PORTLAND — The Maine Historical Society will mark Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s 205th birthday with programs on Feb. 25.

The annual Longfellow birthday party will be held at 10 a.m. The party includes readings of Longfellow poems by Maine Public Broadcasting Network’s Irwin Gratz, a reading of “Paul Revere’s Ride” by former state Rep. Herb Adams, craft activities and birthday cake.

At 1 p.m., Charles Kaufmann, artistic director of the Longfellow Chorus, will present an illustrated lecture titled “Longfellow and Bull: The Poet and the Virtuoso,” which will explore the poet’s friendship with Norwegian violinist Ole Bull (1810-1880). Bull performed for kings, queens and presidents, and his colorful temperament inspired artists, writers and poets around the world.

Programs are free and open to the public. They will be held at Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress St.

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