Immortalize your relatives in poetry! From your favorite aunt who has a kind word for everyone to that infamous rascal of a third-cousin, writing poetry about your relatives is a unique way to re-tell your family stories.

We’ll present three short-form varieties of poetry to help you frame your family in poetry. You’ll take home a new way of thinking about the stories you’ve heard all your life – and, hopefully, at least one poem about your family.

Before you arrive, you might find it helpful to choose a favorite family story or an individual relative as a starting point. Feel free to bring photographs, letters, or other memory triggers that will inspire your writing process.

Ages 18+
Interested teens (ages 13-17) are also welcome.

Space is limited; registration required.

This program is inspired by the One Maryland One Book 2025 selection Kin: Rooted in Hope by Carole Weatherford. While you do not have to read the book to attend this program, we encourage you to consider it! The book is available to be borrowed with your library card.

One Maryland One Book is a program of Maryland Humanities.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Maryland State Library.