three candles sit on the mantle in The Evergreens

Emily Dickinson 196th Birthday Open House
Sat., Dec. 12, 1-4:45pm ET, 2026

IN-PERSON PROGRAM at the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, MA

three candles sit on the mantle in The EvergreensYou are cordially invited to the Emily Dickinson Museum’s celebration of the poet’s 196th birthday! On Saturday, December 12, join us in person at the Homestead and The Evergreens for an open house with tours, crafts, music, hot cider and gingerbread cookies!

Emily Dickinson, the second child of Edward Dickinson and Emily Norcross Dickinson, was born on December 10, 1830, in the family Homestead on Main Street in Amherst, Massachusetts, now the site of the Emily Dickinson Museum. She celebrated 55 birthdays before her death in 1886. Some of the poet’s most favored themes were time and im/mortality. She wrote, “We turn not older with years, but newer every day.” (Johnson L379) 

Registrants are encouraged to choose a "Pay Your Way" ticket that supports the cost of Museum programs. Free tickets are also available at registration.

REGISTER


This year, as we celebrate Emily’s 196th birthday, we invite you to honor her with a gift to the Museum. 

Our goal is 196 gifts by her 196th birthday, each one a gesture of appreciation to the poet who continues to inspire “Forever—is composed of Nows (Fr690).” Your contribution to the Emily Dickinson Fund keeps her voice vibrant and her story alive for generations to come. Thank you!

GIVE A BIRTHDAY GIFT

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