Poets Laureate of Maryland facts for kids

A Poet Laureate is a special poet chosen to represent a state or country. This page lists the amazing poets who have served as the Poet Laureate for the state of Maryland. These poets share their love for words and help inspire people through poetry.

State flag of Maryland

Maryland's Poets Laureate

Here is a list of the poets who have held this important role in Maryland:

What is a Poet Laureate?

The Poet Laureate of Maryland is an honorary position. This means it is a special title given to someone who has achieved great things in poetry. The person chosen for this role serves at the Governor's request. Their term can last up to four years. The Governor can also choose to renew their term.

What Does a Poet Laureate Do?

The main job of the Poet Laureate is to share poetry with the people of Maryland. They do this by giving public readings and creating special programs. These events make sure that people all over the state can enjoy poetry. It helps everyone have a chance to hear at least one reading during the poet's time in office.

Black-eyed Susans, state flower of Maryland

History of the Poet Laureate Role

In the 1700s, a writer named Ebenezer Cook called himself Maryland's Poet Laureate. He wrote a famous poem about Maryland called "The Sot-weed Factor". However, Maryland did not have an official Poet Laureate until much later.

The official position began in 1959. That year, the Maryland General Assembly passed a law. This law allowed the Governor to choose a Maryland citizen as the Poet Laureate. At first, the term was for three years. Since then, some poets have been chosen more than once. Vincent Godfrey Burns served the longest, for 17 years!