Stuart Maconie visits the museum to record a programme for Radio 4
To add some atmosphere to the programme the recording was made in the galleries and the foyer while the museum was open to the public.
Local Studies Librarian Julie Lamara showed Stuart a selection of items from the Whitman archive and took him to see Whitman's canary which is displayed in the World Gallery. The canary inspired "My Canary Bird", a poem by Whitman.
Also on hand to be interviewed was Dr Paul Salveson, Whitman expert and author of With Walt Whitman in Bolton. Dr Salveson was a guest speaker at the Walt Whitman Heritage Society 25th year celebration which was held here at the museum and at the University of Bolton earlier last year.
Though Whitman never visited the town he corresponded extensively with the Bolton Whitman Fellowship, a group of local men and women dedicated to the study and appreciation of his work. As a result Bolton Archives holds a significant collection of letters, photographs and publications related to the group.
Every year on the 31st of May (Whitman's birthday) the Bolton Whitman Fellowship go on a walk to celebrate the life and work of the poet. The next walk will also be recorded for the radio programme which is due to be broadcast on Radio 4 on Sunday 5 July.
