FARMINGDALE VILLAGE CELEBRATES 200^TH ANNIVERSARY OF
WALT WHITMAN’S BIRTH
 
Whitman Scholar and Author Karen Karbiener to Speak on December 8

In honor of the 200^th anniversary of the birth of Walt Whitman, the Cultural Arts Committee of the Village of Farmingdale will host a special presentation and reading by distinguished Whitman scholar and author Karen Karbiener.  The event, entitled “Starting from Paumanok:  A Celebration of Walt Whitman, 1819-2019,” will appeal to lovers of history, literature, Whitman and Long Island alike.  It is open to the public and free of charge, but RSVPs are requested to ensure adequate seating.  It will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, December 8, at Farmingdale Village Hall, 361 Main St. 

The poet Walt Whitman was born 200 years ago on May 31, 1819, in nearby Melville.  He memorialized the island of his birth in the poem “Starting from Paumanok,” referring to the Native American name for Long Island.  Dr. Karbiener will discuss Whitman’s poetry, as well as his little-known connection to the Village of Farmingdale (no spoilers here -- readers wanting to know more are invited to attend the event and hear for themselves).  To RSVP, email Ann Rodenburg at Farmingdale Village Hall, arodenburg@farmingdalevillage.com, or call 516-249-0093 extension 204. 

Dr. Karbiener has published widely on Whitman, including an edition of Leaves of Grass, two audiobooks about Whitman’s life and influence, and a book introducing Whitman’s poetry to children.  Most recently, she collaborated with illustrator Brian Selznick on Live Oak, with Moss. Dr. Karbiener will be available after the presentation to sign her books.