AMHERST, MASS- To celebrate the outstanding spring Big Read programs, the Museum invites the community and beyond to the Homestead lawn for a Poetry Picnic on Saturday, June 13 from Noon to 2 p.m. (Rain date: Sunday, June 14.) Picnic-goers are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch along with a blanket or chair to the Homestead lawn to listen to a selection of visitors favorite poems read by voices from the community. In addition, students from local schools will present new compositions inspired by their study of Dickinson. A craft activity suitable for all ages will be offered, and beverages are available at a nominal charge.The picnic will feature readings by community members of the top 25 nominated poems by Emily Dickinson. The Museum is receiving nominations until June 4. To nominate your favorite Dickinson poem by email: info@emilydickinsonmuseum.org with "Favorite Poem" in the subject line; stop by the museum during open hours; or mail to 280 Main Street, Amherst, MA 01002.Spring programs at the Emily Dickinson Museum were organized as part of The Big Read, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of the American culture, and to encourage community involvement. From the opening lecture featuring Poetry Foundation President John Barr speaking on "The Future of Poetry," to composer and philanthropist Gordon Getty's musical composition, "The White Election," to "Emily of Amherst," an original creation of Amherst Ballet, to Emily Dickinson's Poetry 101, each program showcased the continuing influence of Dickinson and her relevance to new generations of writers, artists and composers. "Savoring Emily Dickinson's words, along with a fine picnic, on the lawn of her own home celebrates her continuing influence as one of the greatest poetic voices the world has heard," says Jane H. Wald, executive director of the Emily Dickinson Museum. The Emily Dickinson Museum, comprising the Dickinson Homestead and The Evergreens, is devoted to the story and legacy of poet Emily Dickinson and her family. Both properties are owned by the Trustees of Amherst College. The museum is overseen by a separate Board of Governors charged with raising its operating and capital funds. The Dickinson Homestead was the birthplace of the poet (1830-1886). The Evergreens was the 1856 home of the poet's brother and sister-in-law, Austin and Susan Dickinson.The Emily Dickinson Museum is located at 280 Main St. in Amherst, Mass. The official museum web site is www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.; extended hours June through August, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; the museum is closed on major holidays.
The Big Read: The Poetry of Emily Dickinson is part of a pilot initiative created by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Poetry Foundation to celebrate great American poets and the nation's historic poetry locales. 
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