Celebrating Whittier: Testimonials

...such a beautiful book—your photo reproductions alone make it worthwhile. You have done yourself proud and made this, I think, the gem of the Whittier Bicentennial. I am grateful for your work and welcome you to the rank of Whittier scholar. The book, in effect, is a presentation of Whittier in his age and by those who knew him.

—John “Ben” Pickard

Whittier scholar and author

Whittier and Whittierland: Portrait of a Poet and His World

Retired Professor of English, University of Florida

Great-grand-nephew of John Greenleaf Whittier

Makes available Whittier materials that were previously accessible only to the few. Most importantly, Fenner’s work affirms and emphasizes the center of Whittier’s calling: he served as the conscience of his nation regarding the horrific practice of slavery, and he did so at a time when conscience was that nation’s greatest need. Students of Whittier—along with scholars of nineteenth-century poetry and society—owe her their thanks.

—William Joliffe

Whittier scholar Editor, The Poetry of John Greenleaf Whittier: A Readers’ Edition

Professor of English, George Fox University

Newberg, OR

I’m impressed in so many ways—with your own dedication in digging out the details of various JGW Centennial celebrations and the extent to which the details of those observances have been presented.

The fact that so many people, organizations and institutions over so broad a span of territory took time to recall and commemorate Whittier’s life and work speaks volumes for his impact upon the minds and hearts of Americans back in 1907. I find it difficult to think of any contemporary poet, or author of any sort, whose stature is such as to call forth a region-wide or even nation-wide celebration of the centennial of his/her birth.

—Ron Kley

Consultant Museum Resource Associates

Hallowell, ME

Celebrating Whittier is a delightful evocation of a place and time when communities celebrated poets and radical reformers.

—Thomas D. Hamm

Archivist and Professor of History

Earlham College

Richmond, IN

Beautifully designed, both editorially and visually, Celebrating Whittier: America’s 1907 Centennial provides context for the bicentennial celebrations as well as the significant role of the Whittier Home Association in preserving and interpreting Whittier’s legacy since 1898.

—Tordis Ilg Isselhardt

Publisher and interpretive consultant to museums and historic sites

Images from the Past

Bennington, VT

John Greenleaf Whittier had a fan base equal to any current day rock star. The book, Celebrating Whittier is a snapshot of the history of the poet’s fandom. Fenner has done all the leg work, and all we need do is peruse and enjoy the illustration-rich collection.

—Reneé M. Harlow

Curator John Greenleaf Whittier Birthplace

Haverhill, MA

Pam Fenner’s enthusiasm for the life and works of John Greenleaf Whittier is beautifully realized in Celebrating Whittier: America’s 1907 Centennial. This book is a fine addition to the Whittier historical and literary legacy.

—Joseph Dmohowski

Special Collections Librarian

Wardman Library,

Whittier College, Whittier, CA