Thurber House
Encyclopedia
Thurber House is a literary center for readers and writers located in Columbus, Ohio
, in the historic former home of author, humorist, and New Yorker
cartoonist James Thurber
. Thurber House is dedicated to promoting the literary arts by presenting quality literary programming; increasing the awareness of literature as a significant art form; promoting excellence in writing; providing support for literary artists; and commemorating Thurber's literary and artistic achievements. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
as James Thurber House.
Its programs include author readings, writing classes for children, and celebrations of Thurber's life. As the only literary center in the country to offer comprehensive literary programming for adults and children, Thurber House is a unique national treasure.
Thurber House opened its doors to the public in 1984 after extensive renovation to the historic house location in Columbus, Ohio, where Thurber lived with his family while he was a student at The Ohio State University
. Since then, it has become a gathering place for readers, writers, and Thurber enthusiasts of all ages.
Through its 'Evenings with Authors', a series of readings and receptions with nationally-known authors, Thurber House has attracted well-known writers such as John Updike
, T.C. Boyle, Tracy Chevalier
, and Scott Turow
. The annual Thurber Prize for American Humor
has become the nation's highest designation of the art of humor writing. Its children's programs, including the popular Thurber Summer Writing Camp, have nurtured thousands of young writers.
Thurber House is part of The Jefferson Center for Learning and the Arts, a one-block stretch of Queen Anne Style Victorian homes that house cultural and social service nonprofit organizations.
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
, in the historic former home of author, humorist, and New Yorker
The New Yorker
The New Yorker is an American magazine of reportage, commentary, criticism, essays, fiction, satire, cartoons and poetry published by Condé Nast...
cartoonist James Thurber
James Thurber
James Grover Thurber was an American author, cartoonist and celebrated wit. Thurber was best known for his cartoons and short stories published in The New Yorker magazine.-Life:...
. Thurber House is dedicated to promoting the literary arts by presenting quality literary programming; increasing the awareness of literature as a significant art form; promoting excellence in writing; providing support for literary artists; and commemorating Thurber's literary and artistic achievements. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
as James Thurber House.
Its programs include author readings, writing classes for children, and celebrations of Thurber's life. As the only literary center in the country to offer comprehensive literary programming for adults and children, Thurber House is a unique national treasure.
Thurber House opened its doors to the public in 1984 after extensive renovation to the historic house location in Columbus, Ohio, where Thurber lived with his family while he was a student at The Ohio State University
Ohio State University
The Ohio State University, commonly referred to as Ohio State, is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. It was originally founded in 1870 as a land-grant university and is currently the third largest university campus in the United States...
. Since then, it has become a gathering place for readers, writers, and Thurber enthusiasts of all ages.
Through its 'Evenings with Authors', a series of readings and receptions with nationally-known authors, Thurber House has attracted well-known writers such as John Updike
John Updike
John Hoyer Updike was an American novelist, poet, short story writer, art critic, and literary critic....
, T.C. Boyle, Tracy Chevalier
Tracy Chevalier
Tracy Chevalier is a bestselling historical novelist. She lives in London with her husband and son.Chevalier was raised in Washington, D.C and graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in Bethesda, Maryland. After receiving her B.A...
, and Scott Turow
Scott Turow
Scott F. Turow is an American author and a practicing lawyer. Turow has written eight fiction and two nonfiction books, which have been translated into over 20 languages and have sold over 25 million copies...
. The annual Thurber Prize for American Humor
Thurber Prize for American Humor
The Thurber Prize for American Humor, named after American humorist James Thurber, recognizes outstanding contributions in humor writing. The prize is given out by the Thurber House. It was first awarded irregularly, but since 2004 has been bestowed annually....
has become the nation's highest designation of the art of humor writing. Its children's programs, including the popular Thurber Summer Writing Camp, have nurtured thousands of young writers.
Thurber House is part of The Jefferson Center for Learning and the Arts, a one-block stretch of Queen Anne Style Victorian homes that house cultural and social service nonprofit organizations.