For the past 200 years, our images of Christmas have been shaped by the scenes depicted in the classic poem “Twas The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore. Written for his children on December 22, 1822, the poem helped to perpetuate the jolly persona of old Saint Nick and the magic of Christmas Eve. The poem first appeared in print in 1823, published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel as “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” As this year marks the bicentennial, you can join Untapped New York Insiders for a cheerful evening of holiday fun as we mark the anniversary with a special reading of the poem in Clement C. Moore Park and a tour of the General Theological Seminary on December 5th!
This tour is $10 for Untapped New York Insiders and includes a special commemorative edition of the poem as well as a hot cocoa from the High Line Hotel! Not an Insider yet? Become a member today and gain access to member-exclusive experiences, both in-person and online, as well as our archive of 200+ on-demand webinars. Use code JOINUS for your first month free!
The Poet of Christmas Eve Tour
This holiday tour will be led by historian Pamela McColl, author of Twas the Night: The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem, a non-fiction account of the poem and the life and times of Clement Clarke Moore. As you explore what now stands on land that once belonged to Moore, you’ll learn about the author and his legacy in New York City. Inside the 200-year-old seminary, located where Moore’s orchard once grew, you’ll tour the magnificent chapel and view vintage editions of the classic poem inside the library. You’ll warm up with a hot cocoa from the High Line Hotel and head over to the site of Moore’s former home.
This winter, Moore will be honored by having his name added to the New York State Library Association’s Writers Hall of Fame. Can’t join us on December 4th for the walking tour? A limited amount of tickets are available for Untapped New York Insiders to attend the Hall of Fame ceremony on December 19th. This invite-only event will take place at the Hoffman Hall inside the General Theological Seminary in Chelsea, a site that sits on land donated by Moore. Both events will surely bring holiday cheer!
Writer’s Hall of Fame Ceremony
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