“An Evening with Poe” Fundraising Success

Location: McIntire Building

Date: January 23, 2010

On Saturday, January 23, the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society hosted "An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe," co-directed by Keri Matthews and Lauren McAdams. The event was a great success, with just over forty guests attending the cocktail hour and performance. Keith Kaufelt, a freelance re-enactor and Visitor Services Coordinator at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond, portrayed the guest of honor, Mr. Poe. Kaufelt recited selections from both "The Telltale Heart" and "The Raven," bringing a dramatic turn to the Evening's festivities.

Several area restaurants and retailers donated hors d'oeuvres and desserts, including Camino, Foods of All Nations, Gearhart's, Orzo, and Whole Foods. University Florists also donated a dozen red roses, which--paired with a half bottle of cognac--evoked the tradition of the Poe Toaster.

Several volunteers helped make the Evening a success, including greeters Davis Moore and Amy Struck, and bartenders Mike McAdams and Ray Doss. Special thanks also goes to Ann Glennie, Steven G. Meeks, and Jarrett Millard.

All proceeds from this fundraiser will go toward the publication of a book commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Founding of Charlottesville. Fans of this series will be pleased to know that ACHS is already planning its next Evening for later in the year, featuring guest of honor Paul Goodloe McIntire. Details will follow in the upcoming months.

Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in this event. We hope to see you at the next Evening!