LONGFELLOW DAYS 2026: Finding Your Voice

  In this, our 22nd year of honoring the legacy of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, we continue to offer poets, presentations, music, workshops, tours, and an interfaith service. As ever, we’ll conclude with a festive open mic celebration on Longfellow’s birthday. 

  This year’s theme, “Finding Your Voice” offers an ideal opportunity to explore the distinct acts of creating, writing, performing and enjoying poetry. Throughout February, there are chances to hear over 50 poets and community members read original work and poems they enjoy.

 Longfellow Days is all about poetry!  Audiences of all ages are invited and all events are free.  Help us honor and explore the distinct acts of creating, writing, performing, and enjoying poetry.

Friday, February 20 at 1:00 PM ~ Christmas Bells ~ Longfellow’s Poem and the Civil War 

Merrymeeting Room, Thornton Oaks, 25 Thornton Way

 Author John Babin will speak on Longfellow’s inspiration for the poem “Christmas Bells,” written during the American Civil War, and explain how this classic Longfellow poem became the beloved Christmas carol.

 For more details:  Christmas Bells

  For the schedule of Longfellow Days with complete details of all events,

go to https://www.uubrunswick.org/programs/longfellow-days-2026/

  Longfellow Days’ Funders and Collaborators include: Bowdoin College, Brunswick Downtown Association, Midcoast Senior College, Nathaniel Davis Fund, Pejepscot History Center, The Senter Fund, Thornton Oaks, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick.  Thanks to sponsors, all events are free and open to the public.