The New York Browning Society was founded in 1907 to study the poetry, life, and times of Robert Browning (1812-1889), and of his wife, Elizabeth Barrett Browning(1806-1861).
Our programs reflect the extraordinary diversity of their interests and restless intellects and also encompass most of Victorian literature and culture, for the Brownings knew practically everyone in that extraordinary era. The Society also founded The Browning Institute, which saved the poets’ Florentine home, Casa Guidi, from commercial development.
We welcome visitors to our meetings at the Jefferson Market Library, which are held at 6:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of October through May. Considering current events we also are now participating on Zoom. Programs last about 45 minutes, and are followed by a question and answer session with the speaker and refreshments. The only requirement for membership is your interest in the poets; we ask no special knowledge or expertise.
Our May gathering is the Society’s annual meeting and lunch to commemorate the birth of Robert Browning on May 7, 1812. In addition to programs by distinguished speakers, we present the awards for our annual citywide high school poetry contest; the winners are our guests, and read their work for us. Our ongoing collaboration with nearby Gramercy Arts High School, Clinton High School, and Xavier High School, encourages interested students to attend and participate in our meetings.
Venue
Open Call NYC Poetry Competition ALL AGES Deadline April 1st!
THE FIRST SIGNAL — NYC POETRY CALL 2026 Underground Books and The New York Browning Society announces its annual open‑age citywide poetry competition Underground Books is sending out a call. Last year, this contest brought us Harry Miller — a poet we met off the street whose work lit up the room and changed the…
The New York Browning Society 