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Hemingway-Pfeiffer Center to Host ‘Hemingway in Venice’ Reading Retreat

08/09/2023

PIGGOTT – The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum & Educational Center in Piggott has announced dates for its upcoming event, the Hemingway in Venice Reading Retreat and Party, Oct. 6-7.

On July 8, 1918, Ernest Hemingway was wounded near Venice, Italy, while serving as an ambulance driver in World War I. During the late 1940s, he fell in love with the city he had defended in his youth —and with young Venetian Adriana Ivancich.

This retreat will use books, film, and a new photo exhibit to explore the city that enchanted Hemingway.

Upon registration, participants will receive copies of three books, including Ernest Hemingway’s "Across the River and Into the Trees." Discussion about the books will be led by experts in the field. 

In addition to these discussions, there will be a film screening of the movie "Summertime," as well as a Venice-themed party on Saturday evening at Sugar Creek Country Club in Piggott.  The party will feature a photo exhibit on Hemingway in Venice, as well as a book signing by Robert K. Elder, author of "Hemingway in Comics." 

The exhibit "Hemingway in Comics" will be available at the Arkansas State University Museum starting Sept. 1.  It is free to the public during normal museum hours.

The cost of the retreat is $160.  The books are available for an additional $40 total.  Tickets for the party are included for retreat participants.  Others wishing to come only to the party may buy tickets for $40 each.

For more details about the retreat, including the full schedule and reading list, contact the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center at (870) 598-3487 or email Shannon Williams, shwilliams@AState.edu.

HPMEC is an Arkansas State University Heritage Site at 1021 West Cherry St. in Piggott.  Tours are on the hour 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

Pfeiffer House at Piggott
Pfeiffer House at Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center in Piggott.