FORT ATKINSON — The Hoard Historical Museum in Fort Atkinson will be hosting events in honor of Lorine Niedecker’s birthday. Niedecker was an Objectivist poet who published several books of poetry and lived on Black Hawk Island outside of Fort Atkinson. She was born on May 12, 1903.
“Even though Lorine passed away in 1970, we are still honoring her legacy by celebrating her life and works,” Hoard Historical Museum director Merrilee Lee said. “On Saturday, May 11, the museum will have a variety of events to remember Lorine, her life, and her poetry.”
Beginning at 9:30 a.m., there will be a bike tour of Niedecker locations in Fort Atkinson. “Pedals and Poems” will highlight several Niedecker locations as well as enjoying and discussing her poetry. The tour begins and ends at the Fort Atkinson Farmers Market at 19 E Milwaukee.
Lee herself is a fan of Niedecker and looks forward to the tour.
“Since I’ll be leading this tour, I’m excited to not just share Lorine’s history but also to discuss some of her poetry. Every time I read her poetry, something different stands out to me and I feel like I have a different understanding of her works.
“But what could be better than reading her poetry at the places that had meaning to her?”
Lee continued to share that the tour will remain in the city limits and will not be heading out to Niedecker’s cabin on Black Hawk Island. Said Lee, “Her cabin’s a bit too far out of town for this tour.” The tour is free and individuals are welcome to bring their own favorite Niedecker poem to share.
The museum will also have a building-wide scavenger hunt on Lorine’s life and works. Also on display will be poetry written by School District of Fort Atkinson fourth grade students. The students wrote poems in the style of Lorine Niedecker as part of a collaborative educational unit supported by the School District of Fort Atkinson, the Friends of Lorine Niedecker, and the Hoard Historical Museum.
As part of the unit, students created environmental awareness posters which will also be on display.
“We hope that everyone can find some way to celebrate Lorine’s birthday and life with us,” Lee said. “And to help us celebrate, the museum will also have birthday cake in honor of Lorine’s 121st birthday.”
The Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine Museum are located at 401 Whitewater Avenue in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. The museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is no admission charge. More information is available by calling 920-397-9914, e-mailing the Museum at info@hoardMuseum.org, or visiting the website at www.hoardmuseum.org.
All events are free to attend.
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