About The Big Read

Edgar Allan Poe is truly an innovative author who created the detective genre, laid the foundation for the science fiction genre, and wrote some of the greatest mystery stories and poems the literary world has ever seen. Praised by his fans and belittled by critics, Poe’s creative and refreshing writing style changed the form of mystery, adventure, and science fiction writing forever. He is a classic American author who has had a great influence on writers around the world.

This year, Maryland Public Television has chosen the Stories and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe for the 2009 Big Read Campaign. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest. The initiative has been created to motivate people across the country to read for entertainment and education, and to stress the importance of incorporating literature into our lives. MPT and its Frederick County partners are planning our Big Read project surrounding the statewide celebration of Poe in October 2009, during the bicentennial of his mysterious death. Poe has deep connections in the city of Baltimore, having spent a good part of his life the city until his death on October 7, 1849. His most celebrated poem, “The Raven”, has been honored by Baltimore through the name of the city’s beloved National Football League franchise, including the name of the team’s three mascots: Edgar, Allan and Poe. MPT has planned activities that will allow the public to look into the interesting life of this historic icon, as well as learn more about his literary works.

We will be working with Fredericks Reads, Frederick County Public Libraries, and the Weinberg Center for the Arts to plan a variety of exciting events that will connect readers in the community and allow them to discuss the works of Poe. Frederick Reads is a collaborative of local organizations to help encourage a love of literature. The eight branches of the Frederick County Public Libraries will be working with us to help unite readers of all ages within the county. The Weinberg Center is a historic theater of the performing arts that attracts visitors from all around the mid-Atlantic. Most of our events will be free and open to the public.

Planned events include a 72 hour film festival, book discussions, theatrical performances, writer’s workshops, and a weeklong trivia contest on Key 103.1. Top Chef contestant Bryan Voltaggio will be creating a Poe-themed menu for a special dinner at his three star restaurant, VOLT. Downtown Frederick Partnership will be hosting a scavenger hunt, where participants will find different body parts with clues leading to the Tell-Tale Heart. The Weinberg Center for the Arts will be showing “Edgar Allan Poe’s Tales of Terror”, a one-man tribute starring nationally-acclaimed actor Joshua Kane. MPT is excited to work with our partners to share the literary treasures of this amazing author to Frederick country.

Schedule of Events

Big Read Events in Frederick County (.pdf)

Video

The Big Read is featured on Frederick County's local cable channel:
» video clip

Check out this year's Poe-themed winners of the 72 Film Fest

» The Nightmares of Edgar Allan Potato Head

» Alone Again (Audience Choice Award)

» A Mouse Eye View (Best of the Fest)

Partners