“Twas the Night” – Book Signing and Celebration at The Penn Club
’Twas the Night Before Christmas: A Bicentennial Celebration of the Poem by Clement Clarke Moore
Dive into the history behind the words that have illuminated countless Christmas Eves:
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…
A Glimpse into History:
On a snowy winter’s day, Columbia alumnus Clement Clarke Moore (1779-1863) penned ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’, sharing it with his children in 1822. This timeless piece, with its visions of sugar plums, jolly St. Nick, and eight reindeer, has since enchanted audiences worldwide.
Event Highlights:
Join historian and author, Pamela McColl, as she delves into ‘Twas the Night: The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem’. Discover the journey of the festive holiday from ancient Saturnalia celebrations to the cherished traditions we know today. Illustrated by a myriad of editions and bolstered by Columbia University Archives, McColl unveils how figures like Washington Irving and the iconic St. Nicholas shaped Moore’s illustrious holiday poem.
Event Details:
- Insightful presentation by Pamela McColl
- Engaging Q & A session
- Book signing opportunity
Special Announcement:
Mark your calendars for December 19, 2023! Clement Clarke Moore will be honored with an induction into the NYS Writers Hall of Fame at the General Theological Seminary in Chelsea, Manhattan. This induction celebrates the bicentennial of ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’.
Hosted by the Columbia University Club of New York and the Penn Club, we wish our cherished members and their guests:
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight.
About the Author: Pamela McColl
Pamela McColl, an acclaimed author, publisher, and lecturer, has an academic background in art and history from the University of Manitoba. With 25 years as a corporate art consultant, she later founded a publishing company focusing on historically and socially significant works. One notable publication, “Pacific Spirit: The Forest Reborn,” was praised by US Senator Frank Murkowski. She also released “On Marijuana,” exploring the impact of cannabis on society.
In 2012, her take on ’Twas the Night Before Christmas garnered international attention for presenting a “smoke-free” version of the classic. This edition was spotlighted by major media outlets, from NBC Nightly News to The Guardian. Additionally, the book bagged multiple awards, including the Global Ebook Best Christian Book of 2012 and the Moonbeam Children’s Book Gold Medal.
Her latest work, ‘Twas the Night: The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem, offers a comprehensive look at Clement Moore’s iconic poem, delving into its historical context and enduring cultural relevance.
Event Details:
- Location: Penn Club
- Date: Monday, November 27th
- Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
- Cost: $32.50 per person
This event is organized by CUCNY.
