This story was updated Dec. 4, 2024, at 2:05 p.m.
Four-decade old literary hub and museum Thurber House is trying to raise $200,000 to keep its doors open in downtown Columbus.
“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,” reads the organization’s fundraiser page.
The fundraiser on givebutter.com goes on to explain attendance at Thurber House’s literary programs hasn't fully recovered since the pandemic, which is causing a financial strain.
Thurber House Executive Director Laurie Lathan said the small organization had some extra money on hand that kept it afloat over the last few years, but it has run out.
"And the arts tend to take the biggest hit when it when things are down," Lathan said. "We tend to take a big punch when things aren't great economically."
Lathan said Thurber House has cut where it can, including laying off two full-time and two part-time employees this year. The house now operates with a staff of four.
Thurber House was founded in 1984, and is based in the former downtown home of James Thurber, the 20th century humorist, cartoonist, author and playwright. The house on Jefferson Avenue serves as a museum celebrating Thurber’s life and legacy, and the Thurber Center next door has a program and event space.
Thurber House hosts adult writing workshops, children's education programs and author events. It also has two writer-in-residence programs and gives the annual Thurber Prize for American Humor.
Thurber House also reports that it’s trying to meet growing mental and emotional health needs of the community while working with fewer resources.
“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,” the page reads.
If its fundraising campaign is successful, Thurber House plans to expand its teen and children’s programming, re-imagine its adult programs and bring events to more K-12 schools, libraries and community centers.
Lathan said they hope to put extra emphasis on youth programming.
"The kids that go through our programs. Become not just stronger writers, but critical thinkers," Lathan said.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Thurber House had raised close to $32,000, which is about 15% of its goal.
