The World’s Oldest Ham is gearing up for his 120th birthday bash at the Isle of Wight County Museum, and he is asking for gifts. Specifically, he wants people to write him a poem.

The poems will be read on Facebook Live at the July 9 event.

“The Ham is hoping for 120 poems,” said Jennifer England, museum director. “Currently, we have one. 119 to go.”

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner’s office is sending a representative to read an official letter at the beginning of the celebration. Plus, there will be a barbershop quartet, cake and other birthday fun.

Poems can be mailed to or dropped off at the museum. Those sent in via email will be printed for the live reading.

Weekend festivities include “Night at the Museum: The World’s Oldest Ham Birthday Sleepover,” set 6-7 p.m. Friday, July 8.

Kids are encouraged to put on their PJs and bring their favorite stuffed animal or doll to the museum. Museum staff will read a bedtime story or two before the special guests are tucked in. Kids will head home, but their stuffed animals will stay the night.

Children can pick up the overnight guests on the morning of the World’s Oldest Ham’s birthday while hearing about everyone’s adventures. Representatives and books from Blackwater Regional Library will also be on hand to celebrate.

The birthday bash is set for 1-3 p.m. Saturday, July 9.