A poet laureate (plural: poets laureate) is a poet officially appointed by a government or conferring institution, typically expected to compose poems for special events and occasions. Albertino Mussato and Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch) of Italy, were the first crowned poets laureate, in 1315 and 1342. In Britain, the term dates from the appointment of Bernard André by Henry VII of England. The royal office of Poet Laureate in England dates from the appointment of John Dryden in 1668. Today, a Laureate title may be conferred by an organization such as the Poetry Foundation, unconnected with the United States Poet Laureate.
We are inviting applications from people interested in being appointed to the newly created post of Poet Laureate of Haddam. Once selected the Poet Laureate will serve in an honorary position as the ambassador of the community’s vibrant literary life, promoting its literary community and celebrating the written word.
Nominees must be a poet, over 18 years old, a Haddam resident, and available to develop and present poetry-related activities and appear at public events. The Poet Laureate will be selected by a committee made up of community representatives and will have a breadth of experiences in poetry, a comfort level in public speaking, and achievements of distinction. See Full Announcement…