West Virginia

State Poet Laureate

In 1927, West Virginia established a state poet laureate position, which is currently held by Marc Harshman, who was appointed in 2012. Harshman is the author of eleven picture books for children and three poetry chapbooks, including Local Journeys (Finishing Line Press, 2004).


City and County Poets Laureate 

Harpers Ferry

George Owens was appointed Harpers Ferry, West Virginia poet laureate in 2019, which is a five-year term. He is the author of Scenes above the Wipers: and other sequences from Harpers Ferry (2014).