Chapter One

The American Writers Museum 2017 Annual Report 2

The mission of the American Writers Museum is to engage the public in celebrating American writers and exploring their influence on our history, our identity, our culture, and our daily lives.

Founding Board 2017

M. Hill Hammock Marie Arana Co-Chairman Allan E. Bulley, III Roberta Rubin Marion Cameron Co-Chairman Michael T. Clune Roger Baskes S. Leigh Pierson Conant Vice Chairman James R. Donnelley John W. Estey Edith Falk Vice Chairman Robert Franden Ronne Hartfield James G. Hansen Vice Chairman Jane Irwin Werner Hein Lamar Johnson Vice Chairman & Corporate Secretary Ivan P. Kane Jerre Stead Joanne Leedom-Ackerman Vice Chairman Chase Collins Levey Malcolm E. O’Hagan Coco Meers Founder Catherine Mouly Jay Hammer Lynne Pace Robinson Treasurer Tom Staley Helen Sullivan 3

President and Co-Chairs Message

he story of the American Writers Museum practice from across the country, took on the long (AWM) began in late 2009, when our and formidable task of choosing and curating the T founder, Malcolm O’Hagan, discovered museum’s content. there was no museum dedicated to the great The National Advisory Council, which includes American writers who have had such a profound 34 prominent writers and leading literary experts, effect on our history, culture, and identity. The provides expert guidance to the AWM on exhibit creation of this museum involved many talented content and programming. people and generous donors who shared Malcolm’s belief that American writers deserved a The AWM has become known for being modern, place of their own to be celebrated and explored. technology-forward, and hands-on. We are deeply grateful to Andy Anway and the team The American Writers Museum has been at Amaze Design, who envisioned and created enthusiastically received by visitors and the media a museum that represents the future in exhibit since we opened the doors on May 16, 2017. It design and makes learning fun. We are proud to is a joy to meet every visitor who comes through be a unique new addition to Chicago’s cultural our doors. Throughout this report, you will read landscape, and a destination for people from their reactions to the museum, which reflect the around the world. sense of wonder, surprise and delight that people experience here every day. In this inaugural annual report, we gratefully acknowledge the early supporters and visionaries Thanks to many early donors, the AWM reached who believed in the dream, and gave their time its $10 million capital campaign goal by the end and treasure to bring it to life. Everyone who is of 2017—providing the resources needed to acknowledged in this annual report took that leap conceptualize and build the museum, as well as a of faith, and should feel a sense of pride in what base of operating support for our first two years. they have made possible. The AWM’s Founding Board provided invaluable We are pleased to share the highlights of our guidance and financial support, and advocated first year, including interactive exhibits, engaging tirelessly for the museum throughout its author events, and field trips that are both development. educational and fun. We are deeply grateful to Our Content Leadership Team of six leading our many generous donors for their critical role scholars and authors, and 48 Subject Matter in making the American Writers Museum a reality Experts, drawn from literary scholarship and that has surpassed our boldest dreams.

Carey Cranston, President M. Hill Hammock, Co-chair Roberta Rubin, Co-chair 4

Grand Opening

From left: 14th Ward Alderman Edward Burke, AWM Founder Malcolm O’Hagan, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, 826CHI students Imaan Yousuf and Cynthia Osorio

“ I can’t think of a greater accomplishment and milestone for the City of Chicago to add to its cultural landscape.” –Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel

Author and historian David McCullough joined the AWM Founding Board, donors, and friends to celebrate the museum’s ribbon-cutting event on May 15, 2017. 5

We were honored to receive congratulatory letters from Presidents Obama and Bush on the Museum’s Grand Opening. 6

Sponsored Galleries & Exhibits “ The museum far exceeded The vision of the American Writers Museum would my expectations. It was not have come to life without leadership gifts from highly interactive and Founding Board members and major donors. We extremely informative...a are honored to acknowledge their transformational delightful experience that support throughout the museum. should not be missed.”

Readers Hall Gift of S. Leigh Pierson Conant and Douglas R. Conant

Writers Hall Gift of Jerre and Mary Joy Stead

The Meijer Exhibit Gallery Gift of the Meijer Foundation 7

A Nation of Writers Gift of John and Cathie Estey

The Negaunee Foundation Children’s Literature Gallery Gift of the Negaunee Foundation

American Voices Gift of Julie and Roger Baskes

Nation of Writers: A Media Experience Gift of Jay and Robin Hammer 8

Word Waterfall Gift of James and Carol Hansen

The Mural Wall Gift of Maree G. Bullock, honoring the memory of Jimmie R. Alford

Wordplay Gift of the Jastromb Family, in memory of Ariel Jastromb, a poet and lover of language

Roberta Rubin Writers Room Gift of Roberta Rubin’s Family and Friends 9

Wintrust Chicago Gallery Sponsored by Wintrust

Visionaries and Troublemakers Sponsored by Sipi Metals

Communities Map Sponsored by S&C Electric Company

City on the Make Gift of John and Mary Pappajohn 10

Temporary Exhibits The museum was designed with two gallery spaces dedicated to changing exhibits, which allow us to explore a particular author or theme in-depth, and create exhibits and related programs that are timely and new. The Meijer Exhibit Gallery and the Roberta Rubin Writers Room hosted the following exhibits in 2017:

Palm: All Awake in the Darkness The Meijer Exhibit Gallery May–October 2017 Sponsored by the Poetry Foundation

One of the AWM’s first temporary exhibits, Palm was inspired by the life and work of the American poet and conservationist W.S. Merwin, and examined Merwin’s capacity to invoke in his readers a sense of the wakefulness of the world. Palm was an immersive art installation created by artist duo Susannah Sayler and Edward Morris, in collaboration with Ian Boyden. Palm created a meditative experience, with live palms, soundscape and audio of the Merwin’s poetry, and video. The Meijer Exhibit Gallery is one of the AWM’s two changing galleries that spotlight authors or genres of particular timeliness and relevance.

The Beat Journey: Jack Kerouac’s On the Road The Roberta Rubin Writer’s Room May–November 2017

The AWM was honored to exhibit Jack Kerouac’s original 120-foot scroll on which he typed On the Road in a continuous stream of consciousness. This exhibit offered an intimate look at the writing of the Beat Generation and its cultural and historical context. The Roberta Rubin Writer’s Room is designated for exhibits that draw from important private collections, providing insight into a single author’s body of work, character, and spirit. 11

“ I was blown away by the museum’s layout, design “ We really enjoyed the typewriter area and listened and information. As a writer, I was in heaven.” to the tap, tap, tap as people wrote stories there.”

Capturing Stories: Photographs of Writers by Art Shay The Meijer Exhibit Gallery Opened October 2017 Exhibit Lead Sponsor: Abra Prentice Foundation, Inc. Partner Sponsor: Robin & Sandy Stuart Foundation Guild Sponsors: Ivan & Kathy Kane, Catherine Mouly & Ted Carlson, Susan Lyons, Shanti Nagarkatti and Wells Fargo Capturing Stories gave visitors a different, and very personal, perspective on some favorite American authors. The AWM’s first photography exhibit paired photos with the authors’ books, interpretive text about Shay’s relationship with the authors, and a display of Art Shay’s candid shots where visitors were encouraged to write their own captions. Art Shay, an award-winning photojournalist and author of nearly 70 books, passed away at age 96 on April 28, 2018.

Laura Ingalls Wilder: From Prairie to Page The Roberta Rubin Writer’s Room Opened November 2017

This exhibit gave visitors a deep look at the author of the beloved Little House series, including her writing and publishing process and her relationship with her daughter and editor, Rose. The exhibit featured the original longhand manuscript of The Long Winter, and other objects contributed by two AWM affiliates — the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Walnut Grove, Minnesota and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum in Mansfield, Missouri. 12

Write In: Inspiring Tomorrow’s Writers The AWM has become known as a place of inspiration for middle and high school students who participate in the Write In program. Students engage in activities that encourage and inspire them to write, and learn about American authors and why they remain relevant today. The program’s specially-designed curriculum aligns with Common Core standards related to writing and complements classroom teaching across subject areas. In 2017, more than 900 students from 26 schools were served by Write In.

Responses from our student surveys convey students’ excitement and inspiration:

“The AWM created an “The museum sparked environment of curiosity that “I loved the typewriters. interest, curiosity, and made me want to go home Usually in a museum, conversation I’ve been and write more!” you can’t touch hard-pressed to find in our anything. You guys classroom all year.” made an interactive – Traci Mitchell, Teacher environment and that Carl Sandburg High School “The museum is not at all made it unique.” what I expected!”

When I am here I no longer feel like a student. I feel like a writer. — Rafael Vasquez, Senior, Lindblom Math and Science Academy

Write In was supported in 2017 by The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust and the Combe Family 13

The AWM celebrates the best of today’s writing by bringing visitors face- Author Events to-face with bestselling authors to discuss their books and engage in lively and wide-ranging discussions with the audience.

In 2017, the AWM hosted many well-known and emerging authors who work in a variety of genres. Laura Dassow Walls Daniel Ellsberg Heid Erdrich Caroline Fraser Nancy Gee Reginald Gibbons Hank Meijer in Lance Grande conversation with Jacob Grant Bill Kurtis. Walter Isaacson Angela Jackson Brenda Lozano Joyce Maynard David McCullough Joyce Maynard Marta McDowell James McGrath Morris Dennis McNally Hendrick Meijer Sarah Miller Dipika Mukherjee Robin Newman Janet Nolan Alexis Okeowo Liesel Olson Elise Paschen Ed Roberson Augustus Rose Karen Schreck Donna Seaman Ruth Spiro Patricia Toht Daren Want Alexis Okeowo Mary Wisniewski Douglas A. Wissing Sallie Wolf

“ My 13 year old thanked Walter Isaacson me for taking her!” 14

Donors to the $10 million Campaign for the American Writers Museum - 2010 through 12/31/2017

$1,000,000 and up $25,000–$49,999 $10,000–$24,999 $5,000–$9,999 S. Leigh Pierson Conant & Mr. and Mrs. Norman Bobins, Anonymous (3) Davinder Anand Douglas R. Conant The Robert Thomas Bobins Frank and Catherine Araneo Marie Arana Foundation Malcolm and Virginia O’Hagan Tom and Mary Carmel Borders Bardes Fund Stead Family Foundation Chicago Council for the American Writers Museum The Brinson Foundation Henry and Leigh Bienen $500,000–$999,999 Don and Ellen Clark Carey Cranston and Skip and Liz Coggin The Meijer Foundation Ellen R. Tritschler Robert A. and Joan E. Clifford Cooper Industries, PLC John and Cathie Estey James and Catherine Denny Combe Family Regis and Elena Delmontagne The Negaunee Foundation Bill and Kittie Devers Dell Julianne Hartzell Wintrust Financial Paul Dykstra and Spark Cremin The Donnelley Foundation Ed and Jeanne James Joan and Kevin Evanich $250,000–$499,999 William and Joan Dutton Mary and Joseph Jannotta Edith and Gerald Falk James and Carol Hansen Frank and Gayle Eby Heather and Jim Johnson Hachette Book Group Roger and Julie Baskes Stephanie and Roger Robert and Emily King Ronne and Robert Hartfield Jay and Robin Hammer Hochschild The Honorable Eugene and Harvey Hubbell Foundation Dr. Carol Ludwig $100,000–$249,999 Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Koldyke Beverly and Warren Hayford Erik McLaughlin Anonymous Daniel Korengold and Martha Dippell IHS Markit Shanti Nagarkatti Bulley & Andrews The Descendents of General Jannotta Family Fund NEMA Maree G. Bullock, in memory of Jimmie R. Alford Alexander C. McClurg Lamar, Lisa, Mary, Elaine, and Patrick O’Hagan Paul Johnson Marion A. Cameron Coco and Ethan Meers Schneider Electric NA Milne Family Foundation Chase Collins Levey and Foundation Clune Construction Mark Levey The Elizabeth Morse The Segal Family Foundation M. Hill and Cheryl Hammock Macmillan Publishers Charitable Trust Clark and Marcia Silcox Jastromb Family Philanthrophic Mr. and Mrs. Jim Moss Fund Alexandra C. and Andrew Stephen and John D. Nichols Richard W. Muzzy, Jr. and Katherine Field Stephen John and Mary Pappajohn Susan Beebe Muzzy Penguin Random House Jeanne Sullivan S&C Electric Company Mr. and Mrs. Ray E. Newton, Jr. Abra Prentice Foundation, Inc. SunTrust Bank Foundation $50,000–$99,999 Lynne and Larry Robinson H. John and Diane M. Riley Stuart Thorn BMO Harris Bank Sara Lee and Axel Schupf Family Fund UL LLC The Chicago Community Trust Arch W. Shaw Foundation Burton X. and Sheli Rosenberg Archie and Helene van Beuren Exelon Savills Studley John W. and Jeanne M. Rowe Wells Fargo Robert and Gena Franden Dr. Phyllis Hattis Rubin Nike B. Whitcomb $1,000–$4,999 Joyce and Bruce Gates Robin and Sandy Stuart Andrew Anway Werner and Marleen Hein Foundation Algonquin Books, a division of Jane Irwin Daniel Yergin and Angela Stent Workman Publishing Ivan and Kathy Kane Stephen W. and Susan M. Baird Jim and Linda Mitchell Foundation Catherine Mouly and Robert Bein Ted Carlson Christopher Bird The National Endowment for Carol and Gary Berman the Humanities Elizabeth Boe The Poetry Foundation The AWM is indebted to the law firm ofMayer John Brennan and Leslie Shad Roberta Rubin and Family Brown and museum co-founder Werner Hein. Julianne Budden-Bronsink Story Street Labs Throughout the museum’s development over seven John Cole years, and continuing today, Mayer Brown has Brian and Jennifer Coulter provided pro-bono legal counsel and guidance to Julie and Phillip Croll the AWM. We remain very grateful to Mayer Brown Jim Cunningham and Werner for their invaluable assistance. Victor Danilov Byram and Sue Dickes Patricia Dodson 15 The Eacho Family Foundation John T. and Wendy Wall Whitmore Robin Miller Lewis Eisenberg Julie Weary Elaine and Richard Tinberg Mary and Eric Mollman Harve Ferrill Samuel and Charlene Wexler Noreen Tomassi Takashi Nakatami Follett David and Evelyn White Scott and Adriane Turow Isobel Neal Bill and Mary Ford Brian and Nancy Whitlock Philip and Julie Wade Deidre O’Malley Maurice J. Gallagher Sue Wilder Stanley and Betty Weinberger David and Jane Oshinsky Reginald Gibbons and Cornelia John Wilhelm $250–$499 George and Margaret Parker M. Spelman David and Eleanor Woods Ann Adenbaum and Joseph Petrillo James and Gianna Goldman $500–$999 Alan Schramm Gordon Pollock and Jill Gosden Leonard Goldman Barbara Adelman Nicholas Aeppel Nancy and Ben Randall Harvey and Roberta Golub Randall Albers Mary Ahern Margaret W. Redding Todd and Martha Golub Hank and Betty Baby Basel Al-Aswad Richard and Julie Reibman John and Sheridan Greeniaus Anuradha Behari Jack Beem Sandra Roth Ken and Toni Harkness Elysa Joy Blacker James Bindenagel Larry Rush Joseph Hassett The Bellis Blauvet-Demarest Judy Block Karen and David Sager Bradley Henderson Foundation Galen Bodenhausen Alice Schreyer Louise Holland Kathy Borrus Hindy Bogner-Orenstein David and Jamie Schwartz David and Julie Jacobson Barry and Joy Bowen Ann Marie Brack Michael Selleck Lucius Kahng Eric Brown Robert Bridgeman Susan Silveira Mark and Donna Kaufman Patrick Coleman George Brown Mathew Slater John and Patricia Koskinen Cort Family Charitable Funds Pamela Buckles Ann F. Stanford Susan and Doug Lyons Jeanette and Barry Filderman Andew Call Terry Straut Mayer Brown, LLP Deborah and James Franczek Tammy Call Cheryl Sturm Paul and Penelope McDonnell Mark and Cindy Fuller Greg Cameron Frances Taliaferro Susan Morris Deborah Gelin Sally Campbell Karen and Dana Twible Jossy and Ken Nebenzahl Ann Gibbons and Gary Casper Monica Voldstad Sally and Luis Nieto Micahel Gugerty Jim Chiu Gregg Wilhelm Paul O’Day Terry Gilman William R. Cline and Jenny Wojcik Cristina Ohr Mary and Robert Haft Ruth Harwood Sallie Wolf Opus Development Company, John and Gwen Hibbard Dawn Coleman Irving and Carol Yoskowitz LLC James Holderman Ann Collins Roberta and Douglas Zabel Jessie and Bob Palmer Gayle Inbinder Bruce and Lisa Cort John S. and Kathryn J. Palmer James Kauffman and Jacqueline Donnelley Joseph Parker Mary Anne Diehl Christine Duffy The Chicago Council for Jane Perkins Philip and Madeline Lacovara Ed Folsom the American Writers PRM Consulting, Inc Karen Latchford John P. and Christine C. Dr. Mark and Laura Ratner Judith and Stephen Levin Giraudo Museum is a group of Richard Robb Robert Levin Ann Goldblatt young professionals Dr. James Rocks Literary America Mark Golden who were quick to step Stephen and Ann Ross Durwood and Elizabeth Mark Grach and Shelley Stern up to volunteer to plan Julie Rubin and Lloyd Green Littlefield Marilynn and Ronald Grais events that raise funds Laura Rubin and John Lofy Joshua Marwell and Jane Heron and awareness for the Chitra Bopardikar Margaret Ruley Kelly Jocius AWM. On May 12, Jan and Robert Mathes The Rumsfeld Foundation Saul and Sue Kadin 2017, they held their Mary and Peter Mavrogenes Dr. Stephen and Cheryl Rush Ernest and Sally Kelly first event–a preview Shelia Murphy Jim Rutledge Michael Komie of Chicago’s newest Jill and Keith Pattiz Alice and John Sabl Paul Krauss museum–and raised Kyle Pistor Suzanne Shapiro Sandra LaPorte over $26,000. Olivia Nancy Prendergast and Bedi has served as Chair Larry Shulman and Augosto Pichard Jeffrey Lependorf Rhonda Rochambeau of the Chicago Council, Craig and Tara Primis John Mackey Thomas and Carolyn Staley and has grown this Monica and Jim Pruyn Lawerence Macy Strategic Media Services, Inc group with the addition Debra Rade Helen Marlborough James Stone of new members who Robert and Mary Shue Peter and Toni Marx Helen Sullivan generously donate their Brian and Julie Simmons Marta McDowell Richard and Charron Traut Florence D. McMillan time and expertise in Fund of the DuPage Foundation Werner Sollors Brook McNulty support of the AWM. April Tritschler Victoria Steele and Robert 16

National Advisory Council | Content Leadership Team | Subject Matter Experts The AWM is extremely grateful to the authors and experts who have been willing to serve on its National Advisory Council, the Content Leadership Team, and Subject Matter Experts. These positions are important links between the museum and some of the most important voices in American writing today. This team of experts was responsible for the content and curation of our permanent exhibits.

National Advisory Council Ilan Stavans Wai Chee Dimock Kathryn Roberts Editor and Educator William Lampson Professor of English & Doctoral Candidate, Dept. of English, Kwame Alexander American Studies, Yale University; Author Harvard University; Specialist in 20th- & Children’s Author and Poet Natasha Tretheway 21st-century American literature, transatlantic Poet Paul Durica modernism, regional & ethnic literary traditions Marie Arana Director of Programs at Illinois Humanities Author and Critic Scott Turow John Russick Novelist and Memoirist Thomas Dyja Vice President for Interpretation and Jabari Asim Author Education, Chicago History Museum Critic, Author and Educator Nguyen Viet Thanh Novelist and Educator Roderick Ferguson Carolyn Saper A. Scott Berg Professor of African American Studies, Edward Widmer Education Consultant Specializing in Biographer Gender & Women’s Studies, Co-Director of Children’s Literature and Curriculum Historian and Scholar Racialized Body research cluster, University Jeffrey Brown of Illinois, Chicago; Author Bill Savage Television Journalist and Author Content Leadership Team Associate Professor of Instruction in English, Shelley Fisher Fishkin Northwestern University Billy Collins Marie Arana Joseph S. Atha Professor in Humanities, Poet Author; Literary Critic; Stanford University Will Shortz Senior Advisor to the Library of Congress Maureen Corrigan Puzzle Master; NPR’s Weekend Edition Dr. Ed Folsom Sunday; Crossword Editor, The New York Times Critic and Author Dr. Reginald Gibbons Roy J. Carver Professor of English, The Francis Hooper Professor of Arts and University of Iowa; Editor, Walt Whitman Grant Shreve Stuart Dybek Humanities, Northwestern University Author Quarterly Review; Director, Walt Whitman Doctoral Candidate, Department of English, Leonard Marcus Archive Johns Hopkins University; specialist in Dave Eggers Author, Critic, & Children’s Book Historian 19th- & 20th-century literature, published Author and Educator Sandra Gilbert in American Literature and Leviathan: A Max Rudin Professor of English, Journal of Melville Studies Louise Erdrich Publisher for Library of America University of California, Davis Novelist Scott Slovic Donna Seaman Reed Gochberg Elliott Figman Professor and Chair of English Department, Senior Editor, Booklist, PhD Candidate, Department of English, University of Idaho; Specialist in Poet and Executive Director, American Library Association Boston University environmental literature; Editor, ISLE: Poets & Writers Foundation Natasha Trethewey Jacqueline Goldsby Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment; Author Reginald Gibbons Poet, US Poet Laureate 2012 and 2013 Professor of English & African American Poet, Author, and Professor Studies, Yale University Dr. Werner Sollors Nikki Giovanni Subject Matter Experts Brad Gooch Retired Henry B. & Anne M. Cabot Professor Poet and Author of English Literature, and Professor of Susan Abbotson Professor of English, William Paterson University; Author African & African American Studies, Adam Gopnik Professor of English, Rhode Island College; Harvard University Author and Journalist Board member & former President, David D. Hall Arthur Miller Society; Performance Editor, Ilan Stavans Juan Felipe Herrera Bartlett Research Professor of New England Arthur Miller Journal; Author Church History, Harvard Divinity School; Lewis-Sebring Professor in Latin American Poet and Professor and Latino Culture, Amherst College Ted Atkinson Co-editor of The History of the Book in America Jeffrey Lependorf Associate Professor, Department of English, Ronne Hartfield Todd Tietchen Executive Director, Council of Literary Mississippi State University; Author; Writer; Museum Consultant Assistant Professor in English, Magazines and Presses Editor, Mississippi Quarterly University of Massachusetts Lowell David Kipen Lisa Lucas Jonathan Barron Getty/Annenberg Arts Fellow, Cheryl Wall Executive Director, Department of English, University of Southern University of Southern California Board of Governors Zora Neale Hurston National Book Foundation Mississippi; Director, The Robert Frost Professor of English, Rutgers University; Jill Lepore Haki Madhabuti Society; Author Editor of Their Eyes Were Watching God: A Author; New Yorker contributor, Author, Poet, and Publisher Casebook Ann Blair David Woods Kemper ’41 Professor of Leonard Marcus Carl H. Pforzheimer University Professor of American History and Harvard College David Weimer Author, Critic, and Historian History, Harvard University Professor, Harvard University Librarian for Cartographic Collections and Learning, Harvard Libraries, Harvard Alice McDermott Matthew M. Briones Jessica Maciejewski University Novelist Associate Professor of US History, Chicago high school English teacher; University of Chicago; Specialist in Asian Special Education training Ted Widmer, PhD Azar Nafisi American & African American history Speechwriter; Former Director and Librarian Author and Professor Emily Orlando of the John Carter Brown Library at Brown Lynn Brown Professor, Fairfield University; University Joyce Carol Oates Retired middle school English teacher President, Edith Wharton Society; Author Novelist and Educator Ivy Wilson Toni-Lee Capossela Dr. Kimberly Parker Associate Professor of English and Director Roxana Robinson Retired college writing professor; English Department Faculty, of American Studies, Northwestern Novelist former Director of the Stonehill College Cambridge Rindge & Latin School University Writing Center Marilynne Robinson Robert Polito Kelly Wisecup Novelist and Scholar Cinnamon Catlin-Lugutko Director, MFA Writing Program and Assistant Professor, Department of English, Max Rudin President/CEO, Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor, Professor of Writing, The New School Northwestern University; Specialist in Native ME; Specialist in Wabanaki Nation Publisher President, Poetry Foundation, 2012-2015 American Literature George Saunders Michael W. Clune Leah Price Gary K. Wolfe Associate Professor of English, Case Western Fiction Writer and Educator Francis Lee Higginson Professor of English, Professor of Humanities, Roosevelt University Reserve University; Robert Casper Head of the Harvard University Donna Seaman Poetry & Literature Center, Library of Congress Carol A. Worsham Critic and Author Jesse Raber Retired middle school English teacher, Maureen Corrigan Adjunct Faculty, Loyola University Chicago Cambridge Public Schools Lisa See The Nicky and Jamie Grant Distinguished and School of the Art Institute of Chicago Novelist Professor of the Practice of Literary Criticism Sunny Yudkoff at Georgetown University, Journalist, Author, Senior Lecturer in Yiddish, Department of Anna Deavere Smith and Literary Critic, The Washington Post, NPR German Studies, University of Chicago Playwright, Producer and Educator 17

Affiliates The AWM Affiliates Program fosters collaboration among American author museums and homes to increase interest in the works of our great American writers. This program helps increase the national scope of the AWM. STAFF Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site Nelson Algren Musuem of Miller Beach Carey Cranston Wadsworth-Longfellow House & Garden The Beat Museum - Jack Kerouac President Herman Melville’s Arrowhead William Cullen Bryant Homestead The Merwin Conservancy MUSEUM OPERATIONS Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Edna St. Vincent Millay Society Christopher Burrow Pearl S. Buck House at Steepletop Director of Operations Truman Capote and Harper Lee, Margaret Mitchell House Christina Carrera Old Courthouse Museum Facilities Supervisor John Muir National Historic Site The Willa Cather Foundation John D. Niehardt State Historic Site Pat Conroy Literary Center STORYTELLERS Flannery O’Connor, Andalusia Farm Emily Dickinson Museum, Courtney Borjas The Homestead and The Evergreens Eugene O’Neil National Historic Site Cassidy Kearns Sumin Kim Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Monte Cristo Cottage Peter Szelenbaum Paul Laurence Dunbar House William Sidney Porter, O. Henry Museum Jake Trapp Ralph Waldo Emerson and Poe Baltimore Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Old Manse Poe Museum PROGRAMS Ralph Waldo Emerson and Marjorie Kinnen Rawlings Historic State Park Allison Sansone Henry David Thoreau, Concord Museum Program Director James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home William Faulkner’s Rowan Oak Sonal Shukla Theodore Roethke Home Museum Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Assistant Program Director Will Rogers Memorial Museum Robert Frost Farm Carl Sandburg State Historic Site MARKETING AND EVENTS Hamlin Garland Homestead Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site Karie McGahan Georgia Writers Museum Director of Marketing & Private Events Sequoyah’s Cabin Edward Gorey House Catherine Ryan National Steinbeck Center Woody Guthrie Center Assistant Director of Marketing & Harriet Beecher Stowe House Alex Haley Museum & Interpretive Center Private Events Harriet Beecher Stowe Center Joel Chandler Harris, The Wren’s Nest Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site DEVELOPMENT Nathaniel Hawthorne, Thoreau Farm Linda Dunlavy Director of Development The House of Seven Gables Thurber House Ari Bachechi Ernest Hemingway Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Musuem Birthplace Home Museum Communications Coordinator Mark Twain House & Museum Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum Nate King and Educational Center The John Updike Childhood Home Administrative Assistant Washington Irving’s Sunnyside Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library VOLUNTEERS Helen Hunt Jackson, Margaret Walker Center Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum Noah Webster House Jennifer Buehler Jeri Burch Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation Eudora Welty House and Garden Lisa Cottrell Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation Edith Wharton, The Mount Tim Oravec Hillary Scaletta Sarah Orne Jewett House Museum Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site and Laura Sterkel and Visitor Center Interpretive Center Nick Tovar Frances Parkinson Keyes, Whittier Birthplace Susan Wigoda The Beauregard-Keyes House Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, Walnut Grove Jack London State Historic Park Thomas Wolfe Memorial Longfellow House 18

“What a lovely, lovely tribute to the art of writing.” Financial Statements “Great to watch my granddaughter be inspired!”

“...a playground for writerly people.”

Statement of Activities Statement of Cash Flows - Modified Cash Basis Year Ended 12/31/2017 (see note) Year Ended 12/31/2017

Revenue Cash Flows from Operating Activities Museum Admissions...... $160,806 Change in Net Assets...... $1,419,055 Retail Sales: Net...... $28,810 Adjustments to Reconcile Change in Memberships ...... $35,288 Net Assets to Net Cash Provided by Individual Gifts...... $1,895,039 Operating Activities...... $235,916 Corporations and Foundations...... $1,019,500 Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities...... $1,654,971 Other Income...... $15,217 Total ...... $3,154,660 Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Expenses Purchase of Furniture and Fixtures...... ($6,115) Museum Programming Leasehold Improvements...... ($3,065,478) and Operations...... $1,223,765 Net Cash Provided (Used) Management and General...... $264,077 by Investing Activities...... ($3,071,593) Fundraising...... $247,763 Cash Flows from Financing Activities Total...... $1,735,605 Line of Credit...... $350,000 Change in Net Assets...... $1,419,055 Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities...... $350,000 Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash...... ($1,066,622) Note: The AWM opened to the public in May 2017. These numbers reflect 7.5 months of operation. Cumulative cash Cash Balance - Beginning of Year...... $1,274,665 from donations and 2017 operations was used to fund the Cash Balance - End of Year...... $208,043 capital costs of the museum buildout. From 2010 through December 31, 2017, the AWM raised $10 million, which funded the development and creation of the museum. The final $2.9 million of this campaign was raised during calendar year 2017.

The accounting firm of Kopczyk, Osher & Scott has reviewed our financial statements and has opined that they present fairly, in all material aspects, the financial performance of The American Writers Museum through December 31, 2017. During the year, our primary sources of revenue were the nearly $200,000 in admissions and memberships purchased by our nearly 20,000 visitors, and the $2,900,000 raised from nearly 300 donors. We improved our asset position with an increase of over $1,400,000, and completed the construction and opening of the Museum with the funding of over $3,000,000 in leasehold improvements. We thank our many donors and partners in helping to make this possible, and for providing the foundation for the museum’s continued success. Jay Hammer, Treasurer 19

Founder’s Message

good start is half the battle, the old saying goes. After reading this report, I think you will agree the American Writers Museum A is indeed off to a good start. But it is only a start. We continue to build toward long-term sustainability through prudent financial management and by working hard to raise and earn the funds needed to maintain and grow the museum. We will always be grateful to the early donors who laid the foundation. If their good faith and generous spirits are any indication, we can be optimistic about the future.

While the American Writers Museum exists for all to enjoy, it has particular value and importance for young people. Reading and writing are pillars of civilization. It behooves us to ensure that future generations appreciate the beauty and relevance of the written word.

We live in an exciting time—technology has a profound impact on the way we communicate. But all communication, no matter the medium, is based on words. Properly selected and arranged, they hold enormous power. They can inspire, sooth, inform, make us laugh and make us cry. Words will continue to alter the course of history and shape our culture and identity.

As students, teachers, and other visitors have attested, the American Writers Museum offers an inspiring encounter with our great writers and their words. It is gratifying to see young people composing stories on our vintage typewriters, engaging with the exhibits, and most especially, leaving the museum with a reading list.

We want all young people to enjoy and benefit from this experience. Our Write In program enables students from schools across the region to visit the museum. Thousands have taken advantage of this program already. But we want all students to have this opportunity, especially those from underserved areas. As we look ahead, this is one of our most cherished goals, and our donors will make it happen.

As donors and visitors, you are the lifeblood of the museum. I plan to visit the AWM every time I am in Chicago, and, of course, I will continue to provide all the support I can. I hope you too will continue your generous support, and that you will encourage family, friends and others to visit the museum.

Creating the American Writers Museum was a superb team effort. I will always be personally grateful to the many people who gave their time, talent and treasure to bring this vision to life.

Malcolm O’Hagan 20

180 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601 AmericanWritersMuseum.org • 312-374-8790