American Writers Museum

American Writers Museum We invite you to visit us, and experience American literature in a new, unique way!
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The American Writers Museum's mission is to excite audiences about the impact of American writers - past, present and future - in shaping our collective histories, cultures, identities, and daily lives. The American Writers Museum:
- Educates the public about American writers – past and present
- Engages visitors to the Museum in exploring the many exciting worlds created by the spoken and written

word
- Enriches and deepens appreciation for good writing in all its forms
- Inspires people of all ages and from all walks of life to discover, or rediscover, a love of reading and writing
-Through innovative and dynamic state-of- the-art exhibitions, as well as compelling programming, The American Writers Museum educates, enriches, provokes and inspires the public.

This week on Nation of Writers, catch up with writer and scholar Ilan Stavans as we discuss the life and legacy of Isaac...
06/02/2026

This week on Nation of Writers, catch up with writer and scholar Ilan Stavans as we discuss the life and legacy of Isaac Bashevis Singer. An immigrant to the United States, Singer was an esteemed essayist, short story writer, novelist, translator, and children’s book author. Stavans is also the editor of the forthcoming anthology, "A Nation Wrestles with God: American Prophets, Philosophers, and Firebrands," in which Singer is included. Stavans will be at our 2026 American Writers Festival on June 7—along with author Reza Aslan and scholar Emily D. Crews—to discuss the anthology and its impact! Listen to the podcast here: https://hubs.ly/Q04jPPrm0

The American Writers Festival is just 5 days away, and we're SO excited for this year's AWF Block Party! Enjoy interacti...
06/01/2026

The American Writers Festival is just 5 days away, and we're SO excited for this year's AWF Block Party! Enjoy interactive installations, arts & crafts, carnival games, and more. Check out the full blog for more info.

👉 https://hubs.ly/Q04jGfpM0

Today is your last chance to submit your intent to participate form for the 2026 John Estey Student Writing Competition!...
05/29/2026

Today is your last chance to submit your intent to participate form for the 2026 John Estey Student Writing Competition! Submit here: https://hubs.ly/Q04jpqP70

Looking for a new podcast? Listen to Totally Booked with Zibby to discover new authors and hear from your favorites. The...
05/28/2026

Looking for a new podcast? Listen to Totally Booked with Zibby to discover new authors and hear from your favorites. The podcast is filled with honest conversations, insider insights, and your favorite books—delivered in 30 minutes or less!

Zibby Owens

Interested in a behind-the-scenes look at writing craft? We've got you covered with some exciting programs at this year'...
05/26/2026

Interested in a behind-the-scenes look at writing craft? We've got you covered with some exciting programs at this year's festival! On June 7, at 1PM, get the inside scoop on ghostwriting from Lisa Dickey; then, at 2PM, learn how authors write across different mediums with Zakiya Dalilah Harris and Angela Nissel.

Only a few more days to submit an intent to participate form for this year’s student writing competition! Learn more and...
05/24/2026

Only a few more days to submit an intent to participate form for this year’s student writing competition! Learn more and submit here: https://hubs.ly/Q04hM0Xx0

Highlight: A conversation about writing short stories, with three-time National Book Award finalist Lauren Groff and J...
05/22/2026

Highlight: A conversation about writing short stories, with three-time National Book Award finalist Lauren Groff and John Stauffer, editor of the American Short Story anthology from Library of America. They discuss the form, Lauren’s new collection "Brawler," and the history of short stories in America. Moderated by author and professor Peter Coviello.

05/21/2026

Author Talks is back and better than ever this week with Li'l Sebastian's big podcast! Pop culture historian Jennifer Keishin Armstrong discusses her latest book, "Parks and Rec: The Underdog TV Show That Lit’rally Inspired a Vision for a Better America." Armstrong is interviewed by AWM Director of Programs Allison Sansone. The two are joined by special guest Ric Offerman, the mayor of Minooka, IL (and Nick Offerman’s dad!)

Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts!

https://hubs.ly/Q04hyTCk0

A lawyer, a model, and a news anchor walk into a…panel discussion about their recent acclaimed memoirs. Attorney Walter ...
05/21/2026

A lawyer, a model, and a news anchor walk into a…panel discussion about their recent acclaimed memoirs. Attorney Walter Pryor pens a powerful memoir inspired by letters from his grandmother, Sarah Hartshorne dishes on her time as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model, and longtime television journalist Bill Kurtis shares insights into the life of a news reporter. Moderated by renowned book critic and Editor-in-Chief at Booklist, Donna Seaman, who chronicles her own life of reading in her memoir "River of Books."

05/20/2026

In this week's episode of Nation of Writers, we discuss the life and legacy of Henry David Thoreau. An essayist and poet, Thoreau lived a provocative life, seeking to escape the limitations of human society by exploring the wider, wilder natural world. We are joined by scholar Richard Higgins, author of the recent book "Thoreau’s God," and writer and professor Tom Montgomery Fate, whose work engages with many of the same themes as Thoreau. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! https://hubs.ly/Q04hpbsx0

Address

180 N. Michigan Avenue, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL
60601

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(312) 374-8790

Website

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