"After inspiring a steady stream of books and movies for decades, a wave of exhibits, conferences and even a jazz composition set to his work have emerged in recent months to commemorate the 150th anniversary of his lifelong labor -- a collection of poems called "Leaves of Grass."

Among them is an exhibit at the New York Public Library featuring faded photographs, rare manuscripts and even a lock of Whitman's golden-brown hair. Titled "I am With You: Walt Whitman's 'Leaves of Grass' (1855-2005)" the exhibit opened earlier this month and runs through the beginning of January."

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