Learn about our Poets Laureate!

Marjorie Wentworth

Video

Meet Marjory Wentworth, one of the state’s most underappreciated artists. Wentworth, who is a poet laureate, discusses what exactly a poet laureate is. She completely breaks the expectations of what a...
What Is a Poet Laureate? | Poets Laureate
What Is a Poet Laureate? | Poets Laureate
Episode 1

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Poets Laureate of England The tradition of employing a poet as "poet laureate" began with the royalty of England in the 16th century. Poets laureate held an official position in the royal court. The...
Archibald Rutledge | Poets Laureate
Archibald Rutledge | Poets Laureate
Episode 2

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Archibald Rutledge S.C. Poet Laureate 1936-1949 It has been said that "Archie" Rutledge was a born poet. He composed his first piece of poetry at the age of three. It exists in print to this very day...
Helen von Kolnitz Hyer | Poets Laureate
Helen von Kolnitz Hyer | Poets Laureate
Episode 3

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Helen von Kolnitz Hyer S.C. Poet Laureate 1974 - 1983 Like Archibald Rutledge, Helen von Kolnitz Hyer had a calling to be a poet at a very young age. As a girl, she memorized poems from her aunt's...
Ennis Rees | Poets Laureate
Ennis Rees | Poets Laureate
Episode 4

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Ennis Rees S.C. Poet Laureate 1984 - 1985 In 1984, Ennis Rees was named the third poet laureate of South Carolina by Governor Dick Riley. At the time, Ennis had been an English professor at the...
Grace Freeman | Poets Laureate
Grace Freeman | Poets Laureate
Episode 5

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Grace Freeman S.C. Poet Laureate 1985 - 1986 Grace Freeman was named poet laureate of South Carolina by Governor Dick Riley in 1985. Grace was born in Greenville County, and her poems, stories, plays...