This tour follows Whitman’s footsteps from the 1840s to the early ’50s, when young newspaper editor Walter Whitman Jr. was in the process of becoming “Walt Whitman, a kosmos, of Manhattan the son.” We’ll begin on the site of his boarding house in 1841, where he stayed while working on the New York Aurora. A look at what’s left of Newspaper Row will also include a discussion of Fowler & Wells Phrenological Cabinet, where he had his “bumps read” in 1849. We’ll read excerpts from Leaves of Grass and his prose commentary on Fulton Street as we wind our way to Bowne & Co., a working example of a 19th century print shop the poet-printer would have known well. Join us for a poetic celebration at our final stop: the Walt Whitman Initiative’s Tane Poetry Library, upstairs at 91 South Street.
Accessibility
This is a relatively easy walk on mostly flat surfaces, of about 3/4 mile. It is wheelchair accessible, though surfaces may be uneven, sidewalks may be busy or tight, and sidewalk ramps may not always be easily accessible.
Location Information
RSVP is required and capacity is limited. Meeting location, ending location, and directions will be provided via email before walk date.
