Close out the spooky season with a night of love, letters, and the macabre.
This year, we trade murder and mystery for a gothic romance just as haunting—the true-life courtship of Edgar Allan Poe, the master of American horror, and Sarah Helen Whitman, the witchy poet who captured (and broke) his heart.
Through historical storytelling, dramatic readings of their works, and excerpts from their passionate correspondence, we’ll follow their fateful meeting, whirlwind engagement, painful parting, and Whitman’s lifelong defense of her beloved “gothy guy.” Hear their poems to and about each other, newspaper announcements of their engagement, and parallel versions of “The Raven” from each author’s pen.
On All Souls’ Day, immerse yourself in the perfect atmosphere with Poe-inspired cocktails, let eerie melodies from The Fiddle Witch on nyckelharpa drift through the candlelight, and savor an evening where love and death share the same room. Miss this spine-tingling tribute to the darker side of literature…if you dare!
This year we’ll be offering two showtimes at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Doors will open to the Meeting Center Lounge at 5 p.m. for food and beverage service. Food and beverage can be purchased from 5 – 6:15 p.m. before the first session, and 7:30 – 8:15 p.m.
A Ghoulishly Delicious Cocktail Hour
LOVE NEVERMORE – INSPIRED COCKTAILS
These cocktails tell the story of Poe and Whitman’s love through flavor and symbolism, from the intoxicating spark of courtship to the bitter ashes of their breakup. The FLIGHT OF FANCY offers a sampling of each of the 4 cocktails/mocktails paired with mini morsels to be enjoyed in a narrative sequence, much like reading their letters or poems in succession.
The Raven’s Courtship……Mocktail…
The initial spark of Poe and Whitman’s romance, ignited by their shared love of poetry and intellectual connection.
Tasting Notes: Gang Chu Apple wine provides depth to this fresh apple cocktail, while notes of spice add a romantic allure like the early promise of their love.
Annabel’s Promise……Mocktail…
Named after Poe’s muse, this cocktail captures the moment of their engagement in 1848, when Poe proposed to Whitman in a Providence cemetery with dreams of a future together despite looming doubts.
Tasting Notes: This color changing Prosecco cocktail starts out a vivacious blue with a floral, uplifting profile that mirrors Whitman’s poetic sensitivity. As subtle complexities are added it turns a deep and dark purple like the fleeting joy of their engagement.
Shadow of a Doubt……Mocktail…
As their relationship progressed, doubts crept in. Poe’s alcoholism, Whitman’s family disapproval, and societal pressures cast a pall over their love.
Tasting Notes: The sweetness of Cherry Cider and Sweet Vermouth clashes with bitter almond notes reflecting the inevitable strain and uncertainty of their fading love.
Broken Heart’s Farewell…Mocktail…
Their breakup in December 1848, when Whitman ended their engagement due to Poe’s drinking and instability, was a heart-wrenching conclusion.
Tasting Notes: Flint & Steel Bourbon Barrel Aged Cider’s medicinal bite and the Rye Simple Syrup’s spice, capture the raw pain of their parting. Maple syrup softens the edge, hinting at Whitman’s regret, while the cold-brew coffee adds a dark, brooding depth, like Poe’s descent into despair.
Flight of Fancy…Mocktail…
Order a sample sized tasting flight that includes one of each cocktail/mocktail, each paired with a mini snack morsel to follow their love story in sequence from the initial spark to the last somber sip, like the final lines of a tragic poem.
NO SUBSTITUTIONS
BEER, WINE & HARD CIDER
DRAFT BEER (Fat Ox or Stocking Hill)
DRAFT HARD CIDER
HOUSE WINE by the Glass (White ~ Red ~ Rose)
MINI SPARKLING WINE by the Bottle
NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Coffee or Tea
Hot Chocolate
Warm Mulled Apple Cider
16 oz. Soft Drink (Pepsi – Diet Pepsi – Sierra Mist)
Bottled Water
A Gothic Romance in Four Courses
Courtship Slider Sampler …
Paying homage to Sarah’s fluency in Latin, French and German, we present a trio of international slider sandwiches, each with a complimentary dip, to get the conversation started.
THE ROMAN features Mortadella, Prosciutto & Capicola with provolone, lettuce, tomato, peppers, onions, & mayo with a side of herb oil
THE PARISIENNE has tender sliced beef, caramelized onions, & Gruyere cheese, with Au Jus side
THE BAVARIAN has beer braised bratwurst, sauerkraut, German-style mustard with a side of Pub cheese
SORRY, NO SUBSTITUTIONS
Marry Me Soup & Spanakopita…
A cup of creamy Wild Mushroom Soup paired with 3 crispy Spanakopita.
Popinjays Roasted Pear & Stilton Cheese Salad…
Me thinks the grim & solemn Poe would approve of this handsome salad with Champagne Vinaigrette tossed mixed greens, topped with honey roasted pears, Stilton Bleu cheese, dried cranberries, toasted almonds & a drizzle of Blackberry Vinaigrette
Mystic Stuffed Pizza Sandwich…
It’s no mystery, this sandwich stuffed with sauce, fresh mozzarella & basil pesto is a divine experience. Loaded version also includes pepperoni, sweet peppers, banana peppers, mushrooms & onions.
SWEET ENDINGS…EVERMORE
Transcendental Pecan Tart
Bittersweet Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
Resurgamus Cookie (Nothing says I’m thinking of you in the afterlife like a giant homemade Salted Caramel Espresso Cookie)
Ticket Information
This event is SOLD OUT!
Museum Members : $15
General Public : $18
Interested in becoming a Museum Member to enjoy this discounted event admission? Click here to learn more about joining the Museum as a Member!
FAQs
Parking is free and plentiful! Park in any of the main lots at the front of the Museum. Please leave the first two bays available for handicapped parking.
Please have your ticket(s) either printed out OR pulled up on your phone screen and ready for scanning for quick and easy check-in. Pro-tip: take a screenshot of each of your tickets to have ready and pulled up on your phone screen! Please note: Wifi can sometimes be spotty at the front of the Museum.
Check-in for this event will be through the Meeting Center Lounge.
Yes! Leashed service animals are welcome with proper identification.
We’re sorry to hear that you’re not able to attend! Tickets may be refunded only up to 7 days prior to the event date and are strictly non-transferable by date, entry time, or program.
