Edgar Allan Poe would have turned 207 this year. To celebrate his legacy, the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site in Philly, which is a preserved home that the American author once rented, is hosting a lecture on Saturday, Jan. 23.
One of Poe's famous short stories, "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," will be the topic of discussion. The story is recognized as one of the first modern detective tales. What makes the story extremely interesting is that it takes place in Paris, and an orangutan is the murderer.
During the lecture, an expert will discuss why Poe made those unusual choices and how Paris came to idolize Poe, even using orangutan references during real-life crimes.
Lecture: "Tracking Poe's Orangutan in 19th-Century Paris"
Saturday, Jan. 23
2 p.m. | Free
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
532 N. 7th St.