Today in Wheeling History: May 18—Marc Harshman, longtime Wheeling resident and celebrated poet and children’s book author, was named West Virginia’s Poet Laureate (2012).
Marc Harshman, born on October 1, 1950, in Randolph County, Indiana, has spent much of his life in West Virginia, particularly in Wheeling. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Bethany College, followed by a Master of Arts in Religion from Yale Divinity School and a Master of Arts in English from the University of Pittsburgh. Harshman moved to Wheeling in 2001, where he became an integral part of the literary and artistic community.
A prolific writer, Harshman has authored numerous children’s books, including "The Storm", which received a Smithsonian Notable Book for Children award. His poetry has been widely published in journals and anthologies, earning him recognition such as a Pushcart Prize nomination and a Literal Latte Journal award. In 2012, he was appointed West Virginia’s Poet Laureate, becoming the first from the northern part of the state to hold the title since its creation in 1927.
Harshman continues to inspire through his poetry, storytelling, and literary workshops. His work reflects themes of nature, community, and Appalachian culture. He has received honorary doctorates from Bethany College and West Liberty University for his contributions to literature. His poetry collection "Green-Silver and Silent" spans 30 years of his work, cementing his legacy in West Virginia’s literary history.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/2yjy4p5b); Marc Harshman’s Official Website (https://tinyurl.com/2ae2efvd), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/24pvn9k6)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Goodreads, Amazon
Marc Harshman, born on October 1, 1950, in Randolph County, Indiana, has spent much of his life in West Virginia, particularly in Wheeling. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Bethany College, followed by a Master of Arts in Religion from Yale Divinity School and a Master of Arts in English from the University of Pittsburgh. Harshman moved to Wheeling in 2001, where he became an integral part of the literary and artistic community.
A prolific writer, Harshman has authored numerous children’s books, including "The Storm", which received a Smithsonian Notable Book for Children award. His poetry has been widely published in journals and anthologies, earning him recognition such as a Pushcart Prize nomination and a Literal Latte Journal award. In 2012, he was appointed West Virginia’s Poet Laureate, becoming the first from the northern part of the state to hold the title since its creation in 1927.
Harshman continues to inspire through his poetry, storytelling, and literary workshops. His work reflects themes of nature, community, and Appalachian culture. He has received honorary doctorates from Bethany College and West Liberty University for his contributions to literature. His poetry collection "Green-Silver and Silent" spans 30 years of his work, cementing his legacy in West Virginia’s literary history.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://tinyurl.com/2yjy4p5b); Marc Harshman’s Official Website (https://tinyurl.com/2ae2efvd), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/24pvn9k6)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Goodreads, Amazon
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