HistoryMiami Announces Acquisition of Literary Papers from American Poet Laureate Robert Frost
HistoryMiami (formerly known as the Historical Museum of Southern Florida) announced the acquisition of rare papers from Robert Frost and documents pertaining to his visits to Key West, Florida. The collection includes signed editions of poetry dedicated to Mrs. Jessie Porter Newton, a prominent Key West literary figure, and a handwritten copy of one of his best-known poems, “The Gift Outright.”
These items recently became available after the Porter family sold a Key West landmark, The Heritage House and Robert Frost Cottage, in April. The Porter family — Suzanne Campbell, Renee Pound and Porter Poirier — bestowed the historical contents on several Florida institutions, among them HistoryMiami, thus ensuring the continuity of these important works of Florida’s literary and historical past. “It was important to the family that these items remained available for research and public display,” said Suzanne Campbell, granddaughter of Jessie Porter Newton. “We chose HistoryMiami among the institutions because of the quality of the facility at the Archives and Research Center,” she added.
“The acquisition of these extraordinary works substantially enhances the permanent collection of HistoryMiami’s Archives and Research Center,” commented HistoryMiami President and CEO Robert McCammon. “It underscores the institution’s commitment to collecting and exhibiting works with South Florida significance.”
The collection surveys Frost’s personal and professional connections to South Florida from the 1930s until his death. Personal letters and telegrams (mostly written by Kathleen Morrison, his long-time secretary), photographs and other materials illuminate his daily life in the region during these winters. Other notable items donated include press clippings, commemorative items, and lecture notes and programs collected by Mrs. Newton, as well as signed copies of poetry books documenting his literary activity during this period.
Located at 101 West Flagler Street in Miami, the HistoryMiami Archives and Research Center is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with general admission of $8. For more information, please call 305-375-1492
www.historymiami.org.
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