Our mission is to celebrate the literary arts for the education and entertainment of the broadest possible audience, and to advance James Thurber’s heritage of excellence in writing, cartooning, and humor.

Founded in 1984, Thurber House is a nonprofit literary arts hub, James Thurber museum, historic landmark, and gathering place for readers, writers, and artists of all ages. We are based in the restored 1873 home of humorist, cartoonist, author, playwright, and journalist James Thurber, widely considered one of the foremost American humorists of the 20th century. 

Our vision is to revitalize James Thurber's (and the Thurber House founders’) legacy of promoting laughter, learning, and literature to inspire an inclusive and creative community in Columbus and beyond.

Thurber House programs include The Thurber Prize for American Humor, author events featuring nationally bestselling authors and local authors, writing workshops for children and adults, writer residencies, and more.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Thurber House is the former home of James Thurber and his family, who lived in the home from 1913–1917, while young Thurber was a student at The Ohio State University. Known for his quirky and relatable characters and themes, Thurber’s work took many forms, including short stories, cartoons, stage plays, fables, newspaper columns, and more. Many of his drawings and stories first appeared in The New Yorker.

Thurber House is Columbus’ literary hub. Thurber is where the community gathers in celebration of the written word, ignited by art, and unites in laughter.

We value inclusive culture, equitable humor, and diversity across all communities. The vitality and future of Thurber House reside in our ability to be a community where all people are acknowledged, welcomed, and respected. We will create a future where we inspire learning, celebrate our shared humanity and stories, and cultivate diverse creativity and humor in all that we do.

Thurber House

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