October 11, 2012

Scenes from our tenth anniversary party

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Late last month Melville House celebrated its 10th Anniversary at Federal Hall, a New York City landmark from Herman Melville’s era. Federal Hall opened in 1842 as the first U.S. Customs House. Born just blocks away, Melville spent much of his life nearby, including working for the Customs office, a job he called “worse than driving geese,” and his brothers’ law office was literally across the street at 16 Pine — the inspiration for “Bartleby the Scrivener.” Federal Hall is built on the site of the first U.S. capitol building, where George Washington was inaugurated president in 1789. In addition to the historical implications, the night was marked by the presence of many authors, colleagues, and supporters who’ve helped make Melville House a successful publishing outfit over the years.

 

Kevin Murphy is the digital media marketing manager of Melville House.

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