Poetry

Founded in 1934 in New York City, the Academy of American Poets is the nation's leading champion of American poets and poetry, with members in all fifty states. Its mission is to support American poets at all stages of their careers and to foster the appreciation of contemporary poetry. Each year, the charitable organization connects millions of readers to poets' work with its many programs and publications, which, in addition to Poets.org, include Poem-a-Day, National Poetry Month (April), American Poets biannual literary journal for members, the American Poets Prizes, Poetry & the Creative Mind, a celebration at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall of poetry's influence on other artists and public leaders; a Fall Conversation Series, and an Education Program that provides free resources. In addition, the organization coordinates the Poetry Coalition, an alliance of more than 20 poetry organizations across the United States.

We can trace the roots of our organization back a century into the history of Chicago, to the origins of Poetry magazine and to its founder Harriet Monroe. It is her vision that informs the work we do every day. But there is also a second woman—really a second founder—whose philanthropy has made everything the Foundation does possible. Ruth Lilly, in bestowing on poetry a significant portion of her personal wealth, ensured that Harriet Monroe’s desire to celebrate and discover the best poetry will continue long into the magazine’s second century. The Foundation, whose mission commits it to a more vigorous presence for poetry in our culture, has pursued this through a family of programs, all realized with Ms. Lilly’s generous gift. Harriet Monroe and Ruth Lilly were two women of the Midwest for whom poetry was a passion central to life itself. We celebrate their lasting gifts every day and share them with you through our work.

The nation's oldest poetry organization, founded in 1910. Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and many other foundations and publishers. Includes Features (interviews with poets), Events, Awards, and a section for listening to interviews and readings. Also includes Resources, which contains information about contests, residencies, conferences, bookstores, and organizations promoting poetry.

Read biographies of over 3,000 contemporary and classic poets. You can search by poet's name, the school of poetry, or by state.