National Poetry Month was inaugurated in April 1996 by the prestigious Academy of American Poets. Its modest objective was to bring together publishers, booksellers, libraries, literary organizations, schools and poets in an consolidated push for poetry. It’s vision today is what it was back then: to advocate for poetry in such a way that it is maintained as a vital part of American culture.

From Modest Beginnings

Inspired by the success of Black History Month, organizers of National Poetry Month or NPM have seen its initial attempts become an integrated part of American literary life. Beginning with what by today's standards seems modest in 1998 100,000 free books of poetry were sent from New York to California during National Poetry Month. On April 22 of that year, President Clinton and then First Lady Hillary hosted a first gala event to honor Poets Laureate Robert Pinsky, Rita Dove, and Robert Haas.

In 2001 the Academy set off a nationwide campaign in which people were invited to vote for the poet they wanted to have on a postage stamp. Langston Hughes received the honor and a stamp was issued with him on it in January 2002. In 2005, during the month of April the Empire State Building was illuminated in blue lights.

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