Baltimore Ripper Convention April 8-April 10 2016

[Howard Brown]

Originally posted by Chris George on 9-11-2015


Hello all

Baltimore-based writer Janis Wilson and I checked out possible space for the event last Thursday. It could be that it will take place at the University of Baltimore, in which case we would have the space for free for Friday through Sunday as long as we allow free entry to registered students of U of B, which appears to be a good deal to us. We are waiting to hear if we are on for that deal. The cost of the convention starting Friday evening, April 8 with a reception through Sunday, April 10 is to be determined and announced soon. Registrants will be expected to make their own hotel arrangements. Speakers and sessions also to be announced.

There will be an Edgar Allan Poe dimension to the convention. If the event is at the University of Baltimore that is where the statue of Poe is located (see below). A tour of Baltimore to Poe- and Ripper-associated locales is a distinct possibility... well when I say Ripper I mean mainly Francis Tumblety, who lived in a lodging house here and left money in his St. Louis will to Baltimore Cardinal James Gibbons, and intriguingly in a superceded Baltimore will to the Home for Fallen Women on Exeter Street. It so happens that the Home for Fallen Women, now demolished, was not far from where Poe was found on the sidewalk outside a tavern in a dying condition on October 3, 1849 on West Lombard Street, or the hospital on Broadway where he passed away four days later.

Best regards

Chris

[Guest]

Exciting news and about time!

Looking forward to more details, but as of now I'm going. I had to miss Tennessee and the opportunity to meet a whole slew of great people and I don't intend on that happening again.

I carry Rippercast in a bag, so it can be available in any way, shape or form if requested.

JM

[Howard Brown]

Thanks JM.

I had a thought about utilizing the Rippercast format for those round table discussions I mentioned on the original thread.

[Howard Brown]

From this point on, let us confine discussion to either how to enhance the Convention or let the organizers know if you plan to attend....as Jonathan and I have mentioned in our posts.
All other self-inflating posts or references to other events will be removed.
Thank you.

[Guest]

Thanks JM.

I had a thought about utilizing the Rippercast format for those round table discussions I mentioned on the original thread.

Yes, the possibilities are endless for audio/video dispatches, interviews, round tables, etc. Even if its in an unofficial capacity taking place in bars or hotel rooms.

I'd like to visit this place, the last place E.A. Poe took a drink:

http://www.thehorsebaltimore.com

JM

[Chris G.]

Yes, the possibilities are endless for audio/video dispatches, interviews, round tables, etc. Even if its in an unofficial capacity taking place in bars or hotel rooms.

I'd like to visit this place, the last place E.A. Poe took a drink:

http://www.thehorsebaltimore.com

JM

Hi Jonathan

Ha ha. Well, that's a totally bogus claim although it's true that Poe was found on the sidewalk in a bad condition outside a tavern some streets to the northeast, so there's truth to the story to that extent. A better Poe-themed tavern you might think about is the Annabel Lee in East Baltimore. http://www.annabelleetavern.com/

Janis Wilson and her husband, Sam Rogers, who happens to be Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer for Visit Baltimore (very convenient!), and I met for a breakfast meeting this morning, halfway in distance between the bogus and true pieces of sidewalk where Poe was found sprawled.

We are waiting to hear if we are getting the space we saw a few days ago, in the Town Hall of the Learning Center at the University of Baltimore and if so whether we will begin with a reception there on Friday evening or somewhere else, possibly beginning the sessions Saturday morning at U of B if we cannot do the reception there. Also talked about some neat locations for Saturday night dinner and entertainment. Full details to follow.

Best regards

Chris

[Joan Tortorello]

Crab cakes. You are making me want to come to the conference.

[Chris G.]

Crab cakes. You are making me want to come to the conference.

Glad to hear it, Joan. Crab cakes are certainly one of my favorite repasts here. . . although a native Marylander would say the only way to eat crab is to order steamed hard crabs -- although frankly I don't like having to wrestle my way to the meat!

While waiting to learn about the full details of the event, anybody thinking of coming to Baltimore might think about downloading the Free Official Baltimore Travel Guide.

Best regards

Chris

[Joan Tortorello]

Glad to hear it, Joan. Crab cakes are certainly one of my favorite repasts here. . . although a native Marylander would say the only way to eat crab is to order steamed hard crabs -- although frankly I don't like having to wrestle my way to the meat!

While waiting to learn about the full details of the event, anybody thinking of coming to Baltimore might think about downloading the Free Official Baltimore Travel Guide.

Best regards

Chris

You do know that if you want a woman to follow you anywhere you offer her blue claw crabs? I grew up on a little place called the Delaware Bay. I can catch em, clean em (alive or cooked), and cook em!

[Guest]

Hi Jonathan

Ha ha. Well, that's a totally bogus claim although it's true that Poe was found on the sidewalk in a bad condition outside a tavern some streets to the northeast, so there's truth to the story to that extent. A better Poe-themed tavern you might think about is the Annabel Lee in East Baltimore. http://www.annabelleetavern.com/

Really! I saw that claim, and the owner of the bar as a talking head, in a documentary. (Edgar Allan Poe: Love, Death and Women)

I'm crushed! You can't believe anything you are told, even if its in a documentary...



JM

[Adam Went]

A long way off yet but I'm hoping to make it overseas during the American spring/summer next year, so if that eventuates then I will be sure to put Baltimore on the calendar.

Cheers,
Adam.

[Chris G.]

A long way off yet but I'm hoping to make it overseas during the American spring/summer next year, so if that eventuates then I will be sure to put Baltimore on the calendar.

Cheers,
Adam.

Thanks, Adam. The time will be here before we know it.

[Adam Went]

Let's hope so, Chris!

As a conference newbie, how soon beforehand would you need to know confirmations/numbers?

Cheers,
Adam.

[Rob McCullough]

I plan on attending the conference.

I also plan to get as much pit beef as I can.

[Chris G.]

Let's hope so, Chris!

As a conference newbie, how soon beforehand would you need to know confirmations/numbers?

Cheers,
Adam.

I plan on attending the conference.

I also plan to get as much pit beef as I can.

Hi Adam & Rob

Details for the conference, including registration details and costs, inviting and confirming speakers, and agreeing to and signing contracts for conference auditorium space, etc., are being ironed out as we speak.

Hopefully I can announce full details as to the venue and conference hotel later this week. The way things are shaping up, there will be a recommended hotel and a separate venue for the talks. Conference registration will cover talks, lunches Sat. and Sun., Friday night reception, and Saturday night banquet. Attendees will be responsible for hotel costs.

Adam, as with any conference, the sooner you can reserve your place at the conference and pay up front, the surer will be your place "at the table" so to speak. Both the UK and the US conferences have proved popular over time and you won't want to miss out.

Best regards

Chris