Virginia

Current Laureate:
Claudia Emerson

Start of Term:
August 26, 2008

Position History:
Position established December 18, 1936; codified in Virginia Code, Sec. 7.1-43. The text of the law follows:

7.1-43. Poet laureate.

The honorary position of Poet Laureate of Virginia is hereby created. Beginning in 1998, the Governor may appoint a poet laureate from a list of nominees submitted by the Poetry Society of Virginia. Each poet laureate shall serve a term of two years with no restrictions on reappointment.

(1997, c. 299.)

The first Virginia state poet laureate was Carter Warner Wormeley. Formerly, the laureate was appointed by the General Assembly, usually for a term of one year.

Previous laureates include:
Carter Warner Wormeley
Guy Carleton Drewry (term ended 1991)
Kathryn Forrester Thro (July 1, 1994-June 30, 1996)
Margaret Ward Morland (1996-1998)
Joseph Awad (1998-2000)
Grace Simpson (2000-2002)
George Garrett (July 9, 2002-2004)
Rita Dove (Sept. 20, 2004-June 25, 2006)
Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda (June 26, 2006-June 2008)

Further Resources:
Publications by Claudia Emerson in the Library's online catalog.

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