IN-PERSON PROGRAM
This in-person program is free to attend. Registration is required.
On May 16, in honor of the 140th anniversary of the poet’s death, join the Emily Dickinson Museum for the annual Poetry Walk through downtown Amherst, the town she called “paradise.” This year’s Walk explores Amherst’s cultural landscape and its significance to the poet herself. Take the walk at your own pace, but be sure to head to Dickinson’s grave in West Cemetery in time for the 12pm final poems and a lemonade toast to our favorite poet!
The Walk takes approximately 40 minutes to complete. Participants begin at the Homestead at any time between 10am and 11am to pick up their Poetry Walk map and daisies to lay at the grave. The Walk stations close at 11:45am so that all participants can make it to the final stop at noon in West Cemetery.
Registration for this program is free or by donation, but it is required in advance. Registration for the Walk does not include admission to the Museum. For Museum tour tickets click here.
Accessibility Information
The full walk is about 1 mile and is largely accessed by paved sidewalks, though some uneven terrain is possible. Participants who would prefer to meet us for the final toast are welcome to check in at the Homestead before 11:15am and then drive to West Cemetery. Cemetery parking is available behind Zanna’s clothing store.
A Daisy for Dickinson
As part of this beloved tradition, Poetry Walk participants and Museum staff adorn Emily Dickinson’s grave at Amherst’s West Cemetery with fresh daisies. If you wish to make “A Daisy for Dickinson” gift to the Museum in memory of the poet or someone you have loved, we will place a daisy in their name at the poet’s grave site as part of this year’s commemorative Poetry Walk on May 16th. Please use this link to make your gift and, if you wish, tell us something about the person you are honoring. Thank you!