For Immediate Release

Monday, Nov. 18, 2019

Media Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

King Philip Middle School Students Hear Presentation From Edgar Allan Poe Reenactor

NORFOLK — Superintendent Paul Zinni is pleased to report that King Philip Regional Middle School students recently attended a presentation from Edgar Allan Poe reenactor Campbell Harmon.

The presentation took place Monday, Nov. 4, and was attended by all eighth graders at KPRMS. The event was organized by English Language Arts teachers Lauren Duffy and Conor Jacobsen.

Harmon, dressed in a Poe costume and speaking entirely in character, dramatically recited Poe’s short story “The Tell Tale Heart” and poem “The Conqueror Worm” from memory. He also discussed facts and myths about Poe’s life, and took questions from the students in the audience.

“The presentation went really well this year,” Jacobsen said. “The students asked some fantastic questions, and they loved hearing the story and poem recited in such a dramatic and passionate way.” 

Former English Language Arts teacher Christine Longden first saw Harmon perform in Salem years ago and had the idea to book him at KPRMS. Harmon has been visiting the school regularly since. 

Duffy, who runs the school’s Drama Club, assists with the technical and performance aspects of the presentation. She said she and Jacobsen have gotten to know Harmon well through his visits.

“He is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Edgar Allan Poe, even when he is not performing,” Duffy said. “Overall, this is an incredible experience for our eighth graders, who often comment on how much they enjoyed having him visit.”

About Campbell Harmon:

According to his website, Harmon has performed as Edgar Allan Poe since 2009. He has brought the “Master of the Macabre” to life for audiences across America. 

He has worked with libraries, schools and the National Endowment for the Arts to further historical education and spark a love of reading in young and old alike. In his spare time he volunteers as a performer at the Wallingford Trail of Terror, a non-profit haunted attraction benefiting local charities for more than 20 years. 

Harmon is a graduate of Yale Divinity School, and lives in Wallingford, Conn.

The learn more about Harmon and his presentations, visit his website at http://www.rottenartist.com/poe/poe_actor.html.

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