CANCELED – Elizabeth Bishop Graveside Reading

Because we could not secure the necessary permit in time, we are going to have to postpone the October 6th Elizabeth Bishop Graveside reading in Hope Cemetery. Please save Monday, February 8th, in your calendars for a possible birthday reading instead. Please stay tuned for more details

Renowned poet as well as painter, memoirist, and short story writer, Worcester’s own Elizabeth Bishop (1911-1979) rests within Hope Cemetery. On this 42nd anniversary of her passing, we gather by her grave to read her poetry and summon the scenes so skillfully painted in her verse. Dare you join us and Beth Sweeney, director of the new Mapping Worcester in Poetry Project?  This event will take place on Wednesday, October 6th at 6:00 pm.

To find Bishop’s grave in Hope Cemetery at 119 Webster Street: 

• Enter the cemetery’s main gate and drive along Curtis Avenue
• Take your fourth left onto Beech Street
• Proceed for one block until you see two trees next to each other on the left side of the road 
• Bishop’s grave lies behind the first tree
• If you like you can use these coordinates: 42°14’08.7″N 71°49’43.2″W

If you have a bit of time that night you might wish to use this new downloadable, 20-minute do-it-yourself driving tour which will lead you past five Bishop sites on Main Street in Worcester to end at her grave in Hope Cemetery. Download the Bishop DIY Driving Tour.

This is an outdoor event that will take place near sunset. Please wear appropriate attire, footwear, and a mask; you may also wish to bring a flashlight.

A past reading in Hope Cemetery on the anniversary of the death of Elizabeth Bishop.