Robert Pinsky, former poet laureate of the United States, and a representative of Mayor Walsh speak at this dedication of the new Poe Returning to Boston statue, which honors native son Edgar Allan Poe. Limited space availability; roped-off area for media, project participants, etc. The unveiling is preceded by a pre-dedication celebration from 12:30–1:30 p.m. at the Boston Park Plaza, Georgian Ballroom, Second Floor, 50 Park Plaza at Arlington Street. It features sculptor Stefanie Rocknak; WBUR arts reporter Andrea Shea; authors Matthew Pearl and Megan Marshall; composer Mary Bichner and the Planetary Quartet; director of the Boston Art Commission Karin Goodfellow; Poe Foundation of Boston chair Paul Lewis; Poe Studies Association president Philip Edward Phillips; Professor Nadia Nurhussein; actor Stephen Whaling; and independent scholar Rob Velella. Limited seating: doors open at noon. These events are open to the public free of charge, but space is limited.