Edgar Allan Poe Birthday & Poe Toaster Murder Mystery

Events

Literature

For decades, a mysterious figure left a tribute of cognac and roses at literary horror master Edgar Allan Poe’s grave in Baltimore. The tradition ended abruptly, with no clue as to the fate of the anonymous “Poe Toaster.” But this January, on the anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe’s 214th birthday, it’s time to reveal the truth: the legendary Poe Toaster is dead. He was murdered at the grave of Edgar Allan Poe and his killer is on the loose!

Unorthodox methods of investigation will be needed to solve the heinous act as it is believed he has infiltrated Edgar Allan Poe’s Birthday Celebration at Westminster Hall. Are you brave enough to solve this mystery before the murderer escapes? Investigate the evidence, participate in supernatural experiments, and most of all, have fun doing it!

“There are some secrets which do not permit themselves to be told. Men die nightly in their beds, wringing the hands of ghostly confessors, and looking them piteously in the eyes — die with despair of heart and convulsion of throat, on account of the hideousness of mysteries which will not suffer themselves to be revealed.” ― Edgar Allan Poe, The Man of the Crowd

Join Poe Baltimore and Poe’s Magic Theatre for a special birthday celebration for Edgar Allan Poe, Thursday, January 19, 2023, at the famed Westminster Hall & Burying Grounds in Baltimore, Maryland (where Poe is buried.) This party, complete with cake and toasty refreshments on a cold January evening, will include a special mystery game and a tour of the historic Catacombs. Attendees will follow clues around the old cemetery where Poe is buried and follow in the footsteps of a killer.

General Admission includes:

Murder mystery hosted by Vince Wilson of Poe’s Magic Theatre
Complimentary party refreshments
Guided tour of Westminster Hall & Burying Grounds, including the catacombs
Grave-side birthday toast to Edgar Allan Poe

Visitors from around the world travel to Baltimore every year to pay tribute at Edgar Allan Poe’s grave on his birthday. Join us inside historic Westminster Hall for a birthday party with fellow Poe fans. On this special evening we will also unveil the winners of the 2023 Young Saturday ‘Visiter’ Awards and silent auction featuring Poe-themed photography from the Baltimore Camera Club. Proceeds benefit The Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum.

NOTE: while this event is family friendly, the theme includes violent imagery and a cemetery tour. Attendee discretion is advised. And bundle up! We follow the clues wherever they may lead, perhaps even into the frigid night air.

LIMITED VIP packages are available that includes early entry and a Bus Tour of Edgar Allan Poe’s Baltimore!

Explore the enduring mystery surrounding Poe’s tragic death on a special tour of Poe’s final days in Baltimore. The 60-minute tour ticket includes stops at four important Poe Places around Baltimore, including Poe’s graves (he has two!) plus the sites where Poe was found and passed away.

BUS TOUR ITINERARY (1 hour)

The Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum (photo stop)
Gunner’s Hall historical perspective
The Hospital where Poe died (photo stop)
Westminster Hall & Burying Ground including two Poe graves, graveyard, & catacombs tour

Bus Tour will leave Westminster Hall at 6 PM (early!) Tours meet at Poe’s grave, Fayette Street entrance to the cemetery.