The Emily Dickinson Museum celebrates the life of one of America's pre-eminent poets, and explores the roots of her artistic legacy. Its mission is to educate diverse audiences about Emily Dickinson's life, family, creative work, times, and enduring relevance, and to preserve and interpret the Homestead and The Evergreens as historical resources for the benefit of scholars and the general public. Open March through December, the Museum offers guided tours, a gift shop, exhibits and public programs. " This Was a Poet, " a 45-minute guided tour of the Homestead that introduces visitors to Emily Dickinson by discussing her family, education, and poetry. The tour concludes with an informal participatory reading of a few Dickinson poems. Emily Dickinson's World, a 90-minute guided tour of both the Homestead and The Evergreens that provides an in-depth focus on Emily Dickinson's life and family and the major influences on her writing. " Grounds of Memory, " an audio tour of the Dickinson grounds that explores Emily Dickinson's fascination with the natural world and her family's deep interest in the land. The tour is narrated by U.S. poet laureate Richard Wilbur. Through the creative lens of a poet's work and life, the Dickinson story reveals the interconnectedness of history, literature, science, nature, architecture, material culture, art, religion, politics, education, and human emotion.