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James Thurber House
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Front of the house
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| Location: | 77 Jefferson Ave., Columbus, Ohio |
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| Built: | 1873 |
| Architect: | Unknown |
| Architectural style: | No Style Listed |
| Governing body: | Private |
| NRHP Reference#: | 79001840[1] |
| Added to NRHP: | November 8, 1979 |
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.[1]
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.
Thurber House is also a historic house museum that has been restored for the period when the Thurber family lived there from 1913 to 1917. Visitors can view the first two floors, which contain a formal parlor, living room, dining room, five bedrooms, and a bathroom. Guests are also allowed to interact with many museum materials, such as sitting on chairs or playing the piano. The parents' bedroom features rotating displays of Thurber memorabilia.