Jump to content

List of U.S. states' poets laureate

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For U.S. national Poets Laureate, see United States Poet Laureate.
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Natasha Trethewey was U.S. Poet Laureate (2012–2014) and Poet Laureate of Mississippi (2012–2016).

Many of the states in the United States have established the post of poet laureate to which a prominent poet residing in the respective state is appointed. The responsibilities of the state poets laureate are similar to those of the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom and the equivalent Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress in the United States, to make public appearances at poetry readings or literary events, and to promote awareness of poetry within their geographical region.

As of 2017, 46 states and the District of Columbia have poets laureate, although a few are presently vacant. The terms can vary in length from state to state. Most states appoint a poet laureate for a one- or two-year term, fewer to several years, and some states appoint a poet to a lifetime tenure. Two states, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, previously had such posts but abolished them in 2003.[1][2] Michigan had a single poet laureate from 1952 to 1959.[3] There has never been an official State Poet Laureate in Massachusetts.[4] While Idaho does not have a post of "poet laureate", per se, the state appoints a "Writer in Residence", which can be held by a novelist or poet.[5] Alaska has similarly expanded their program to include other genres of writing, calling the program the Alaska State Writer Laureate.[6] The state of New York has both a State Poet and a State Author.[7]

List of state poets laureate

[edit]

The following lists of state poets laureate below are divided by state. The name of the current poet laureate is in bold.

Alabama

[edit]
Main article: Poet Laureate of Alabama

The current poet laureate of Alabama is Ashley M. Jones. Alabama has had an official poet laureate since 1930. The Alabama Writer's Cooperative (formerly the Alabama Writers' Conclave), described as "a voluntary organization of Alabama historians, playwrights, fiction writers, poets, and newspaper writers" first recommended in 1930 Samuel Minturn Peck to Governor Bibb Graves. The state legislature approved a bill to create the office on March 5, 1931.[8][9] After the death of Dr. Peck, the position was not filled and was revived in 1954 due to the efforts Mary B. Ward, the president of the Alabama Writer's Conclave, who became the state's second laureate.[9]

At present, a poet selected must have been an Alabama resident for at least 15 years prior to the appointment, and when commissioned by the governor, is appointed to serve on a four-year renewable basis.[9] Before 1983, neither the organization or the state statute provided for a specific term length.[9] The Alabama Writers' Cooperative will recommend candidate who is elected by the organization's membership at its annual meeting.[9] The governor subsequently commissions the candidate.[9] A candidate for poet laureate need not be a member of the Alabama Writers' Cooperative to be nominated or selected.[9]

# Poet laureate Term began Term ended Appointed by Notes
1 Samuel Minturn Peck
(died 1938)		 12 June 1930 3 May 1938 (death) Gov. Bibb Graves [9]
2 Mary B. Ward 21 November 1954 1958 Gov. Gordon Persons [9]
3 Elbert Calvin Henderson
(1903–1974)		 21 December 1959 15 September 1974 (death) Gov. John Patterson [9]
4 William Young Elliott
(1902–1997)		 August 1975 1982 Gov. George Wallace [9]
5 Carl Patrick Morton
(1920–1994)		 1983 1987 Lt. Gov. William Baxley [9]
6 Morton Dennison Prouty, Jr.
(died 1992)		 1988 1991 Gov. H. Guy Hunt [9]
7 Ralph Hammond 1992 1995 Gov. H. Guy Hunt [9]
8 Helen Friedman Blackshear
(1911–2003)		 1 January 1995 1999 Gov. Jim Folsom, Jr. [9]
9 Helen Norris 1999 2003 Gov. Don Siegelman [9]
10 Sue Walker August 2003 December 2012 Gov. Bob Riley [9]
11 Andrew Glaze 2013 7 February 2016 (death) Gov. Robert J. Bentley [9]
12 Jennifer Horne 2017 2021 Gov. Kay Ivey [10]
13 Ashley M. Jones 2021 Present Gov. Kay Ivey [11]

Alaska

[edit]
Nora Dauenhauer, Poet Laureate of Alaska
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Alaska
Main article: Poet Laureate of Alaska

Originally created as the position of Poet Laureate in 1963 (House Resolution 25). The official name was changed in 1996 to recognize and honor all genres of writing. The position is selected by the Alaska State Council on the Arts.[12] Poets laureate of Alaska include:[6]

Arizona

[edit]
Alberto Rios, first poet laureate of Arizona

The state of Arizona established a state Poet Laureate position in 2013, appointing Alberto Ríos as the inaugural Poet Laureate.[14][15][16][17]

Arkansas

[edit]
Main article: Poets Laureate of Arkansas

Charles T. Davis, appointed in 1923, was the inaugural poet laureate of Arkansas.[18] He served in the position until his death on December 21, 1945. The position was vacant from 1946 until 1953, when Rosa Zagnoni Marinoni was appointed. Upon Marinoni’s death in 1970, Governor Winthrop Rockefeller named Ercil Brown interim laureate. When legislature reconvened, three candidates had emerged: Anna Nash Yarborough, Lily Peter, and Brown. The legislature declined to decide and instead in 1971 passed Act 90, which assigned the responsibility to the governor. Governor Dale Bumpers announced Lily Peter’s appointment on October 6, 1971. Following Peter’s death, Verna Lee Hinegardner was appointed by Governor Bill Clinton on October 4, 1991, serving until 2003. In 2003, Governor Mike Huckabee appointed Peggy Vining. Before this time, the poet laureateship had been considered a life appointment and publicity ensued but in the end the appointment stood. Peggy Vining served as Poet Laureate from 2003 until her death in 2017. The Legislature changed the term for Arkansas Poet Laureate during 2017 to 4 years. The current Poet Laureate of Arkansas is Suzanne Underwood Rhodes, who was appointed to a four-year term in 2022.[19][20][21][22]

Poets laureate of Arkansas:[20][21][22]

  • Charles T. Davis (1923–1945)
  • Rosa Zagnoni Marinoni (1953–1970)
  • Ercil Brown (interim appointee, 1970–1971)
  • Lily Peter (1971–1991)
  • Verna Lee Hinegardner (1991–2003)
  • Peggy Vining (2003–2017)
  • Jo Garret McDougall (2018–2022)
  • Suzanne Underwood Rhodes (2022–)[19]

California

[edit]
See also: List of municipal poets laureate in California
Main article: California Poet Laureate

The state of California established a state Poet Laureate under Governor Hiram Warren Johnson[23] and appointed Ina Donna Coolbrith on June 30, 1915. Coolbrith was later acknowledged as the "Loved Laurel-Crowned Poet of California" by a 1919 state Senate resolution, retaining the title until her death in 1928.[24] Juan Felipe Herrera was appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown in March 2012.[25] It was last held by Dana Gioia from 2015 to 2018.[26][27]The current poet laureate is Lee Herrick.

Colorado

[edit]
John Denver was named poet laureate of Colorado in 1974
Main article: Poets Laureate of Colorado
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Colorado

Colorado Poets Laureate are appointed to four-year terms. They are nominated by Colorado Creative Industries and Colorado Humanities & Center for the Book, and chosen by the Governor.[28] The State of Colorado also appointed singer/songwriter writer John Denver in 1974.[29]

The following have held the position:[30][31]

Cities

[edit]

Connecticut

[edit]
Main article: Poets Laureate of Connecticut
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Connecticut

The Poet Laureate of Connecticut was established in 1985 by Public Act 85-221 of the Connecticut General Assembly.[34] Five-year residents of the state with a demonstrated career in poetry are eligible for the honorary appointment as an advocate for poetry and literary arts.[35]

The following have held the position:[34][35]

Delaware

[edit]
Main article: Poets Laureate of Delaware

Poets are appointed to the position by the governor. The first poet laureate of Delaware was Edna Deemer Leach appointed in 1947.[36] Nnamdi Chukwuocha and Albert Mills—twin brothers who are known as the "Twin Poets"—were appointed 17th Poets Laureate of the State of Delaware on December 13, 2015.[37] According to the Library of Congress,[38] they are the first co-laureates appointed by a state and the first siblings to share the position.[39][40] Predecessors include Fleda Brown and JoAnn Balingit.[38]

The following have held the position:[41][42]

  • Edna Deemer Leach (1947–1949)
  • Jeannette Slocum Edwards (1950–1953)
  • Frances Shannon Flowers (McNeal) (1954)
  • Katherine King Johnson (1955)
  • David Hudson (1956–1960)
  • Alison Kimball Bradford (1961)
  • Margaret Eleanor Weaver (1962)
  • Mother Aloysius Peach (1963–1964)
  • Dr. Percival R. Roberts, III (1965–1966)
  • Joyce Carlson (1967–1968)
  • Antonia Bissell Laird (1969–1970)
  • Dr. Harry O. Eisenberg (1971)
  • David Hudson (1975–1976)
  • E. Jean Lanyon (1979–1981)
  • Dr. Fleda Brown (2001–2007)
  • Dr. JoAnn Balingit (2008–2015)
  • Nnamdi Chukwuocha and Albert Mills (2019–)

District of Columbia

[edit]
Dolores Kendrick was the second poet laureate of Washington D.C.
Main article: Poet Laureate of the District of Columbia

The United States' capital, the District of Columbia, created the position of Poet Laureate of the District of Columbia in 1984 during the mayoralty of Marion Barry.[43] The position is filled by appointment from the mayor of the district the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.[43] The District of Columbia's poet laureate program is currently stalled.[44][45] Only two poets laureate have been appointed since the creation of the position. Sterling Allen Brown was appointed by Mayor Marion Barry, serving from 1984 until his death in 1989.[43][46] Dolores Kendrick was appointed by Mayor Anthony A. Williams, serving from 1999 until her death in 2017.[47]

Florida

[edit]
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Florida
Main article: Poets Laureate of Florida

Poets Laureate of Florida are appointed by the governor and the Division of Arts and Culture.[48] They first served lifetime, unpaid appointments, until June 20, 2014, when HB 513 established a four-year term.[49] The first poet laureate of Florida was Franklin L. Wood,[50] appointed in 1929 and died soon after assuming office.[49] Vivian Laramore Rader was appointed in 1931 and served until her death in 1975. Edmund Skellings was appointed in 1980.[51] A stroke that impaired his speech and limited his ability to do all of his official duties. He died August 19, 2012, leaving the post vacant.[50]Peter Meinke currently holds this position and was appointed on June 15, 2015.[49]

Georgia

[edit]
Main article: Poet Laureate of Georgia (U.S. state)

Frank Lebby Stanton served from 1925 to 1927 as Georgia's first poet laureate.[52] Successors include Ernest Neal, Conrad Aiken, David Bottoms, Judson Mitcham, and Chelsea Rathburn.[52][53]

Hawaii

[edit]
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Hawaii
Main article: Poets Laureate of Hawaii

Prior to statehood Don Blanding, originally from Oklahoma, was unofficially referred to as the poet laureate of Hawaii.[54] In 1951 Hawaii Territorial Senator Thelma Akana Harrison in concurrent resolution 28, declared Lloyd Stone, who was originally from California, poet laureate.[55] When the modern program was established, Native Hawaiian Kealoha was appointed on May 3, 2012 by Governor Neil Abercrombie.,[56] and he is the first poet laureate for the state of Hawaii, serving through 2022.[57][58][59][60] Brandy Nālani McDougall began her appointment as Poet Laureate of Hawaii in 2023, which she will serve through 2025.[61][62][63]

Idaho

[edit]
Main article: Poets Laureate of Idaho

Irene Welch Grissom served from 1923 to 1948 as Idaho's first poet laureate.[5] Sudie Stuart Hager served as the second poet laureate from 1949 to 1982.[5] After 1982, the title was changed to Writer in Residence.[5] Kerri Webster began her tenure as Writer in Residence in 2023.[64]

Illinois

[edit]
Main article: Poets Laureate of Illinois
Carl Sandburg was the second poet laureate of Illinois

The state's first three Poets Laureate were named at the initiative of individual governors and served for life. In 2003 the title was made into a four-year renewable award.[65]

Those who have served in the position include:

The Illinois governor posthumously named songwriter John Prine honorary poet laureate in 2021.[75][76]

Indiana

[edit]
Main article: Indiana State Poet Laureate

Indiana has the unique situation of having two posts: an official "state poet laureate" (created in 2005) and the unofficial post of "premier poet" created in 1929 occupied by Sarah E. Morin.[77][78][79]Joyce Brinkman was appointed as the first poet laureate of Indiana, serving from 2005 to 2008.[80] The position has been occupied by Curtis L. Crisler as of 2024.

Iowa

[edit]
Main article: Poets Laureate of Iowa
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Iowa

The position was created July 1, 1999 by Subchapter 303.89 of the Iowa Code with a two-year renewable term.[81] Marvin Bell was Iowa's first Poet Laureate,[81] from 2000 to 2004, followed by Robert Dana from 2004 to 2008, Mary Swander from 2009 to 2019, and Debra Marquart from 2019 to 2023.[82][81] Vince Gotera is the current Poet Laureate of Iowa. His two-year term started in 2024.[83]

Kansas

[edit]
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Kansas
Main article: Poets Laureate of Kansas

The current poet laureate of Kansas is Traci Brimhall, serving from 2022 to 2024.[84] Predecessors include Jonathan Holden, Denise Low, Eric McHenry, Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg, Wyatt Townley and Huascar Media.

Kentucky

[edit]
Crystal Wilkinson, Poet Laureate of Kentucky
Main article: Poet Laureate of Kentucky

From the creation of the poet laureate position in 1926 until 1990, the state legislature appointed poets to lifetime terms as poets laureate.[85] Several poets held the position at the same time. Since 1990, Kentucky state law provides for the appointment of a poet laureate or writer laureate to one two-year term selected by the governor.[86] The statute, Kentucky Revised Statutes Section 153.600 provides for two duties: (1) "Make a presentation on Kentucky Writers' Day" and (2) "Act as a writing consultant to the State Department of Education and Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives".[86] The position comes without salary, although the laureate "may be reimbursed for expenses".[86] According to the Kentucky Arts Council, the Kentucky poet laureate is charged with "promoting the literary arts and leading the state in literary activities, including Kentucky Writers’ Day"—a holiday held on 24 April "to commemorate the birthday of Kentuckian Robert Penn Warren, the first poet laureate of the United States".[85] The poet laureate is inducted on this date at the Writers' Day festivities every other year.[85]

# Poet laureate Term began Term ended Appointed by Notes
1 James Thomas "Cotton" Noe March 1926 9 November 1953 (death) legislature [85][87]
2 Edward G. Hill 1 October 1928 8 November 1937 (death) legislature [85][87]
3 Louise Scott Phillips 1945 1983 (death) legislature [85][87]
4 Edwin Carlisle Litsey 1954 3 February 1970 (death) legislature [85][87]
5 Jesse Hilton Stuart 1954 1984 (death) legislature [85][87]
6 Lowell Allen Williams 1956 – legislature [85][87]
7 Lillie D. Chaffin 1974 – legislature [85][87]
8 Tom Mobley 1976 – legislature [85][87]
9 Agnes O'Rear 7 March 1978 1990 (death) legislature [85][87]
10 Clarence "Soc" Clay 1984 – legislature [85][87]
11 Lee Pennington 1984 – legislature [85][87]
12 Paul Salyers 1984 – legislature [85][87]
13 Dale Faughn 1986 – legislature [85][87]
14 Jim Wayne Miller 1986 – legislature [85][87]
15 Henry E. Pilkenton 1986 – legislature [85][87]
16 James H. Patton, Jr. 1990 – legislature [85][87]
17 James Still 1995 1996 – [85][87]
18 Joy Bale Boone 1997 1998 – [85][87]
19 Richard Taylor 1999 2000 – [85][87]
20 James Baker Hall 2001 2002 – [85][87]
21 Joe Survant 2003 2004 – [85][87]
22 Sena Jeter Naslund 2005 2006 – [85][87]
23 Jane Gentry Vance 2007 2008 – [85][87]
24 Gurney Norman 2009 2010 – [85][87]
25 Maureen Morehead 2011 2012 – [85][87]
26 Frank X Walker January 2013 2014 – [85][87]

[88][89]

27 George Ella Lyon 2015 2016 – [85][87]
28 Frederick Smock May 1, 2017 2018 [90]
29 Jeff Worley 2019 2020 Matt Bevin [91]
30 Crystal Wilkinson 2021 2022 [92][93]
31 Silas House 2023 Andy Beshear [94]

Louisiana

[edit]
John Warner Smith, Poet Laureate of Louisiana
Main article: Poets Laureate of Louisiana
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Louisiana

The current poet laureate of Louisiana is Alison Pelegrin, who was appointed in 2023. Predecessors include Ava Leavell Haymon, Julie Kane, Peter Cooley, John Warner Smith and Mona Lisa Saloy.[95]

Maine

[edit]
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Maine
Main article: Poets Laureate of Maine

Kate Barnes served as Maine's first poet laureate from 1996 to 1999. The current poet laureate of Maine is Julia Bouwsna.[96] Predecessors include Wesley McNair, Baron Wormser, and Betsy Sholl.[97]

Maryland

[edit]
Main article: Poets Laureate of Maryland

The current poet laureate of Maryland is Grace Cavalieri, appointed in 2018.[98]

Cities

[edit]
  • The city of Takoma Park Poet Laureate program, established in 2005, honors the achievements of a local poet, encouraging a wider appreciation of poetry and literature. Kathleen O’Toole currently holds the office. Poet Laureate emeritus include Donald Berger (2005–2007), Anne Becker (2007–2011), and Merrill Leffler (2011–2018).[99]

Massachusetts

[edit]
See also: List of municipal poets laureate in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has never had an official poet laureate.[100][4] However, many cities in Massachusetts have appointed poets laureate.

Cities

[edit]
Patrick Donnelly, Poet Laureate of Northampton, MA.

Michigan

[edit]
Main article: Poets Laureate of Michigan
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Michigan

Edgar A. Guest served as Michigan Poet Laureate from 1952 through 1959 having been appointed Poet Laureate through Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 38 (1952) of the Michigan Legislature.[111] State lawmakers made three separate unsuccessful attempts to reinstate a poet laureate position in 2000, 2005, and 2019.[111] The current poet laureate of Michigan is Nandi Comer, appointed in 2023.[112]

Minnesota

[edit]
Joyce Sutphen Minnesota Poet Laureate
Main article: Poets Laureate of Minnesota
Robert Bly was the first poet laureate of Minnesota

In May 2007, Gov. Pawlenty reversed his opposition and signed Section 4, Chapter 148 of the Minnesota Session Laws 2007, establishing the state poet laureate. Robert Bly was appointed the first Minnesota poet laureate on February 27, 2008, succeeded on August 23, 2011, by Joyce Sutphen. Dr. Gwen Westerman was appointed as the third Minnesota poet laureate on September 9, 2021, by Governor Tim Walz.[113]

# Poet laureate Term began Term ended Appointed by Notes
1 Margarette Ball Dickson 1934 21 July 1963 Poet Laureates League (District of Columbia) [114]
2 Laurene Tibbetts-Larson 14 May 1974 6 December 1999 unofficial election [114]
3 Robert Bly 27 February 2008 22 August 2011 Gov. Tim Pawlenty [114]
4 Joyce Sutphen 23 August 2011 April 2021 Gov. Tim Pawlenty [114][115]
5 Gwen Westerman 2021 Present Gov. Tim Walz [115]

Mississippi

[edit]
Main article: Poets Laureate of Mississippi
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Mississippi

In 1963, Governor Ross Barnett appointed Mississippi's first Poet Laureate, Maude Willard Leet Prenshaw. In 1973, Louise Moss Montgomery was named laureate by Gov. William Waller. Gov. Cliff Finch appointed Winifred Hamrick Farrar laureate in 1978. All three poets laureate served lifetime terms. Beginning in 2012, Mississippi poets laureate now serve four-year terms. Natasha Tretheway served as the Poet Laureate of Mississippi from 2012 to 2016. On August 10, 2016, Beth Ann Fennelly assumed the position.[116] The current poet laureate of Mississippi is Catherine Pierce.

# Poet laureate Term began Term ended Appointed by Notes
1 Maude Willard Leet Prenshaw 1963 1971 (death) Gov. Ross Barnett [117]
2 Louise Moss Montgomery 1973 January 1978 (death) Gov. William Waller [117]
3 Winifred Hamrick Farrar 31 July 1978 6 November 2010 (death) Gov. Cliff Finch [117]
4 Natasha Trethewey January 2012 2016 Gov. Haley Barbour [117]
5 Beth Ann Fennelly August 2016 March 2021 Gov. Phil Bryant [118]
6 Catherine Pierce April 2021 present Gov. Tate Reeves [119]

Missouri

[edit]
Main article: Poets Laureate of Missouri

Missouri's poet laureate was established by an executive order from the governor. The order outlined a post with a two-year term, to be filled by "a published poet, a resident of Missouri, be active in the poetry community, and be willing and able to promote poetry in the state of Missouri".[120] The order requires that the appointee "promote the arts in Missouri by making public appearances at public libraries and schools across the state" and "compose an original poem in honor of Missouri"[120] Missouri's poet laureate serves without compensation.[121][122]

# Poet laureate Term began Term ended Appointed by
1 Walter Bargen[122][123] February 2008 January 2010 Gov. Jeremiah W. "Jay" Nixon
2 David Clewell[122][121][124][125] 3 March 2010 31 January 2012 Gov. Jeremiah W. "Jay" Nixon
3 William Trowbridge[122] 13 April 2012 June 29, 2016 Gov. Jeremiah W. "Jay" Nixon
4 Aliki Barnstone[122][126] June 30, 2016 June 30, 2019 Gov. Jeremiah W. "Jay" Nixon
5 Karen Craigo[122] November 2019 June 2021 Gov. Mike Parson
6 Maryfrances Wagner[122][127] June 2021 June 2023 Gov. Mike Parson
7 David L. Harrison[128] July 2023 Present Gov. Mike Parson

Montana

[edit]
Henry Real Bird, Poet Laureate of Montana, on horseback
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Montana
Main article: Poets Laureate of Montana

Sandra Alcosser was Montana's first poet laureate, serving in the position from 2005 to 2007.[129] The current poet laureate of Montana is Chris La Tray, appointed in 2023.[130] Predecessors include Sheryl Noethe, Henry Real Bird, and Mark Gibbons.[131]

Henry Real Bird was poet laureate of Montana in 2009

Nebraska

[edit]
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Nebraska
Main article: Poets Laureate of Nebraska

The current Nebraska State Poet is Matt Mason, serving 2019–2023. Twyla Hansen served from 2013 to 2018, following William Kloefkorn who was the first Nebraskan to be given the title "Nebraska State Poet," which he held from 1982 to 2011. John Neihardt, who was appointed Nebraska poet laureate in 1921, retains the title of Poet Laureate of Nebraska "in perpetuity".[132][133][134] He served until November 3, 1973.[135]

Nevada

[edit]
Main article: Poets Laureate of Nevada

Mildred Breedlove (1904–1994) served as the first poet laureate of Nevada from 1957 to 2007.[136]During her tenure, Breedlove disputed with officials over a commissioned work. Norman Kaye, a songwriter, was appointed in the 1960s although he had (and has) not published any poetry. He was named "laureate emeritus" in 2007 but no replacement was announced.

New Hampshire

[edit]
Main article: Poet Laureate of New Hampshire
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of New Hampshire

Paul Scott Mowrer was appointed as New Hampshire's first poet laureate, and served from 1968 to 1971.[137] The current poet laureate of New Hampshire is Jennifer Militello, appointed in 2024.[138] Predecessors include W. E. Butts, Richard Eberhart, Patricia Fargnoli, Cynthia Huntington, and Jane Kenyon.[139]

New Jersey

[edit]
Main article: Poet Laureate of New Jersey
Gerald Stern, shown here in 2011, was New Jersey's first poet laureate.

New Jersey no longer has a poet laureate position. It existed for less than four years and was abolished by the legislature effective 2 July 2003.

The state legislature created in 1999 the post as part of a biennial award called the New Jersey William Carlos Williams Citation of Merit.[140] The 1999 act, codified as N.J.S.A. 52:16A-26.9, provided for a panel of four poets from New Jersey selected by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts the New Jersey Council for the Humanities would convene to select candidates for the position for the consideration of the state's governor.[140] An incumbent poet laureate would be the fifth member of the panel that selected his successor.[140] The governor alone would appoint the poet laureate by presenting him or her with the New Jersey William Carlos Williams Citation of Merit.[140] The poet laureate, serving for a two-year term, was expected to "engage in activities to promote and encourage poetry within the State" and "give no fewer than two public readings within the State each year".[140]

The state legislature and governor abolished the post after the second poet laureate, Amiri Baraka incited a public controversy soon after his appointment with a public reading of his poem "Somebody Blew Up America"[141][142] The poem was controversial and met with harsh criticism by literary critics, politicians, and the public. The poem was highly critical of racism in America, includes angry depictions of public figures, claimed Israel was involved in the World Trade Center attacks, and supported the theory that the United States government knew about the 9/11 attacks in advance. Critics accused Baraka of racism and anti-Semitism.[142] Baraka refused to resign, and because the statute did not allow the governor to remove him from the post, the state legislature and governor enacted legislation to abolish the position on 2 July 2003.[2]

# Poet laureate Term began Term ended Appointed by Notes
1 Gerald Stern
(1925-2022)		 17 April 2000 July 2002 Gov. Christine Todd Whitman [143]
2 Amiri Baraka
(1934–2014)		 28 August 2002 2 July 2003 (post abolished) Gov. James E. McGreevey [144][145][146]

New Mexico

[edit]
See also: List of municipal poets laureate in New Mexico

The current New Mexico Poet Laureate is Lauren Camp (2023–2025). Her predecessor was New Mexico's first poet laureate, Levi Romero in 2020.[147]

New York

[edit]
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of New York (state)
Main article: Poets Laureate of New York
Audre Lorde was the third poet laureate of New York.

The position of New York State Poet Laureate (official title: State Poet) was established by a special mandate of the New York State Legislature on August 1, 1985.[148] Willie Perdomo is the current New York state poet laureate.[148] In 1988, New York also established position for other genres of writing entitled New York State Author.[7] In 2004, Ishle Yi Park became first female and the first Korean American poet laureate of the New York City borough of Queens.[149]In 2016, Governor Cuomo also named Joseph Tusiani Poet Laureate Emeritus.[150]

Those who have held the position include:

Alicia Ostriker, New York State Poet Laureate

North Carolina

[edit]
Jaki Shelton Green, Poet Laureate of North Carolina
Main article: North Carolina Poet Laureate

The 1935 General Assembly created the office of state poet laureate and empowers the Governor to appoint a North Carolina Poet Laureate.[152] Jaki Shelton Green has been North Carolina's Poet Laureate since 2018.[153][154]

Cities

[edit]

North Dakota

[edit]
Main article: Poets Laureate of North Dakota
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of North Dakota

Corbin A. Waldron was the first poet laureate of North Dakota from 1957 to 1978.[160]It was previously occupied by Larry Woiwode, who was appointed in 1995 and served until his death in 2022.[161][162] The current poet laureate of North Dakota is Dr. Denise Lajimodiere.[163]

Ohio

[edit]
Main article: Poets Laureate of Ohio

In 2014, Ohio enacted law creating the position of Ohio poet laureate starting July 1, 2016. The Ohio Arts Council provides a list of candidates to the governor for selection to serve a two-year term, with the possibility of reappointment.[164][165] Dr. Amit Majmudar of Dublin, Ohio, was named the first state Poet Laureate by Gov. John Kasich, for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2016. Kari Gunter-Seymour is the current Poet Laureate of Ohio. Her term began on June 10, 2020.

Oklahoma

[edit]
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Oklahoma and Poets Laureate of Oklahoma
Nathan Brown, Poet Laureate of Oklahoma, 2013

Oklahoma has appointed poets laureate since 1923.[166][167][168] The state of Oklahoma named Violet McDougal its first poet laureate in 1923.[169][170][171] Joe Kreger who first served from 1998 to 2001 was appointed a second term as Oklahoma's poet laureate from 2021 to 2022.[172] The current poet laureate of Oklahoma is Jay Snider.[173]

Cities

[edit]

Oregon

[edit]
Main article: Oregon Poet Laureate

The position of Oregon Poet Laureate was established in 1923, appointing Edwin Markham as the first poet laureate.[175] Anis Mojgani was appointed to the position in 2020 by Governor Kate Brown.[176][177]

Pennsylvania

[edit]

Florence Van Leer Earle Coates was elected poet laureate of Pennsylvania by the state Federation of Women's Clubs in 1915.[178] Pennsylvania appointed one poet, Samuel John Hazo, in 1993. He held the position for ten years before it was eliminated by Governor Bob Casey.[179][1]

Yolanda Wisher Poet Laureate of Philadelphia

Counties

[edit]

Cities

[edit]

Rhode Island

[edit]
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Rhode Island
Main article: Poets Laureate of Rhode Island

The State Poet of Rhode Island, established in 1987, is codified in Chapter 42-100 of the State of Rhode Island General Laws.[183] The five-year appointment by the Governor carries an annual salary of $1,000.[184]

The following have held the position:[183]

South Carolina

[edit]
Main article: South Carolina Poet Laureate

Archibald Rutledge was the first poet laureate of South Carolina, serving from 1934 to 1973.[185] The sixth poet laureate of South Carolina, generally a lifetime position, is Marjory Heath Wentworth was appointed in 2003 by Governor Mark Sanford pursuant to SC Code, Sec. 1-3-230[186] She resigned in 2020.[187]

South Dakota

[edit]
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of South Dakota
Main article: Poets Laureate of South Dakota

The first poet laureate was appointed in 1937, and a permanent office of poet laureate of South Dakota was created by legislation in 1959. The Governor has the authority to appoint a candidate who has received a recommendation from the South Dakota State Poetry Society. The appointment was indefinite, "during the pleasure of the Governor", until 2015, when the term was set at four years. Past appointees have lifetime emeritus status.[188][189] The current poet laureate is Bruce Roseland. "It’s an honor to stand among those who have come before me,” Roseland said. “There are many people in South Dakota who write as well as I do and most of them write better. To represent South Dakota in this form of writing poetry … I’m very happy about it. I hope to be an ambassador."[190]

The following have held the position:

Tennessee

[edit]
Main article: Poets Laureate of Tennessee

"Pek" Gunn, a native of Bold Spring, Tennessee, and a close friend and politically ally of former Governor of Tennessee Frank Clement, was the first Tennessean given the title of State Poet Laureate by the 87th Tennessee General Assembly in the 1971–1972 session.[195] He died in 1995.[196]Margaret Britton Vaughn is the current Poet Laureate, she is serving her lifetime appointment since 1999.[197] The current poet laureate of Tennessee is Margaret Britton Vaughn was appointed in 1999.[195]

Texas

[edit]
Main article: Poets Laureate of Texas
Jack Elliott Myers was poet laureate of Texas in 2003

The state of Texas established a Poet Laureate in 1932 (historical list of Texas poets laureate). The term as of 2016 is one year.[198] The current poet laureate of Texas is Amanda Johnston, appointed in 2023.[199][200][201]

Cities

[edit]

Utah

[edit]
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Utah
Main article: Poets Laureate of Utah

The Utah State Poet Laureate Program was established in 1997. As a joint project of the Governor's Office and the Utah Arts Council Literature Program, the Governor appoints the Utah Poet Laureate for a five-year term.[204][205]

Previous poets laureate:

Vermont

[edit]
Louise Glück, Poet Laureate of Vermont
Main article: Poets Laureate of Vermont
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Vermont

Robert Frost was the first poet named as Laureate by Joint House Resolution 54 of the Vermont General Assembly in 1961, less than two years before his death. The current position of State Poet, a four-year appointment, was created by Executive Order 69 in 1988. In 2007, the designation was changed to Poet Laureate.

The following have held the position:[207]

Virginia

[edit]
Main article: Poet Laureate of Virginia

The Commonwealth of Virginia has appointed a Poet Laureate since December 18, 1936. The first was Carter Warner Wormeley, appointed for life. Appointments from 1942 until 1992 were for one year, with many reappointed for multiple terms. In 1992, the term was increased to two years. Since 1998 appointments are made from list of nominees presented by the Poetry Society of Virginia, established at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1923.[208] The current Poet Laureate is Luisa A. Igloria.[208][209]

Washington

[edit]
Ella Rhoads Higginson, Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs named her poet laureate in 1931.
See also: Poet Laureate of Washington and Category:Poets Laureate of Washington (state)

Poets Laureate of Washington are appointed for a two-year term by the Governor of Washington.[210] Although the Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs named Ella Higginson poet laureate in 1931, there was no official position until House Bill 1279 was signed into law in 2007.[211] Samuel Green was named as Washington's first official Poet Laureate in 2007, and served until 2009.[212] The position was unfilled for two years due to a budget shortfall, and resumed without state funding.

Since 2023, the Poet Laureate of Washington has been Arianne True, a Choctaw and Chickasaw writer and artist from Tacoma.[213] She is the second Indigenous person to hold the post, following her predecessor Rena Priest of the Lummi Nation.[214]

The following have served:[215]

  • Samuel Green (2007–2009)
  • unfilled (2010–2011)
  • Kathleen Flenniken (2012–2014)
  • Elizabeth Austen (2014–2016)
  • Tod Marshall (2016–2018)
  • Claudia Castro Luna (2018–)

West Virginia

[edit]
Main article: Poets Laureate of West Virginia
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of West Virginia

West Virginia established the position of Poet Laureate by statute in 1927. The appointment was defined by statue as "at the pleasure of the Governor", but has become an indefinitely renewable two-year term. The following have served:[216][217]

  • Karl Myers (1927–1937)
  • Roy Lee Harmon (1937–1943)
  • James Lowell McPherson (1943–1946)
  • Roy Lee Harmon (1946–1960)
  • Vera Andrews Harvey (1960–1961)
  • Roy Lee Harmon (1961–1979)
  • Louse McNeil (Pease) (1979–1993)
  • Irene McKinney (1994–2012)
  • Marc Harshman (2012–)

Wisconsin

[edit]
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Wisconsin
Main article: Poets Laureate of Wisconsin

The position and nominating commission was created by executive order from Governor Tommy Thompson on July 31, 2000. On February 4, 2011, Governor Scott Walker discontinued state sponsorship and sent a letter to the members of the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission to inform them it has been terminated. The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters assumed the role of the commission May of that year.[218][219][220] The Poets laureate of Wisconsin are:

Wyoming

[edit]
Main article: Poets Laureate of Wyoming
See also: Category:Poets Laureate of Wyoming

The position of Poet Laureate was created by executive order in 1981 with a variable term of service. The post became a customary two-year term starting on statehood day (July 10). The current poet laureate of Wyoming is Eugene M. Gagliano appointed in 2016 and reappointed in 2018.[221][222]

The past poets laureate are:

  • Peggy Simson Curry (January 14, 1981 – January 20, 1987)
  • Charles L. Levendosky (January 4, 1988 – 1995)
  • Robert Roripaugh (July 21, 1995 – 2003)
  • David Romtvedt (August 15, 2004 – January 3, 2011)
  • Patricia Frolander (November 7, 2011 – June 9, 2013)
  • Echo Roy Klaproth (July 10, 2013 – July 8, 2015)
  • A. Rose Hill (July 9, 2015 – July 10, 2016)

Territories

[edit]

American Samoa

[edit]

John Enright was identified by Samoa News as the Poet Laureate of American Samoa.[223]

Guam

[edit]

In 1986, Frederick B. Quinene was named the Poet Laureate of Guam.[224]

Puerto Rico

[edit]

Poets Laureate of Puerto Rico include Juan Antonio Corretjer and Diana Ramírez de Arellano (1958).[225][226]

United States Virgin Islands

[edit]

As early as 2003, Richard Schrader, Sr. has been identified as the Poet Laureate of the U.S. Virgin Islands.[227][228]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Pennsylvania". Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  2. ^ a b New Jersey State Legislature. "An Act concerning the State poet laureate and repealing P.L.1999, c.228". from Laws of the State of New Jersey (P.L.2003, c.123). Approved 2 July 2003. Retrieved 26 June 2013.
  3. ^ "Michigan". Library of Congress. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  4. ^ a b "Massachusetts", State Poets, Library of Congress, retrieved 2020-02-24
  5. ^ a b c d "Idaho". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  6. ^ a b Library of Congress. U.S. State Poets Laureate: Alaska. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "State Author and State Poet honorees". New York State Writers Institute. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  8. ^ "Act No. 92", Acts of Alabama (1931).
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Alabama Department of Archives and History. "Official Symbols and Emblems of Alabama: Poets Laureate of Alabama". Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  10. ^ Ingold, Stan (August 15, 2017), Jennifer Horne on Becoming Alabama Poet Laureate, Alabama Public Radio, retrieved 2021-07-07
  11. ^ Ashley M. Jones named Alabama Poet Laureate, Magic City Poetry Festival, August 22, 2021
  12. ^ "State Writer Laureate". Alaska Humanities Forum. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  13. ^ "Heather Lende, whose memoirs chronicle life in Haines, is named Alaska State Writer Laureate". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  14. ^ "Alberto Álvaro Ríos". public.asu.edu.
  15. ^ Poets, Academy of American. "About Alberto Ríos | Academy of American Poets". poets.org.
  16. ^ "Celebrated Poet Alberto Álvaro Ríos Named as Arizona's Inaugural Poet Laureate". AZ Arts. 19 August 2013. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  17. ^ "Arizona". Library of Congress. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  18. ^ "Alabama-Georgia". Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  19. ^ a b Wallace, April (15 May 2022). "HIGH PROFILE: Poet Laureate Suzanne Rhodes plans to use love of writing to influence other young poets in Arkansas". Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  20. ^ a b "Arkansas - State Poet Laureate (State Poets Laureate of the United States, Main Reading Room, Library of Congress)". www.loc.gov. Retrieved 2019-09-03.
  21. ^ a b "AR Poet Laureate Home Page". Arkansaspoetlaureate.com. 2008-10-21. Retrieved 2014-02-03.
  22. ^ a b "Poets Laureate of Arkansas". Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  23. ^ California State Government. "CA Codes (8760–8765)". State Covernement Codes. California State Government. Archived from the original on September 20, 2012. Retrieved August 11, 2012.
  24. ^ California State Government. "California Arts Council". California State Poet Laureate. California State Government. Archived from the original on July 26, 2013.
  25. ^ Miller, Beteye (March 21, 2012). "Juan Felipe Herrera Named California Poet Laureate". UCR Today.
  26. ^ "To rhyme's no crime, says poet Dana Gioia". March 22, 2016. Retrieved July 23, 2016.
  27. ^ "Hitting the Road With California's Poet Laureate". July 10, 2016. Retrieved July 23, 2016.
  28. ^ "Colorado Poet Laureate". Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  29. ^ "John Denver". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  30. ^ "Colorado - State Poet Laureate (State Poets Laureate of the United States, Main Reading Room, Library of Congress)". www.loc.gov. Retrieved 2019-09-04.
  31. ^ "Colorado Poet Laureate". Colorado Humanities. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  32. ^ McGhee, Tom (5 November 2019). "Chris Ransick, former Denver poet laureate, has died". The Denver Post. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  33. ^ "Janice M. Gould Obituary". The Gazette. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  34. ^ a b "Connecticut", State Poets, Library of Congress, retrieved 2020-02-11
  35. ^ a b c State Poet Laureate: Archives, ct.gov, retrieved 2020-02-11
  36. ^ "Collecting Delaware Books - Delaware's Poets Laureate". jnjreid.com. Retrieved Jan 2, 2020.
  37. ^ Yasiejko, Christopher (December 13, 2015). "Delaware Poets Laureate: For Twin Poets, a lifetime of using art to reach Delawareans leads to a national first". Delaware Division of the Arts. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  38. ^ a b "Poets Laureate of Delaware". Library of Congress. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  39. ^ "An afternoon with the Delaware Poets Laureate set April 23". Cape Gazette. April 1, 2016.
  40. ^ "Governor Markell Appoints 17th Poets Laureate for the State of Delaware". State of Delaware News. December 16, 2015. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  41. ^ "Collecting Delaware Books - Delaware's Poets Laureate". jnjreid.com. Retrieved Jan 2, 2020.
  42. ^ "Poets Laureate of Delaware". Library of Congress. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  43. ^ a b c DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. "History of the Office of the Poet Laureate". Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  44. ^ Beasley, Sandra (5 February 2021). "D.C. needs a poet laureate". The Washington Post. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  45. ^ "Alabama-Georgia". Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  46. ^ Joseph D. Whitaker (January 16, 1989), "Poet Sterling Allen Brown Dies", Washington Post, retrieved 2020-08-26
  47. ^ "Dolores Kendrick, Poet Laureate of DC, dies at 90", WJLA-TV, November 8, 2017, retrieved 2020-08-26
  48. ^ "Florida Poet Laureate". Division of Arts and Culture. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  49. ^ a b c "Florida - State Poet Laureate (State Poets Laureate of the United States, Main Reading Room, Library of Congress)". www.loc.gov. Retrieved Jan 2, 2020.
  50. ^ a b Florida needs a poet laureate but with term limits this time October 24, 2013 Time
  51. ^ "Florida's Poet Laureate". Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  52. ^ a b "Georgia". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  53. ^ Kemp Names Chelsea Rathburn as Georgia's Poet Laureate, Georgia Department of Economic Development, March 21, 2019, retrieved 2019-06-27
  54. ^ Huffman, Brian. "Make a Lei on May Day Workshop". University of Hawaii. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  55. ^ Senate Journal. Tongg Publishing Company, Ltd. 1951. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  56. ^ "Kealoha becomes Hawaii's first poet laureate". Hawaii News Now. 2012-05-04. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  57. ^ "The Academy of American Poets Awards $1.1 Million to 22 Poet Laureate Fellows Across the Country in Support of Public Projects". Academy of American Poets. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  58. ^ "Poets academy gives $50,000 grants to local, state laureates". ABC News. 2 August 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  59. ^ "Kealoha". Academy of American Poets. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  60. ^ "Hawaii". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  61. ^ Poets, Academy of American. "The Academy of American Poets Awards $1.1 Million to 23 Poets Laureate Across the United States". Poets.org. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
  62. ^ "Brandy Nālani McDougall, 2023-2025 Hawaiʻi State Poet Laureate – Hawai'i Council for the Humanities". Retrieved 2024-06-20.
  63. ^ "Hawaiʻi State Poet Laureate". State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
  64. ^ "Kerri Webster". Academy of American Poets. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  65. ^ "Illinois - State Poet Laureate (State Poets Laureate of the United States, Main Reading Room, Library of Congress)". www.loc.gov. Retrieved Jan 2, 2020.
  66. ^ "Howard Austin - Bio". Illinois Poet Laureate. State of Illinois. 2020. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  67. ^ "Carl Sandburg - Bio". Illinois Poet Laureate. State of Illinois. 2020. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  68. ^ Kantzavelos, Maria (8 June 2001). "Writing with rhyme and reason". Chicago Tribune. Tribune Publishing. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  69. ^ "Gwendolyn Brooks - Bio". Illinois Poet Laureate. State of Illinois. 2020. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  70. ^ "Kevin Stein Biography". Illinois Poet Laureate. State of Illinois. 2020. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  71. ^ "Angela Jackson to Serve as Fifth Illinois Poet Laureate". www2.illinois.gov. State of Illinois. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  72. ^ Illinois Poet Laureate. State of Illinois. 2020 https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/poetlaureate/Pages/Ms.-Jackson's-Biography.aspx. Retrieved 12 December 2020. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  73. ^ Belman, Felice (2020-12-03). "In a Dark Season, We Went Looking for Poetry". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  74. ^ "Poet Laureate Angela Jackson – IL Humanities". Illinois Humanities. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  75. ^ Kreps, Daniel (1 July 2020). "John Prine Named Illinois' First Honorary Poet Laureate". Rolling Stone. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  76. ^ "Gov. Pritzker Announces 2020 Illinois Poet Laureate Search Committee: John Prine Bestowed Honorary Illinois Poet Laureate Designation". Illinois.gov. Office of the Governor. 30 June 2020. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  77. ^ "Indiana Poetry Society" (PDF), Strophes, vol. 56, no. 4, National Federation of State Poetry Societies, p. 5, April 2020, retrieved 2020-11-05
  78. ^ "Indiana", State Poets, Library of Congress, retrieved 2020-11-05
  79. ^ "Curtis L. Crisler Named Indiana Poet Laureate". Indiana Arts Commission. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  80. ^ "Indiana". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  81. ^ a b c "Iowa". Library of Congress.
  82. ^ "Poets Laureate Fellows Interview". Academy of American Poets. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  83. ^ "Gov. Kim Reynolds appoints UNI Professor Vince Gotera as Iowa Poet Laureate | inside UNI". insideuni.uni.edu. 2024-02-14. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  84. ^ "Traci Brimhall". Academy of American Poets. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  85. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad Kentucky Arts Council. "Kentucky Poet Laureate History". Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  86. ^ a b c Commonwealth of Kentucky. 153.600 Appointment of Kentucky state poet laureate or writer laureate., Kentucky Revised Statutes. (1990 Ky. Acts ch.65, sec.1, effective July 13, 1990). Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  87. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa Library of Congress. U.S. State Poets Laureate: Kentucky. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  88. ^ "Frank X Walker new Ky. poet laureate" Lexington Herald-Leader, 14 February 2013. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  89. ^ Kramer, Elizabeth. "Frank X Walker named Kentucky's first African-American poet laureate", The Courier-Journal, 14 February 2013. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  90. ^ Havens, Sara (July 23, 2017), "Kentucky Poet Laureate Frederick Smock wants to help rekindle your joy for poetry", Insider Louisville, retrieved 13 July 2019
  91. ^ "KY: Kentucky Arts Council - Kentucky Poet Laureate, Crystal Wilkinson". artscouncil.ky.gov.
  92. ^ "Crystal Wilkinson Kentucky Poet Laureate 2021-2022". artscouncil.ky.gov. Kentucky Arts Council. March 26, 2021. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  93. ^ Collins, Dan (April 15, 2021). "Crystal Wilkinson Appointed Kentucky Poet Laureate". www.wuky.org. WUKY. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  94. ^ "KY: Kentucky Arts Council - Kentucky Poet Laureate, Silas House". artscouncil.ky.gov.
  95. ^ "Louisiana". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  96. ^ "Maine". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  97. ^ "Poet Laureate History". Maine Arts Commission. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  98. ^ Armenti, Peter. "Research Guides: U.S. State Poets Laureate: A Resource Guide: Hawaii-Maryland". guides.loc.gov. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
  99. ^ "Poet Laureate Program | City of Takoma Park". Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  100. ^ Fox, Jeremy C. (December 4, 2014), "Bill would create first official Massachusetts poet laureate", Boston Globe, retrieved 2020-02-25
  101. ^ "Minutes of Arlington Poet Laureate Committee Meeting". Town Of Arlington, MA Website. 2015-07-02. Retrieved 2021-04-02. We chose Miriam Levine to be the first Poet Laureate of Arlington.
  102. ^ "Boston's new poet laureate wants to make poetry comfortable for all". Boston Globe.
  103. ^ "Meet Porsha Olayiwola, Boston's new Poet Laureate". Boston Globe.
  104. ^ a b "Poet Laureate". Northampton Arts Council. Retrieved July 31, 2022.
  105. ^ "Plymouth Stephan Delbos".
  106. ^ "Kudos for Porter Square Books, a laureate for Plymouth". Boston Globe.
  107. ^ "Hoagland, Everett H. 1942– | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2023-08-30.
  108. ^ Admin, Library Systems (2007-04-10). "John Landry: New Bedford's newest poet laureate". University Library News Blog. Retrieved 2023-08-30.
  109. ^ "Patricia Gomes Named New Bedford Poet Laureate". New Bedford Guide. 2014-04-28. Retrieved 2023-08-30.
  110. ^ Chitwood, Seth. "New Bedford's poet laureate — one of only 6 in MA — is reshaping how people think of poetry". New Bedford Standard-Times. Retrieved 2023-08-30.
  111. ^ a b "Michigan". Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  112. ^ "Award-Winning Poet Named Michigan's Poet Laureate". Michigan Department of Education. April 12, 2023. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  113. ^ "Gwen Nell Westerman is the new Minnesota poet laureate". MPR News. September 9, 2021. Retrieved 2021-09-10.
  114. ^ a b c d Library of Congress. U.S. State Poets Laureate: Minnesota. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  115. ^ a b "Professor Gwen Westerman Named Minnesota's Poet Laureate". MSU. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  116. ^ "Mississippi - State Poet Laureate (State Poets Laureate of the United States, Main Reading Room, Library of Congress)". www.loc.gov. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  117. ^ a b c d Library of Congress. U.S. State Poets Laureate: Mississippi. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  118. ^ Schnugg, Alyssa (10 August 2016). "Oxford's Beth Ann Fennelly named Mississippi poet laureate". Oxford Eagle. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  119. ^ "Catherine Pierce named new Mississippi poet laureate". The Clarion-Ledger. Associated Press. Retrieved 2021-06-03.
  120. ^ a b Office of Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. "Executive Order 09-28", 24 December 2009. According to Order 09–28, it supersedes Executive Order 08–01.
  121. ^ a b Office of Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. "Gov. Nixon appoints David Clewell Poet Laureate of Missouri" Archived 2011-10-05 at the Wayback Machine (press release), 3 March 2010. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  122. ^ a b c d e f g "Missouri". Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  123. ^ Office of Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. "Gov. Nixon establishes procedure for selecting new poet laureate, encourages Missourians to submit nominations" (press release), 24 December 2009. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  124. ^ Office of Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. "Gov. Nixon appoints William Trowbridge as Missouri's new Poet Laureate" (press release), 13 April 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  125. ^ Henderson, Jane, "William Trowbridge is new Missouri poet laureate", 13 April 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  126. ^ "Gov. Nixon appoints Aliki Barnstone as new Missouri poet laureate - the Missourian: State News". Archived from the original on 2016-07-01. Retrieved 2016-06-30.
  127. ^ Genet, Mike (July 28, 2021), "A way with words: Independence's Maryfrances Wagner is Missouri's new poet laureate", The Examiner, retrieved 2021-08-01
  128. ^ "State of Poetry: The Poets Laureate of Missouri and Kansas | Kansas City Public Library". kclibrary.org. 2024-08-14. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  129. ^ "Montana". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  130. ^ Paige, Anna (2023-08-15). "Storyteller Chris La Tray selected as Montana's next poet laureate". Montana Free Press. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  131. ^ "Mark Gibbons Named New Montana Poet Laureate".
  132. ^ "Lincoln's Twyla Hansen named Nebraska state poet". Omaha World Herald. 2013-11-14. Archived from the original on 2013-12-10. Retrieved 2013-12-10.
  133. ^ Greg, Walkin (January 29, 2020), "Matt Mason: Reflections on his first year as State Poet, plans for 2020", Lincoln Journal Star, retrieved 2020-02-29
  134. ^ "Nebraska", State Poets, Library of Congress, retrieved 2020-02-29
  135. ^ "Nebraska". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  136. ^ "Nevada". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  137. ^ "New Hampshire". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  138. ^ Furukawa, Julia (April 3, 2024). "Jennifer Militello is New Hampshire's new State Poet Laureate". New Hampshire Public Radio. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  139. ^ "New Hampshire". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  140. ^ a b c d e State of New Jersey. P.L. 1999, c. 228 "An Act establishing the New Jersey William Carlos Williams Citation of Merit, supplementing Title 52 of the Revised Statutes and making an appropriation" (1999). Retrieved 25 December 2013.
  141. ^ Baraka, Amiri (a.k.a. LeRoi Jones). Somebody Blew up America and Other Poems. (Philipsburg, St. Martin, DWI: House of Nehesi), 2003.
  142. ^ a b Pearce, Jeremy. "When Poetry Seems to Matter", The New York Times, 9 February 2003. Retrieved 25 December 2013.
  143. ^ John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. Fellows: Gerald Stern, 1980 – US & Canada Competition Creative Arts – Poetry. Biography Archived 2011-06-22 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 25 December 2013.
  144. ^ Mansnerus, Laura. "McGreevey Could Fire Poet Under Proposed Legislation", The New York Times, 8 October 2002. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
  145. ^ Purdy, Matthew. "New Jersey Laureate Refuses to Resign Over Poem", The New York Times, 28 September 2002. Retrieved 26 June 2013.
  146. ^ Sullivan, Al. "McGreevey hails Baraka as a great artist", Hudson Reporter, 10 January 2014. Note: The original article stated "I’ve always had great personal affected (sic) for him"—rendered here under the assumption that "affected" was a typographical error and the intended word was "affection". Retrieved 12 January 2014.
  147. ^ "New Mexico taps Chicano studies professor as poet laureate", kob.com, AP, February 2, 2020, retrieved 2020-02-08
  148. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "New York". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  149. ^ "Ishle Yi Park". www.poetryfoundation.org. Poetry Foundation. April 25, 2017. Retrieved August 21, 2022.[title missing]
  150. ^ "Governor Cuomo Announces New York's Biennial State Author & Poet". New York State. Archived from the original on 2017-04-02. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  151. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "New York State Author and New York State Poet Awards". University of Albany. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  152. ^ "About the North Carolina Poet Laureate" (PDF). Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  153. ^ "North Carolina Poet Laureate". www.ncarts.org. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
  154. ^ "Jaki Shelton Green New Poet Laureate | North Carolina Arts Council". www.ncarts.org. Retrieved 2018-06-22.
  155. ^ Ma, Hannah (October 23, 2022). "'Everybody has the potential to be a poet': Carrboro names next poet laureate". The Daily Tar Heel. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  156. ^ de la Canal, Nick (April 20, 2022). "Charlotte names its first poet laureate: Jay Ward". WFAE. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  157. ^ de la Canal, Nick (October 2, 2024). "Voice of the future: Meet Charlotte's first youth poet laureate". WFAE. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  158. ^ Wray, Maddie (27 July 2022). "Durham's First Poet Laureate Is Empowering Others to Tell Their Own Stories". Indy Week. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  159. ^ Strong, Sasha (March 1, 2024). "Greensboro man makes history as city's first poet laureate". Spectrum Local News. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  160. ^ "North Dakota". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  161. ^ "Larry Woiwode, North Dakota poet laureate, dies at age 80". InForum. May 1, 2022. Retrieved May 2, 2022.
  162. ^ "Larry Woiwode, who wrote of family, faith and rural life, dies at 80". New York Times. May 15, 2022.
  163. ^ "Poet Laureate | Council on the Arts, North Dakota". www.arts.nd.gov. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  164. ^ Amended Substitute Senate Bill Number 84, Ohio General Assembly, 2014, retrieved 2020-06-11
  165. ^ "Ohio", State Poets, Library of Congress, retrieved 2020-06-11
  166. ^ "Oklahoma – State Poet Laureate (State Poets Laureate of the United States, Main Reading Room, Library of Congress)". Loc.gov. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  167. ^ "Poets Laureate – The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture". Okhistory.org. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  168. ^ "Oklahoma Arts Council: Oklahoma State Poet Laureate". Arts.ok.gov. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  169. ^ "Oklahoma – State Poet Laureate (State Poets Laureate of the United States, Main Reading Room, Library of Congress)". Loc.gov. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  170. ^ "Poets Laureate – The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture". Okhistory.org. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  171. ^ "Oklahoma Arts Council: Oklahoma State Poet Laureate". Arts.ok.gov. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  172. ^ Martin, Brandon (22 April 2021). "Joe Kreger named Oklahoma State Poet Laureate". KOKH. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  173. ^ Watts, James D (21 December 2022). "Rancher-writer named state Poet Laureate". Tulsa World. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  174. ^ a b Berry, Jamie (May 2022). "First-ever Norman poet laureate installed into position". Norman Transcript. Retrieved 2022-05-02.
  175. ^ "Poet Laureate History". Oregon Cultural Trust. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  176. ^ "Oregon Poet Laureate". Oregon Cultural Trust. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  177. ^ Tonthat, Steven (April 27, 2020). "Anis Mojgani Named Oregon's 10th Poet Laureate". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Retrieved 2020-08-17.
  178. ^ "Florence Van Leer Earle Nicholson Coates". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  179. ^ "It's official: Every poet is a state poet". old.post-gazette.com. Retrieved Jan 2, 2020.
  180. ^ a b Poets, Academy of American. "Pennsylvania | Academy of American Poets". poets.org. Retrieved 2022-01-13.
  181. ^ "Barbara Buckman Strasko : Biography". barbarabuckmanstrasko.com. Retrieved 2022-01-13.
  182. ^ Society, American Folklore (2021-09-15). "Hear from Harrisburg: Creative Texts and Spoken Word Traditions". The American Folklore Society. Retrieved 2022-01-13.
  183. ^ a b "Rhode Island", State Poets, Library of Congress, retrieved 2020-02-11
  184. ^ "Chapter 42-100 State Poet", State of Rhode Island General Laws, retrieved 2020-02-11
  185. ^ "South Carolina". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  186. ^ State of South Carolina. "Section 1-3-230. Appointment of poet laureate", Title 1 – Administration of the Government, Chapter 3, Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Article 1, General Provisions Affecting Governor, South Carolina Code of Laws, Unannotated, Current through the end of the 2012 Session. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
  187. ^ Hogan, Maura (October 2, 2020), "SC poet laureate Marjory Wentworth resigns from the position she has held for 17 years", The Post and Courier, retrieved 2020-10-11
  188. ^ a b c d "South Dakota", State Poets, Library of Congress, retrieved 2020-02-27
  189. ^ "1-22-7. Poet laureate of state", Codified Laws, South Dakota Legislature, retrieved 2020-02-27
  190. ^ "South Dakota Poetry Society gets first choice for laureate". SDPB. 2023-08-28. Retrieved 2023-08-29.
  191. ^ Trimble, Marshall (August 5, 2009), "Who is Badger Clark?", True West Magazine, retrieved 2020-02-27
  192. ^ a b c d e "Poet Laureate". South Dakota State Poetry Society. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  193. ^ Kaczke, Lisa (May 30, 2019), "Christine Stewart named South Dakota's poet laureate", Sioux Falls Argus Leader, retrieved 2019-12-15
  194. ^ "Bruce Roseland named South Dakota's eighth Poet Laureate – South Dakota Humanities Council". Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  195. ^ a b "Tennessee", State Poets, Library of Congress, retrieved 2020-02-24
  196. ^ "Deaths", Tulsa World, 26 February 1995, retrieved 2020-02-24
  197. ^ "Tennessee". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  198. ^ "Texas Poets Laureate - TSLAC". Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  199. ^ Steenbeeke, Kristen (2024-08-13). "Praise Be! Texas Poetry Just Got Funded". Texas Monthly. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  200. ^ "Poets Laureate of Texas". Library of Congress. September 13, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  201. ^ "Texas Poets Laureate". Texas State Library and Archives Commission. April 22, 2019. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  202. ^ "Houston, San Antonio and McAllen Hire Poet Laureates". The Texas Observer. August 13, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  203. ^ "San Antonio's New Poet Laureate: A Southside Writer Who 'Works With Her Hands' - The Rivard Report". The Rivard Report. April 2, 2014. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  204. ^ a b Utah Poet Laureate, Utah Division of Arts & Museums, retrieved 2020-02-24
  205. ^ a b c d e f "Utah", State Poets, Library of Congress, retrieved 2020-02-24
  206. ^ "U. English professor named Utah poet laureate". Deseret News. May 11, 2017. Archived from the original on May 11, 2017. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
  207. ^ "Vermont", State Poets, Library of Congress, retrieved 2020-02-12
  208. ^ a b "Virginia". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  209. ^ "ODU English professor named poet laureate of Virginia", WAVY.com, July 20, 2020, retrieved 2020-08-15
  210. ^ Revised Code of Washington 43.46.081 Poet laureate program. Code Reviser. 2015.
  211. ^ HB 1279 - 2007-08 Establishing the poet laureate program, Washington State Legislature, retrieved 2020-02-10
  212. ^ "Samuel Green". arts.gov. National Endowment for the Arts. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  213. ^ Macdonald, Moira (April 12, 2023). "WA's new poet laureate Arianne True on how poetry is for everyone". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  214. ^ Pailthorp, Bellamy (April 15, 2021). "Meet Rena Priest, Washington's first Indigenous poet laureate". KNKX. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  215. ^ "Washington", State Poets, Library of Congress, retrieved 2020-02-10
  216. ^ "Article 7. Poet Laureate. §29-7-1. Appointment; qualifications; salary", West Virginia Code, retrieved 2020-02-09
  217. ^ "West Virginia - State Poet Laureate (State Poets Laureate of the United States, Main Reading Room, Library of Congress)". www.loc.gov. Retrieved Jan 2, 2020.
  218. ^ "Welcome to Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission". www.wisconsinpoetlaureate.org. Retrieved 2020-02-08.
  219. ^ "Wisconsin", State Poets, Library of Congress, retrieved 2020-02-08
  220. ^ Higgins, Jim (January 11, 2021), "Milwaukee's Dasha Kelly Hamilton named Wisconsin poet laureate", Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, retrieved 2021-01-14
  221. ^ "Wyoming", State Poets, Library of Congress, retrieved 2020-02-08
  222. ^ Wyoming Poet Laureate, Wyoming Arts Council, retrieved 2020-02-08
  223. ^ Enright, John (2012). 14 Degrees South: Selected Poems : American Samoa 1981-2006. University of the South Pacific Press. ISBN 978-982-01-0890-5.
  224. ^ "Guam's Poet Laureate, Frederick B. Quinene, dies at age 77". The Guam Daily Post. 2019-09-05. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  225. ^ Docket Report. The Center. 1977.
  226. ^ Telgen, Diane (1993). Notable Hispanic American Women. VNR AG. ISBN 978-0-8103-7578-9.
  227. ^ "Honorary Doctorate: Richard A. Schrader, Sr" (PDF). University of the Virgin Islands.
  228. ^ "Virgin Island's History Featured at Christiansted - Christiansted National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_U.S._states%27_poets_laureate&oldid=1258013931"