Thurber House is based in the restored 1873 home of humorist, cartoonist, author, playwright, and journalist James Thurber, widely considered one of the foremost American humorists of the 20th century. Thurber House programs include author events featuring nationally bestselling authors and local authors, creative workshops and writing groups for children and adults, a historic home museum, The Thurber Prize for American Humor, and more.

It’s time to say it: Thurber House is facing uncertainty—and we need your help.

Dear friends,

If 2024 has taught us anything, it’s that we need to cherish life’s special moments and our loved ones more than ever. Thurber House is humbled to turn 40 years old this year—and we would cherish spending another 40 years with you, plus many, many more.

At our 40-year mark, Thurber House is at a crossroads. In these divisive and discouraging times, we find ourselves playing an increasingly vital role as a welcoming, inclusive, and empowering space for writers, readers, artists, and creatives of all ages and backgrounds. We will always be—mark our words.

But as we celebrate our past and look toward our future, we have something uncomfortable to share with you: Thurber House is struggling to remain open and fulfill our mission.

Still-recovering attendance: The worst of the pandemic is over, and many of our students and patrons have returned to our programs—but many still have not. Our attendance numbers are growing, but they remain below pre-pandemic levels, leaving our finances severely strained.
Increasing community needs: Our young writers are coming back, but teachers and counselors are seeing increased mental and emotional health needs. For many kids, Thurber House is the only public space where they feel safe to fully express themselves.
Limited resources: We are working every day to elevate our outreach and impact, but it’s tougher than ever: for the first time in Thurber House’s history, we had to lay off staff this year. We currently have a skeleton crew of four staff members.

We humbly ask: will you rally with Thurber House? This season, we’re launching "Future 40," a pivotal funding campaign to bring Thurber House back to its footing and keep our doors open. We need to raise at least $200k—a goal we hope to surpass.

Friends, will you help propel Thurber House into the next 40 years as a beacon of creativity, a sanctuary for storytelling and expression, and a place of joy, laughter, discovery, and belonging?

In 2025 and beyond, we hope to:

Expand our teen and children’s programs—including adding capacity for Summer Writing Camp and launching a brand new summer intensive writing program for teens.
Innovate and reimagine our adult programs—including offering a wider variety of workshops, launching our brand new Adult Writers’ Studio, and hosting redesigned events we think you’ll love.
Broaden and strengthen our community impact—including bringing our programming to even more K-12 schools, libraries, community centers, and senior living communities—and bringing them to us.

The only way Thurber House can successfully face tomorrow, next year, and our next 40 years is with your support.

Here are some ways you can help Thurber House today:

Donate—your gift of any amount is the greatest source of impact on our programs and those we serve.
Participate—register for our adult workshops and events, such as spring 2025 Adult Writers’ Studio and Adult Writing Workshops, and/or register your child or grandchild for our children’s programs, such as Young Writers’ Studio.
Rent—did you know that you can rent our versatile multipurpose space for your next meeting, retreat, party, workshop, training class, or rehearsal?

As always, thank you for lifting us up and for being part of the Thurber House family. Any amount of support you give today is vital and so very appreciated.

With tremendous gratitude,

Laurie Lathan
Executive Director

Future 40

By Thurber House

Future 40

Founded in 1984, Thurber House is a nonprofit literary arts hub, James Thurber museum, historic landmark, and gathering place for readers, writers, and artists of all ages.