On Saturday June 1, Mount Gulian Historic Site, Beacon will hold its 24th Annual Historic Dinner, from 4:30 - 9:00 p.m. This living history event will present the legendary author of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe. The evening will include a delectable four-course dinner. Actor Robert Gleason, an expert in Poe-ology, will portray our mysterious guest. Cocktails will be served at the unhappy hour, on the riverside lawn prior to dinner.
Edgar Allan Poe, born in Boston in 1809, was orphaned as a toddler and raised by the wealthy Allan family of Virginia. After washing out as a cadet at West Point, he began a career as poet, journalist, and literary critic, often under assumed names. Turning to prose and short stories, he made his indelible mark on American literature while still in his twenties.
A masterful writer, he invented a number of literary genres we now take for granted. Although he struggled with romantic relationships and with business partners, and was frequently in debt and in ill health, he managed to become America’s most celebrated writer of the Romantic Era. Poe is considered the “father of the detective story”, writing The Murders in the Rue Morgue in 1841. He is also credited with writing some of the earliest Gothic horror stories, including The Black Cat, The Tell-Tale Heart, and The Cask of Amontillado, among others. A polished poet, his Annabel Lee and The Raven are considered standards of modern poetry.
Edgar Allan Poe’s influence on American literature and in popular culture can hardly be overstated. Besides his writings, his life struggles and early death have cemented his legacy as America’s first “struggling artist”.
Poe will be portrayed by Bob Gleason, an actor from the acclaimed American Historical Theatre in Philadelphia. Mr. Gleason has been featured at the White House Visitor’s Center, Ford’s Theatre, the National Archives, the Library of Congress and Independence Hall. Mr. Gleason’s in-depth historical research and interaction with audiences are hallmarks of his historically accurate and entertaining portrayals.
The dinner, prepared by Bridgecreek Catering, will be served in Mount Gulian’s 18th century Dutch barn. Tickets are $150 per person. Prepaid reservations are required by May 10th. For an invitation and/or further information please contact us at 845-831-8172, or email at info@mountgulian.org
