SUMMARY The Poetry Society of Virginia was founded in May 1923 in Williamsburg, Virginia, at the suggestion of Dr. C. E. Feidelsohn, a faculty member of the College of William and Mary. Its purpose is the encouragement of excellence in the writing, reading, study, and appreciation of poetry. The organization began with a broad mission, embracing both poets and audience—a mission that has expanded since its founding. The society focuses neither on publication nor a particular “school” or “movement” of poetic creation. Instead it welcomes published poets, educators, non-writing readers, aspiring writers, and “casual poets” who write for personal pleasure.