Vermont

Current Laureate:
Ruth Stone (Official Title: State Poet)

Start of Term:
July 26, 2007

Position History:
According to a February 7, 2003 press release from the Vermont Arts Council, "Robert Frost was declared Poet Laureate in 1961 [upon the adoption of Joint House Resolution 54 by the General Assembly]. In 1988 Governor Kunin re-established the position. (Reference: Executive Order No 69, 1988) Galway Kinnell was the first State Poet named for a term of 4 years as a result of this order in 1989." The Arts Council further notes that "at the direction of the Governor [it] conducts the selection process for the State Poet by convening an advisory/selection panel. The Vermont State Poet is a person whose primary residence is in Vermont; whose poetry manifests a high degree of excellence; who has produced a critically acclaimed body of work; and who has a long association with Vermont."

Previous Laureates:
Grace Paley (March 5, 2003-July 25, 2007)
Ellen Bryant Voigt (1999-2002)
Louise Gluck (1994-1998)
Galway Kinnell (1989-1993)
Robert Frost (1961-1963)

Further Resources:
• Publications by Ruth Stone in the Library's online catalog.

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