Program:
5:30 – 6:00 pm: Light Refreshments & Networking
6:00 – 7:00 pm: Presentation
7:00- 7:15 pm: Conclusion & Q&A.
On the night of September 3rd, 1960 John Hays Hammond Jr. hosted a reading by the poet
Charles Olson at Hammond Castle Museum…
This poster was originally done for that event, by the inventor’s late-life partner Harry Martin,
who introduced Hammond—once called the “Electronic Sorcerer”—to Olson: the self-styled
“Archeologist of Morning.”
The two men’s friendship would be short-lived and tempestuous.
65 years later, join Hammond Castle Museum in marking the anniversary of Olson’s reading
and for the first time exploring the dramatic relationship between our founder and the luminary
Maximus poet—two colossal figures who helped shape the community of Gloucester as we
know it today.
Through never-before-seen archival correspondence and close reading of often overlooked
Olson poems which address Hammond and the avant-garde1960s literary and artistic circle
surrounding the Museum directly, Director of Visitor Services and Education Caleb McMurphy
will revive a near-forgotten chapter of local history and shed new light on two of the city’s most
interesting citizens.
Admission:
Members enjoy complimentary admission. Reservation requested.
$15: Advance Registration.
Proceeds from this program will support the restoration and preservation of the Hammond Castle Museum.