Poet laureate the post became a regular institution. Dryden's successor Shadwell originated annual birthday and New Year odes. The poet laureate became responsible for writing and presenting official verses to commemorate both personal occasions, such as the monarch's birthday or royal births and marriages, and public occasions, such as coronations and military victories. His activity in this respect varied according to circumstances, and the custom ceased to be obligatory after Pye's death. The office fell into some contempt before Robert Southey, but took on a new lustre from his personal distinction and that of successors Wordsworth and Tennyson. Wordsworth stipulated before accepting
Poet Laureate of the District of Columbia Poet Laureate of the District of Columbia The Poet Laureate of the District of Columbia of the official poet of the District of Columbia. The Poet Laureate is officially appointed by the Mayor of the District of Columbia and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. The poet laureate program was established in 1984 by former mayor Marion Barry. The first poet laureate was Sterling A. Brown, a native Washingtonian and winner of the Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize he held the position until his death in 1989. On May 14, 1999 Dolores Kendrick was named the second Poet Laureate