The Esbenshade Series and Marietta College welcome Marc Harshman, West Virginia’s Poet Laureate since 2012, for an evening of poetry, storytelling, and musical accompaniment in the Alma McDonough Auditorium on Thursday, February 6. The event will occur with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Harshman, recently named the 2024 Appalachian Heritage Writer by Shepherd University, will share selections from his distinguished body of work, including readings from his latest collection, “Following the Silence.” The evening will be enriched by piano accompaniment from West Virginia Music Hall of Fame inductee Bob Thompson.
A celebrated author of poetry and children’s literature, Harshman’s works have received numerous accolades. His children’s books include “Fallingwater: The Building of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Masterpiece” and the Smithsonian-recognized “The Storm.” His poetry collections “Woman in Red Anorak” and “Believe What You Can” have earned prestigious recognitions, including the Blue Lynx Prize and the Weatherford Award.
During the presentation, Harshman will reflect on his decade-long tenure as West Virginia’s Poet Laureate and discuss his unique perspective as a children’s author and poet. The evening will conclude with a discussion period, allowing attendees to engage directly with the author.
This free event is open to the public, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on the evening of the performance.
About the Esbenshade Series: This event has been funded by the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund, which provides annual income to bring lectures, performing artists, and programs of diverse nature to the campus and community at large. The endowed fund was established in 1980 by Harry H. Esbenshade Sr. and Harry H. Esbenshade Jr., husband and son, respectively, of the late Mrs. Esbenshade of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. All events are free and open to the public.
About Marietta College: Located in Marietta, Ohio, at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, Marietta College is a four-year liberal arts college. Tracing its roots to the Muskingum Academy in 1797, the College was officially chartered in 1835. Today Marietta College serves a body of 1,200 full-time students. The College offers over 50 majors and is consistently ranked as one of the top regional comprehensive colleges by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. Marietta was selected seventh in the nation according to the Brookings Institution's rankings of colleges by their highest value added, regardless of major.