The James Merrill House launches its 25th anniversary at 5 p.m. Thursday, when author and professor emeritus Willard Spiegelman delivers an address titled "James Merrill: Poet for the 21st Century."

The talk will be available for viewing via Facebook and YouTube. Spiegelman wrote the books "The Didactic Muse: Scenes of Instruction in Contemporary American Poetry" and "Senior Moments: Looking Back, Looking Ahead."

The James Merill House & Writer-in-Residence Program has for a quarter-century enabled more than 80 writers to take advantage of working residencies in the poet's former home, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2016. The four writers scheduled for autumn residencies are Walt Hunter (Sept.), Ryan Chapman (Oct.), Jennifer Grotz (Nov.), and Nicholas Boggs (Nov.-Dec.).

Recently, the Merrill House & Residence Program was one of 70 Connecticut humanities organizations awarded a CARES Act Relief grant from Connecticut Humanities in support of general operating and special expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For details about Spiegelman's talk and other Merrill events, visit jamesmerrillhouse.org.