Poetry Society of America

Poetry Society of America
Name	Poetry Society of America
Founded	0 1910
Location	New York City, New York, U.S.
Key people	Alice Quinn (Executive Director & Poetry in Motion Curator), Matthew Zapruder (President)
Focus	Poetry
Website	https://poetrysociety.org

Poetry Society of America is the nation's oldest poetry organization, founded in 1910 to cultivate a wider audience for the art form. Headquartered in New York City, it serves as a vital nexus connecting poets, readers, and institutions through a diverse array of public programs, educational initiatives, and literary advocacy. The society is renowned for its prestigious awards, influential publications, and its role in fostering the careers of countless major literary figures across the 20th century and into the present day.

History

The society was established in 1910 by a group of poets and patrons including Witter Bynner, Edward J. Wheeler, and Richard Le Gallienne, with early support from notable figures like Edwin Markham. Its formation occurred during a period of significant literary ferment, paralleling the rise of Modernist poetry in movements such as Imagism and the Harlem Renaissance. Throughout the decades, it has been instrumental in major cultural moments, from advocating for poets during the Great Depression to providing a platform for diverse voices during the social upheavals of the 1960s. Key historical milestones include the establishment of its first headquarters, the creation of its flagship journal, and partnerships with institutions like the Library of Congress and the Academy of American Poets.

Organization and governance

The society is governed by a Board of directors composed of poets, scholars, and philanthropic leaders, with the current president being poet Matthew Zapruder. Day-to-day operations are led by the Executive Director, a position long held by Alice Quinn, who also curates the popular Poetry in Motion program in partnership with MTA Arts & Design. Key administrative and artistic committees, often including distinguished poets and critics, oversee specific initiatives such as awards judging and educational programming. The organization maintains collaborative relationships with a wide network of entities including The New York Public Library, The Poetry Foundation, and numerous university creative writing departments.

Programs and activities

A core program is Poetry in Motion, which places poem placards in New York City Subway cars and buses, bringing verse to millions of commuters. The society organizes hundreds of public events annually, including readings, lectures, and panel discussions at venues like the 92nd Street Y and the Poets House. Its educational outreach includes the "Poets in Schools" initiative, workshops for teachers, and the "New Voices" program for emerging writers. Signature events include the annual Festival of Poems, collaborations with the Guggenheim Museum, and thematic reading series that often engage with contemporary social issues.

Awards and honors

The society administers some of the most coveted prizes in American letters, including the Frost Medal for lifetime achievement, previously awarded to luminaries such as Gwendolyn Brooks, Allen Ginsberg, and Adrienne Rich. Other major awards are the Shelley Memorial Award, the Writer Magazine/Emily Dickinson Award, and the Alice Fay Di Castagnola Award for a manuscript-in-progress. Many award winners, like Yusef Komunyakaa and Louise Glück, have gone on to receive the Pulitzer Prize and serve as Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress. These honors provide critical recognition and financial support to poets at all stages of their careers.

Publications

For decades, the society published a distinguished quarterly journal featuring poetry, essays, and reviews, which served as an important venue for writers from Marianne Moore to John Ashbery. While the print journal is no longer active, the organization continues to publish digital chapbooks, anthologies, and the "PSA Chapbook Series" in collaboration with presses like Farrar, Straus and Giroux. It also produces extensive online content, including the "Poetry News" newsletter, curated reading lists, and archival materials related to its history and award-winning poets.

Notable members

Throughout its history, membership has included a veritable who's who of American literary giants. Founders and early members featured poets like Amy Lowell and Robert Frost. The mid-century roster included influential figures such as Elizabeth Bishop, Langston Hughes, and William Carlos Williams. Contemporary members and award recipients encompass a diverse range of voices, including Joy Harjo, Tracy K. Smith, Billy Collins, Ocean Vuong, and Natasha Trethewey. This ongoing lineage underscores the society's central role in the ecosystem of American poetry.

Category:Poetry organizations Category:Arts organizations based in New York City Category:1910 establishments in New York (state)