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 laid off some of its staff this year.
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.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Thurber House had raised close to $25,000, which is more than 10% of its goal.
