Reisterstown To Host 'A Toast Among Ghosts'

OWINGS MILLS-REISTERSTOWN, MD - From the Baltimore County Public Library: Join Edgar Allan Poe and Reisterstown founder John Reister at Reisterstown Branch Library for A Toast Among Ghosts: a spooky night of fun, food and beer/wine in a historic cemetery!

A Toast Among Ghosts, which was inspired by Edgar Allen Poe’s literary legacy and local ties, will be held on Saturday, October 7 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Reisterstown Branch Library (21 Cockeys Mill Rd., Reisterstown 21136). There will be live music by local bands Ampersand String Band, Eli August and the Abandoned Buildings and Edgar Allan and the Poe Boys on the outdoor stage. Also included will be food trucks and beer and wine vendors.

Nationally-recognized performer David Keltz, dressed as Edgar Allan Poe, will circulate through the event to pose for pictures with attendees and tell stories. The outdoor event will also feature ghost stories around a fire pit, as well as guided tours through the historic Reisterstown Community Cemetery (est. 1764) by a John Reister impersonator. David Gaylin, author of Edgar Allan Poe's Baltimore, will be selling and signing his book.

Baltimore County Public Library’s Reisterstown Branch was formerly the Franklin Academy (c. 1824), where in 1831, Edgar Allan Poe applied to be the headmaster. He wasn't selected, but the Foundation is bringing him back to one of his old haunts. Poe died in Baltimore on October 7, 1849. To honor his life and legacy, we're remembering him around the anniversary of his death in a macabre way he'd truly appreciate...in a graveyard.

Tickets (capped at 400) are being sold online at foundationforbcpl.org and prices are as follows: $20 in advance, $30 at the door and $40 for VIP tickets (which will include a commemorative glass and two drink tickets). Attendees must be 21 and over and all profits will go to the Foundation for Baltimore County Public Library. This event is in partnership with Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum / Poe Baltimore. Click HERE and scroll down for photos from last year’s event.

The Foundation for Baltimore County Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting Baltimore County Public Library’s commitment to empower the citizens of Baltimore County to explore, learn, create and connect. The Foundation provides funding and resources for projects that encourage children, young adults and adults to cultivate a lifelong enthusiasm for reading and learning, important early childhood literacy programs such as the Read Rover bookmobiles, Summer Reading Club and both Storyville early learning centers, as well as BC Reads and many other vital programs in Baltimore County.

Image via Unsplash