Maximus to Jack: Charles Olson & John Hays Hammond Jr.

Description

Program:

5:30 - 6:00 pm: Light Refreshments & Networking
6:00 - 7:00 pm: Presentation
7:00- 7:15 pm: Conclusion & Q&A.

On the night of September 3rd, 1960, John Hays Hammond Jr. hosted a reading by the poet Charles Olson at Hammond Castle Museum…

This poster was originally done for that event, by the inventor’s late-life partner Harry Martin, who introduced Hammond—once called the “Electronic Sorcerer”---to Olson: the self-styled “Archeologist of Morning.” The two men’s friendship would be short-lived and tempestuous.

65 years later, join Hammond Castle Museum in marking the anniversary of Olson’s reading and for the first time exploring the dramatic relationship between our founder and the luminary Maximus poet—two colossal figures who helped shape the community of Gloucester as we know it today.

Through never-before-seen archival correspondence and a close reading of often overlooked Olson poems that address Hammond and the avant-garde 1960s literary and artistic circle surrounding the Museum directly, Director of Visitor Services and Education Caleb McMurphy will revive a near-forgotten chapter of local history and shed new light on two of the city’s most interesting citizens.

Admission:

- Members are free with a reservation.

- $15: General Admission.