“Dear Homefolks,” Writing Poem Letters to our Ancestors: A Poetry Workshop

“Dear Homefolks” is a poetry workshop focused on writing letters to ancestors through poetry. It will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the Dartmouth Cultural Center. Admission starts at $30.

Created for both beginning and experienced poets, the session will explore epistolary poems, or poems written as letters. The program will begin with a postcard-inspired warm-up. Examples of letter poems will be discussed before attendees write about family members from earlier generations.

Guests will also write a poem from the perspective of an ancestor. A voluntary sharing session will follow.

Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook and writing utensils. Family photographs, letters, names, and stories are also welcome. Ages 16 and older may attend.

Instructor Elizabeth Sylvia is the author of “Scythe” and “None But Witches,” winner of the Three Mile Harbor Book Award. Fellowships from the New York Public Library, the West Chester Poetry Center, and the Longleaf Writers’ Conference have supported her work. She lives in Mattapoisett with her husband and two daughters.