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A rare collection of limited editions

The UW-Eau Claire Foundation acquired a rare collection of works by the 20th century American poet Robert Frost, as a combined purchase and gift from Joan Christopherson Schmidt. The Foundation is accepting gifts to support a fund to maintain the collection. The collection contains approximately 44 books authored by Frost, including several that have been signed and inscribed by the poet, dozens of books about Frost, and manuscript materials containing hand-written poetry, Christmas cards and pamphlets.

The Frost Collection was made available to the university by the UW-Eau Claire Foundation through Joan Christopherson Schmidt, the wife of the late Frederick Schmidt, a long-time friend of Frost and Wisconsin native. After his passing in 2005 at age 81, Joan Schmidt felt it was important for her husband's collection to remain intact and stay in Wisconsin, and so, through a series of connections in the area, the collection found a home at UW-Eau Claire. 

Frederick and Joan Christopherson Schmidt Robert Frost Celebration of American Poetry

Each year, in celebration of the Frost Collection, the UW-Eau Claire Foundation hosts the Frederick and Joan Christopherson Schmidt Robert Frost Celebration of American Poetry. The event features individuals from the campus and community who read poems on a selected theme.

Thursday, April 11, 2024
4 p.m. | Chippewa River Room

Flesch Family Welcome Center 
127 Roosevelt Avenue, Eau Claire

The 2024 celebration features Max Garland, UW-Eau Claire professor emeritus of English and former Wisconsin Poet Laureate; a host of notable campus and community members; and special guest Nicholas Gulig, 2023-2024 Poet Laureate of Wisconsin and Eau Claire native. A reception with refreshments will follow the poetry reading. Parking is available in any F, G, or S spot in the Phillips or Hibbard lots beginning at 4 p.m.

Join the livestream of the 2024 poetry reading here.

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