Missouri

Current Laureate:
Walter Bargen

Start of Term:
January 8, 2008 (unofficial)
Febraury 13, 2008 (official)

Position History:
Gov. Matt Blunt announced the creation of the position of Missouri Poet Laureate in October 2007. Position officially established on January 8, 2008 by Executive Order 08-01, which describes the poet laureate's duties as follows:

The Poet Laureate shall serve for two years, at the pleasure of the governor, and be responsible for promoting the arts in Missouri by making at least six public appearances per year at public libraries and schools across the state. The Laureate shall also compose an original poem in honor of Missouri that may be used for publication and distribution.

Further Resources:
Publications by Walter Bargen in the Library's online catalog.