Volume 1 Number 1

About AWM
Learn more about plans to establish The American Writers Museum™

Testimonials
See what other people are saying about The American Writers Museum

Who We Are
Learn more about Executive Planning Team and Advisory Council

Feedback
Fill out this feedback survey and tell us what you want to see in The American Writers Museum

Sign Up
Add your name to our mailing list and receive updates about The American Writers Museum



Dear Friend of The American Writers Museum™
You are receiving this newsletter because you or someone you know has expressed interest in being part of the movement to establish The American Writers Museum (AWM), the first museum of its kind in the United States – a museum that celebrates our nation's literary heritage. Thank you for your interest and support. We have made a great deal of progress in just the last few months and this e-newsletter will bring you up-to-date. Please forward to friends, family and colleagues who might be interested in joining the movement to recognize the influence of American writers on history and culture. Add your name to our mailing list here.



Website Launched
The American Writers Museum website is now open 24/7. You'll find a great deal more information about the museum, as well as a way for you to be involved, by contributing your ideas through our feedback survey, or a donation to support our mission. On the site, you'll also find links to many of the poetry and literary organizations which support our mission and with which we are working collaboratively. Visit the website at www.AmericanWritersMuseum.org.




Malcolm O'Hagan and AWM on C-Span Book TV
Yes, that was Book TV producer Peter Splen visiting AWM founder Malcolm O'Hagan in his library recently for an interview about AWM. The interview aired in July and will continue airing over the next few weeks. See the 15-minute interview at the AWM website or view here.




Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference Schedules AWM Panel at Upcoming Conference
Since 1967, this notable association has supported writers and writing programs around the world, including over 34,000 writers at over 500 member colleges and universities and 100 writers conference and writing centers. The American Writers Museum is honored to participate in a panel at the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. February 2-5, 2011. For details on the conference, click here.




It's Official: 501(c)(3)
The American Writers Museum Foundation, the organization whose mission is to establish The American Writers Museum, has officially been granted status as a 501(c)(3) organization. That means that the Foundation is considered a nonprofit with tax exempt status. Your donations to support the work of the Foundation are tax deductible. We've just recently begun accepting donations to enable the Foundation to continue its work. Your support is welcome! Click here to make a donation.




Does America Need The American Writers Museum?
Yes, according to the growing list of notable writers, literary and poetry thought leaders who are sharing words of support for AWM with us every day. Take a look at our growing list of testimonials, including this one from Dana Gioia, poet and former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts:

     "How thrilling to imagine a museum dedicated to the great achievements of American literature. Such a museum—no matter where in the U.S. it was located— would immediately become both a national center and a national symbol for creativity, education, and the highest aspirations of our culture."
    




Offices for The American Writers Museum Foundation
Thanks to the generosity of Mayer Brown, LLP, the international law firm which is also providing pro bono legal advice to The American Writers Museum Foundation, we now have an office within Mayer Brown's offices at 1999 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006.




Spotlight on an AWM Friend: Center for the Book
AWM has been closely allied with the Library of Congress' Center for the Book and its founding director, John Y. Cole, who also is a member of the AWM Executive Planning Team. Established by law in 1977, the Center is a public-private partnership that promotes books, reading, literacy and libraries, as well as the scholarly study of books. The Center has affiliate centers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than 80 organizations are Center for the Book reading promotion partners both in the U.S. and abroad, including AWM. Cole recently invited Malcolm O'Hagan to address the Center for the Book's annual State Affiliates meeting, where the concept of The American Writers Museum received overwhelming support and generous offers to help with implementation. To learn more, click here.




In Search of Philanthropists
If you are reading this newsletter, you undoubtedly have an interest in writing, literature, poetry and museums. Funding a new museum –the first of its kind in the United States- represents a rare opportunity for an American philanthropist or a philanthropic organization to be involved -and influential- at the very beginning of such an important and worthy project. If you or someone you know may be interested in supporting our work, please let us know by contacting Executive Planning Team Member Jim Rutledge at: Rutledge@AmericanWritersMuseum.org.




Your Opinion Counts!
When you envision The American Writers Museum, what do you see? You can share your thoughts with us by responding to our online survey.




Thank You to our Pro Bono Supporters
The list of people and organizations providing pro bono support for AWM now includes experts in museum strategy, website development, marketing, fundraising, exhibit design and more. Thank you to all of those who believe in the AWM concept and support our efforts so generously with their time and expertise. As AWM Founder Malcolm O'Hagan says, "There are no words to describe the tremendous time, talent and enthusiasm with which the idea for The American Writers Museum has been greeted and the generosity of spirit that has welcomed me at every turn. My deepest gratitude to all the experts who continue to share their wisdom in support of The American Writers Museum."




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