing the world beyond our perception – captured the imaginations of 19th century Americans. Join Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters for a special evening of historic house tours exploring the intersections of Victorian scientific thought, the lure of the supernatural, and their echoes today.
50-minute tours will invite participants to examine the unknown as we consider the Longfellow family’s entanglements with forensics and phrenology, early views of outer space, the spiritualism movement, and their pioneering use of ether anesthesia.Tours available at 5:00PM, 5:30PM, 6:00PM, and 6:30PM.
Please note: This tour will include sensitive but frank discussions of 19th century violence, medical procedures, and drug use. Please use discretion when registering.

Local Event: Victorian Science and the Beyond: Ethereal Evening Tours

Victorian Science and the Beyond: Ethereal...

The spirit-world around this world of sense Floats like an atmosphere, and everywhere Wafts through these earthly mists and...

Victorian Science and the Beyond: Ethereal Evening Tours

Charles Appleton Longfellow (1844–1893), the eldest son of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Frances Appleton Longfellow, was a globetrotter and avid collector. During his 20-month stay in Japan (1871–1873), he purchased and shipped home to Cambridge dozens of crates of artworks and decorative objects for himself, friends, and family.
Upon his return in 1874, Charley transformed the sitting room at his family home into a “<a href="https://www.nps.gov/long/learn/historyculture/japan-room.htm" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Japan Room</a>” with the help of his cousin Alexander Wadsworth Longfellow (1854–1934). One of its most striking features was a ceiling decorated with more than 35 fan-shaped paintings arranged in a “scattered fan” pattern.
Although Japanese art and decorative objects had entered U.S. markets by the mid-1870s, their availability and visibility varied considerably by city. Created in 1874, on the eve of the transformative 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, the Japan Room represents an unusually early American domestic interior devoted to Japanese art and design. This lecture examines its remarkable ceiling of fan paintings, exploring their origins and arrangement and considering how this distinctive feature of the room reflects the ways Japanese art was displayed and experienced in nineteenth-century America.
This research was supported by the Friends of the Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters 2025 Art Research Fellowship Program.
—————————————
Elizabeth K. Eder, Ph.D., is a museum scholar, educator, and researcher who has worked at the Smithsonian Institution for more than 20 years, including at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Museum of Asian Art (formerly the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery), and the Anacostia Community Museum. Her museum career has also included positions at the Walters Art Museum, the National Gallery of Art, and the American Alliance of Museums. Her research interests include nineteenth-century American art; Chinese, Japanese, and European artistic influences on American art; the history of cultural exchange; and women’s histories. Her publications include books, scholarly articles, and museum print and digital resources. She is currently a Research Associate at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and teaches in the Museum Studies Graduate Program at Johns Hopkins University, most recently&nbsp;History and Philosophy of Museums (in Global Context). She is also Principal of Elizabeth K. Eder &amp; Associates LLC, a museum consulting practice.

Local Event: A Closer Look at Charley Longfellow’s “Japan Room"

A Closer Look at Charley Longfellow’s “Japan Room"

Charles Appleton Longfellow (1844–1893), the eldest son of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Frances Appleton Longfellow, was...

Emily Levine

Benjamin Pierce

Boston Metropolitan Area

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The Royal Sonesta

Saturday, September 26Boston comedy legend TONY V returns to host an all-star night of stand-up featuring:

 CHRISTINE HURLEY The Queen of Boston Comedy
KRISTY KIELBASINSKI
ANDREW DELLA VOLPE
Four of New England’s most accomplished comedians. One great night of live comedy on the Charles! Come early and enjoy dinner or cocktails at Monteverdi or Scull &amp; Keel Fish House &amp; Spirits before the show.

The Royal Sonesta Boston • Cambridge Doors 7 PM • Show 8 PM Tickets only $25 Full Bar Available Discounted Parking with Validation
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Local Event: Boston Funny Live at The Royal Sonesta – Tony V & Christine Hurley

Boston Funny Live at The Royal Sonesta – Tony V...

Saturday, September 26Boston comedy legend TONY V returns to host an all-star night of stand-up featuring:

 CHRISTINE HURLEY...

Boston Funny Live at The Royal Sonesta – Tony V & Christine Hurley

Mystic Open Studio

Embrace the powerful energy of the Harvest Moon in Aries with a transformative evening of spiritual connection. This guided ceremony features meditation, oracle guidance, journaling, and manifestation practices designed to align your intentions.This gathering is welcoming, nurturing, and supportive — open to all who feel called to connect, reflect, release, and renew.

Local Event: Mystic Moon: A Full Moon Ceremony

Arlington

Mystic Moon: A Full Moon Ceremony

Embrace the powerful energy of the Harvest Moon in Aries with a transformative evening of spiritual connection. This guided...

Robbins Memorial Town Hall

<a href="https://givebutter.com/2026-tcr-community-walk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Walk with us for children, teens, and families who are grieving.</a>
This September, The Children’s Room is bringing our community together in Arlington for a special 3-mile Community Walk marking 30 years of grief support.
Join us for a family-friendly day featuring games, remembrance activities, food and drinks, and a walk along Massachusetts Avenue. Whether you know The Children’s Room well or are discovering us for the first time, everyone is welcome.
For 30 years, TCR has provided grief support to children, teens, and families after the death of someone close to them. <a href="https://childrensroom.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Our services are offered free of charge</a>, made possible by the generosity of our community.
By registering, fundraising, or donating, you can help ensure that families who need grief support can continue to access it at no cost.
Come walk with us, meet our community, remember the people who matter to us, and help make this support possible for more families.
Register by September 1 to secure your Community Walk T-shirt.Register here:&nbsp;<a href="https://givebutter.com/2026-tcr-community-walk" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">givebutter.com/2026-tcr-community-walk</a>

Local Event: The Children's Room 30th Anniversary Community Walk

The Children's Room 30th Anniversary Community...

Walk with us for children, teens, and families who are grieving.
This September, The Children’s Room is bringing our community...

The Children's Room 30th Anniversary Community Walk

Harvard Avenue

The 16th annual Allston Village Street Fair Festival - Boston's Hippest Multicultural Festival - September 27th - 12:00p.m. - 6:00p.m. - Harvard Avenue in Allston from Brighton Ave. to Cambridge St.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
ARE YOU READY FOR THIS!&nbsp;Join Us, on 6 City Blocks of Harvard Ave. in Allston for 6 Hours of Non-Stop, All-Ages, Family-Friendly, Interactive Activities, Stage and Street Performances, a Public Street Mural Area, over 80 Arts/Crafts and Information Vendors, the AVSF Festival's Food Court surrounded by Allston's Multitude of International Restaurants and Cafes, Promotional Giveaways, and Much, Much, More!&nbsp;The Allston Village Street Fair Festival is always Admission FREE, Full of Surprises, and FUN!!! Hope to See You There!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The AVSF Festival is Produced By: The PCBG, Inc. 501(c)(3)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; www.allstonvillagestreetfair.com @allstonvsffestival

Local Event:  16th annual FREE 6 block Allston Village Street Fair Festival

 16th annual FREE 6 block Allston Village...

The 16th annual Allston Village Street Fair Festival - Boston's Hippest Multicultural Festival - September 27th - 12:00p.m. -...

 16th annual FREE 6 block Allston Village Street Fair Festival

The First Parish in Cambridge, Unitarian Universalist

Join the 18+ community choir that ONLY sings rock music! No auditions! Fall season starts Thursday, October 1, 7pm, at First Parish in Cambridge. Director Adam Bernstein will have you making music in no time, whether you can read music or not. This fall our theme is “Horn Bands from the 60’s, 70’s &amp; 80’s”, including Earth Wind &amp; Fire, Chicago, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Tower of Power, Gloria Estefan, Paul Simon, Gladys Night, Toto, Steely Dan, and even a tribute to the late Dolly Parton.&nbsp;Come try it out risk-free! Find your voice. Feed your spirit. Make new friends. For more information, visit our website RockVoices.com

Local Event: Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY sings rock music!

Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY...

Join the 18+ community choir that ONLY sings rock music! No auditions! Fall season starts Thursday, October 1, 7pm, at First...

Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY sings rock music!

Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History

Join NobleSpirit at the Spellman Museum for a special Appraisal Roadshow and discover the stories — and potential value — behind the items you’ve collected, inherited, or tucked away over the years.
Guests are invited to bring a wide variety of collectibles and historical material for evaluation, including stamps, coins, paper money, gold &amp; silver jewelry, space &amp; aerospace memorabilia, vintage technology and computing, signed material and autographs, cryptology and code-related artifacts, pop culture collectibles, and historical artifacts.
Whether you’ve inherited a collection, are downsizing, settling an estate, or simply want to learn more about an unusual item, our specialists will be available to help identify, evaluate, and provide insight into what you have.
There is no obligation to sell. For items or collections that may be a good fit for the marketplace, information will also be available about consignment opportunities and upcoming live auctions.
Bring your albums, boxes, collections, documents, memorabilia, and curiosities — you may be surprised by what you have.
Saturday, October 3
10am - 4pm 
Spellman Museum of Stamps &amp; Postal History 
Weston, Massachusetts Reserve your appointment today at:
<a href="https://www.noblespirit.com/roadshow" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">noblespirit.com/roadshow</a>

Local Event: Coins, Stamps & Collectibles: Free Appraisal Day at the Spellman Museum

Weston

Coins, Stamps & Collectibles: Free Appraisal...

Join NobleSpirit at the Spellman Museum for a special Appraisal Roadshow and discover the stories — and potential value —...

Coins, Stamps & Collectibles: Free Appraisal Day at the Spellman Museum

School of Fashion Design

Join us Saturday, October 3rd from 10AM - 12PM, for an engaging and free info session and tour of our studios! Enjoy live teacher demonstrations for some of our courses such as sketching, French draping, and CAD (Computer Aided Design). Learn about our professional, workshop, and high school programs! See our studio spaces and chat with our staff!
FREE with registration.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.schooloffashiondesign.org/sfdtour" rel="nofollow noopener">RSVP HERE</a>.The School of Fashion Design is an official participant in Handwork 2026.&nbsp; Organized and sponsored by the PBS National "Craft in America" program, Handwork is a year-long semiquincentennial collaboration among organizations, educators, and makers to showcase the importance of the handmade and celebrate the diversity of the crafts that define America.

Local Event: School of Fashion Design: Info Session & Tour with Live Demos!

School of Fashion Design: Info Session & Tour...

Join us Saturday, October 3rd from 10AM - 12PM, for an engaging and free info session and tour of our studios! Enjoy live...

School of Fashion Design: Info Session & Tour with Live Demos!

Virtual

You may not expect a community so deeply academic to be so warm and welcoming, but Commonwealth contains multitudes—just like you. 
Are you interested in applying&nbsp;for the 2027–2028&nbsp;school year? <a href="https://www.commschool.org/admissions-aid/admissions-events/registration" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Come to our Virtual Open House</a> to hear from current students and faculty, learn about different areas of school life, and discover all that makes Commonwealth so uncommon.
You will&nbsp;get a real sense of the Commonwealth experience and what your future here might be like:
<ul><li>Connect with inquisitive current students and friendly faculty</li><li>Learn about different areas of school life</li><li>Get answers to your admissions and financial aid questions</li><li>And much more…</li></ul>
Please register to reserve your spot. Both&nbsp;students and parents/primary caregivers are welcome to join us.
We cannot wait to meet you!

Local Event: Commonwealth School Virtual Open House

Commonwealth School Virtual Open House

You may not expect a community so deeply academic to be so warm and welcoming, but Commonwealth contains multitudes—just like...

Learn all about Accessory Dwelling Units and Your Home at this free workshop. We'll cover planning, building and renting an ADU in MA.
Thinking about adding extra living space to your property? Curious about accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Massachusetts? Whether you plan to convert a basement or attic, construct a detached unit, or renovate an existing in-law suite, this workshop covers important factors to consider before starting your ADU project.
Led by local Realtor Jennifer Keenan, this informative workshop equips both first-time homeowners and seasoned real estate owners with practical guidance to plan, construct, finance, and manage an ADU.
Key takeaways include:
<ul><li>Legal definitions and statutory requirements governing ADUs</li><li>Building codes and design considerations</li><li>Estimated project costs and available financing solutions</li><li>Current market rental rates in the Greater Boston area</li><li>Helpful resources for staying informed on evolving local regulations and public policy</li></ul>
This workshop is completely free, open to the public, and involves no sales pitch or obligation.
WHILE THIS WORKSHOP IS BEING HELD IN MEDFORD, IT IS NOT MEDFORD SPECIFIC.
Presented by Jennifer M. Keenan, Realtor, 4Squares Residential Group at Keller Williams Realty Boston Northwest (MA Real Estate Sales License #009513152 | Keller Williams Realty Brokerage License #7995) and Kevin Greeley, Senior Loan Officer, Leader Bank (NMLS #449250 | NMLS MLO #38403).

Local Event: Intro to ADUs

Intro to ADUs

Learn all about Accessory Dwelling Units and Your Home at this free workshop. We'll cover planning, building and renting an ADU...

Brookline Senior Center

Join the 18+ community choir that ONLY sings rock music! No auditions! Fall season starts Tuesday, October 6, 7pm, at Brookline Senior Center. Director Eric Tarlin will have you making music in no time, whether you can read music or not. This fall our theme is “Horn Bands from the 60’s, 70’s &amp; 80’s”, including Earth Wind &amp; Fire, Chicago, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Tower of Power, Gloria Estefan, Paul Simon, Gladys Night, Toto, Steely Dan, and even a tribute to the late Dolly Parton.&nbsp;Come try it out risk-free! Find your voice. Feed your spirit. Make new friends. For more information, visit our website RockVoices.com

Norfolk County

Brookline

Join the 18+ community choir that ONLY sings rock music! No auditions! Fall season starts Tuesday, October 6, 7pm, at Brookline...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Emily Levine, Neighbor

Posting Activity

How "The Raven" Became America's Most Famous Poem

OCT

13

6:00 PM

Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site, 105 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA

Victorian Science and the Beyond: Ethereal Evening Tours

OCT

15

5:00 PM

Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site, 105 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA

A Closer Look at Charley Longfellow’s “Japan Room"

OCT

29

6:00 PM

Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site, 105 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA

Boston Funny Live at The Royal Sonesta – Tony V & Christine Hurley

Mystic Moon: A Full Moon Ceremony

The Children's Room 30th Anniversary Community Walk

16th annual FREE 6 block Allston Village Street Fair Festival

Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY sings rock music!

Coins, Stamps & Collectibles: Free Appraisal Day at the Spellman Museum

School of Fashion Design: Info Session & Tour with Live Demos!

Commonwealth School Virtual Open House

Intro to ADUs

Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY sings rock music!