Name: Literary Salon: Whitman and Dickinson
Start: 2026-01-15T19:00:00-06:00
Location: Main Street Community Center

The Madison County Historical Society will host another Literary Salon on Wednesday, January 15 at 7 p.m. at the Main Street Community Center in Edwardsville. Led by Emeritus Professor Jeffrey Skoblow, a group of people will read from the works of two of America’s foundational poets, Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson. Although primarily poetry, there will also be a bit of prose included.
Skoblow organized a Robert Burns Literary Salon last year. The attendance was very good, and the rooms were crowded so the event was moved to a larger venue. At last year’s event, before the end of the evening, Skoblow’s audience joyfully joined him in singing a bawdy Robert Burns song. Who knows what he has in store for the January audience?
Skoblow taught a variety of subjects in the English Language and Literature Department at SIUE before his retirement. He is also known for his participation in plays for a number of area theatre groups over the years, including the Arts League Players. All this is to say, he knows how to entertain and create interest in the world of literature.
MCHS offers this program at no charge to the public, although donations are always welcome. Light refreshments will be served.
The Madison County Historical Society is a 501(C)3 charitable organization reliant on donations and memberships for funding. MCHS has been dedicated to the preservation of Madison County artifacts, photographs and stories since 1921. Area residents are encouraged to visit the Madison County Archival Library at 801 N. Main Street in Edwardsville, Illinois, to learn more about their local family history. The library is open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sun. 1-4 p.m. For more information, call 618-656-1294.