September Staff Picks are here! Check out all of the books by authors featured in upcoming programs and podcasts, plus all of the AWM staff's favorite finds. Whether it's music, TV, or something to read, we've got you covered! Check out the list here >> t.co/pFCNyi12Yt t.co/r1EuK6NKze

Looking for a way to spend your summer? Check out our July staff picks for books, films, comics, and more recommended by our AWM staff! americanwritersmuseum.org/awm-staff-pi...

AWM Staff Picks: July 2026

Reading recommendations and more from the American Writers Museum. Find out what we've been into and see if your favorites are on the list!

americanwritersmuseum.org

Today, July 16, marks Ida B. Wells’ 164th birthday! Born in 1862 into slavery, Wells was a journalist and activist who fought for racial and gender equality, most notably documenting and fighting against lynchings in the American South. When you visit, you can find her in our Chicago Gallery!

Join New Trier Multifaith Alliance & the AWM at the Baha’i temple on July 26 from 2-3:30 for a FREE discussion based on our exhibit, American Prophets. AWM President Carey Cranston and a panel of authors explore the profound ways writing reflects and influences our understanding of religion.

At Get Lit tomorrow, join us for a special reading of the Declaration of Independence! Ft. Cortney Hall, NBC5 Host; Tyra Martin, WGN TV Producer & Digital Host; @shiakapos.bsky.social POLITICO Reporter; Rufus Williams, WVON 1690AM Host; LeeAnn Trotter, Journalist & former NBC5 Reporter

Our new pop-up exhibit is here! This special exhibit includes an 1823 William Stone print of the Declaration of Independence, along with a 1776 British first edition of Thomas Paine's Common Sense. Visit the AWM today to see Declarations: 250 Years of Writing Toward Independence!

Will you be joining us at ALA Annual Conference June 26-29? Stop by the AWM at booth #2030 and say hello, we can't wait to see you!

This Sunday, bestselling author, podcaster, speaker, and advocate Jen Hatmaker talks about her faith journey, God and politics today, and finding hope in difficult times. Hatmaker will be interviewed by AWM President Carey Cranston. Don't miss out, visit the American Writers Festival this weekend!

Looking forward to speaking at the @americanwritersmuseum.org festival at Chicago's Harold Washington library June 7, 11:50am. I'll be in conversation about John McPhee with terrific book critic Donna Seaman. I'm honored to be with dozens of writers from around the U.S. Full schedule: bit.ly/42KChdb

For all poetry fans, plan out your time at the American Writers Festival with this handy guide to all of our poetry-themed programming! Featuring @shortpoemz.bsky.social, Mayda Del Valle, Maggie Smith, and Eve Ewing

Interested in a behind-the-scenes look at writing craft? We've got you covered! On June 7, at 1PM, get the inside scoop on ghostwriting from @lisawritesbooks.bsky.social; then, at 2PM, learn how authors write across different mediums with Zakiya Dalilah Harris and Angela Nissel.

Join us at the American Writers Fest 2026 for a conversation about writing short stories with three-time National Book Award finalist Lauren Groff & John Stauffer, editor of the "American Short Story" anthology, moderated by author and professor Peter Coviello.

Author Talks is back & better than ever 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." Listen here! americanwritersmuseum.org/podcast/epis...

A lawyer, a model, & a news anchor walk into a…panel discussion about their recent memoirs! Join attorney Walter Pryor, former model Sarah Hartshorne, & television journalist Bill Kurtis for a conversation moderated by book critic & Editor-in-Chief at Booklist Donna Seaman.

In this week's episode of Nation of Writers, we discuss the life & legacy of Henry David Thoreau. We're joined by Richard Higgins, author of the recent book THOREAU'S GOD, and writer/professor Tom Montgomery Fate. Listen here! @uchicagopress.bsky.social americanwritersmuseum.org/podcast/epis...

Ep. 59: Henry David Thoreau | Nation of Writers Podcast

Dive into the life and legacy of essayist and naturalist Henry David Thoreau with scholars and writers Rich Higgins and Tom Montgomery Fate.

americanwritersmuseum.org

Excited about this year's American Writers Festival? So are we, and so is author Brian Morra! 📚

#AWFest2026 Highlight: On June 6, Brian J. Morra is joined by fellow writer and AWM Trustee Joanne Leedom-Ackerman to discuss the process of turning real-life events into thrilling plot and action.

In celebration of AAPI Heritage month, read our guide to AAPI writers at the 2026 American Writers Festival next month! We've got programs for sci-fi lovers, history buffs, and even kids, so be sure to check out the whole list!

We are seeking a friendly, energetic Storyteller to join our team at the museum's front desk. The Storyteller is responsible for providing exceptional service to our visitors. The position is part-time, starting rate $18/hour. Learn more & apply! americanwritersmuseum.org/about/join-o...

Me + Susan Orlean!

American Writers Museum@americanwritersmuseum.org · 5mo ago

This year's American Writers Festival is just over a month away! The 2026 festival will be bigger and better than ever, featuring 80+ writers and 40+ panels over TWO days of programming! Find out more and plan your festival weekend here hubs.ly/Q04frF_p0

CHICAGO! TOMORROW! Tuesday May 12, starting at 5:30pm, at the @americanwritersmuseum.org Join us for drawing demos and mixology demos and a really fun night! Get Tickets here, and use Code BECAN10 for $5 off! : www.eventbrite.com/e/get-lit-ar...

We are now accepting proposals for vendors and partners for the American Writers Festival on June 6 and 7! To submit your interest, fill out the form at the link: hubs.ly/Q04fRdnM0

2026 AWF Partner Interest Form

The American Writers Museum is accepting proposals for vendors and partners for our third biennial American Writers Festival to be held on June 7th at the Harold Washington Library. To submit your int...

hubs.ly

The first program of this year's American Writers Festival will take place at the AWM! Join us for a live reading of the critically acclaimed new play, The Last Senior Home in Bronzeville by Nikki Carpenter, a timely story of resistance and resilience.

This year's American Writers Festival is just over a month away! The 2026 festival will be bigger and better than ever, featuring 80+ writers and 40+ panels over TWO days of programming! Find out more and plan your festival weekend here hubs.ly/Q04frF_p0

Announcing our 2026 American Writers Festival! This year, we're expanding to two days, June 6-7, offering even more to discover! Headliners include Lauren Groff, Reza Aslan, John Fugelsang, Maggie Smith, Tananarive Due, Bill Kurtis, and Mayda del Valle. Learn more at americanwritersfestival.org

A message from our friends at the Science Fiction and Fantasy Association! Celebrate the work of N.K. Jemisin at the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association 61st Nebula Awards Conference happening June 3 to 7th. Learn more and register here: store.sfwa.org/nebula-confe...

Interested in flexing your writing muscles? Next week you can at our generative writing workshop on religion, spirituality, & faith with National Book Award finalist Andrew Krivák (The Sojourn, The Bear). Co-presented by @storystudiochicago.bsky.social Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/american-p...

KOVAL Comedy highlights Chicago comics and gives back to local nonprofits, and this month, ticket sales benefit the American Writers Museum! March 20, visit Koval's Distillery to enjoy Chicago comics Julio Ortiz, Megan McMurtry, & John McCombs! Details at www.facebook.com/share/18Drar...

This Women’s History Month, your gift to the American Writers Museum helps keep world‑changing words alive and sparks the next generation to pick up the pen. Donate here! secure.qgiv.com/for/spring20...

The AWM is proud to serve as a partner of Illinois America 250, the statewide commemoration of America's 250th anniversary. We're kicking off our celebrations by highlighting this year's Student Writing Competition prompt! Learn more at americanwritersmuseum.org/writing-comp...