Thurber House is a nonprofit literary arts center that serves as an educational gathering place for readers, writers, and artists from all over the world.
Since 1984, Thurber House and the Thurber Center next door have held author events, creative programming, writing workshops for kids and adults, writer residencies, camps and more.
Thurber House Living Museum (is it haunted?)
The Thurber House is 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.
Thurber House functions as a living museum where interaction with some museum materials is permitted, allowing visitors to experience the house as if they were the Thurbers’ guests.
The home is filled with Thurber artifacts, memorabilia, antique furnishings, and informational panels and photographs about the family and James Thurber’s life and career. Reputed to be haunted, visitors are welcome to ask about the stories behind the rumors.
Dog Garden and Unicorn in the Garden
Visitors should also visit the Dog Garden and the Unicorn in the Garden. Stop by the peaceful Thurber Centennial Reading Garden located between Thurber House and Thurber Center to read, or just sit to relax.
You’ll find 4 larger-than-life-size Thurber dogs by Sculptor Dale Johnson, as well as a 5th dog on top of the fountain.
Across the street in Thurber Park, you’ll find the unicorn, modeled after the creature in Thurber’s story “The Unicorn in the Garden,”. The full text of which is engraved near the statue. The matching unicorn sculpture is located on the grounds of the Columbus School for Girls in Bexley.
Thurber House events
Thurber House offers programs throughout the year. Check out these Fall 2023 events.
Books & Boos (Kid Friendly Halloween Event)
October 28, 2023 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
This FREE family-friendly event is meant for the littlest goblins. Drop in any time during the event to enjoy a few treats while listening to strange and spooky tales. Get active with seasonal crafts, Mad Libs, and a scavenger hunt!
Bonfire & Boos (Adult Halloween Event)
October 28, 2023 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Do you believe in ghosts? Adults (only) can drop in to tour the Thurber House and hear spooky stories. There will be an adult-only bonfire including drinks and storytelling with award-winning author John Kachuba. Bring your own chair or blanket. Guests can enter a raffle for a chance to win a private ghost investigation at Thurber House on Friday, November 17, 2023.
Emmy-Award Winning Actor, Author, & Comedian Henry Winkler
November 8, 2023 from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
“Ayyy!” Who doesn’t love “The Fonz”, from Happy Days? Spend an evening with Henry Winkler as he shares the struggles and successes of his life story, as told in his memoir, “Being Harry”. The evening will be moderated by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Connie Schultz.
This event is at Mershon Auditorium, located on The Ohio State University campus at 1871 North High St. Tickets are required in advance (click here). The cost is $75. Guests will receive a hardcopy of the book, plus a meet and greet (photo & book signing) with Harry and Connie after the event.
Read more about upcoming events.
Adult Writing Workshops and Events
Events currently held in person or via Zoom. Workshops are focused on tips and tricks of the writing process, including character and story development, editing, and more. Register on the events page.
Thurber House Children’s Programs
Young Writers’ Studio: Every other week, local teens grades 9-12 gather to write, create, and explore ways to get their stories on paper. Sessions are $17 and held in-person at Thurber Center and simultaneously Zoomed for virtual participants. Register here.
Thurber House Summer Writing Camp: Grades 2–9. In-Person and Virtual Options Available. See dates and offerings here.
Looking for more events? Find future events on the current program calendar.
Visiting Thurber House
Open to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1:00–4:00 pm. Admission is $5 per guest. Take a self-guided tour anytime during business hours. Guided tours are available for no additional charge on select days. Feel free to call or email (at least two days) prior to your planned visit to confirm the tour schedule.
Free parking is available via street parking along the Jefferson Ave oval. There is a 3 hour limit between 8 am – 6 pm, no limit after 6 pm or on Sundays. Note: only the spots along the one-way oval are free; the spots along the two-way ends of Jefferson Avenue (near Broad Street and Long Street) are not free.
Free visitor parking is available in the small lot directly behind Thurber House, accessible off 11th Street. There is no time limit as long as you are visiting Thurber House. All other parking lots do not belong to Thurber House and you may be towed.
Thurber House
77 Jefferson Avenue
Columbus, OH 43215
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Find more literary events below
Past events from 2022
Annual Thurber Prize for American Humor
Thurber Prize for American Humor is one of the highest recognitions of humor writing in the United States. During this annual event, guests are entertained with a spectacular evening of humor featuring the three award finalists, culminating with the announcement of the winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor. Past winner have included David Sedaris, Jon Stewart, Joe Keenan, Trevor Noah, and more.
Summer Literary Picnics
Enjoy an evening of good friends, good food, and great books on the lawn of Thurber House. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, a picnic dinner and drinks, and enjoy! More details and tickets here.
Adult Boxed Dinner + Reading | $41
Adult Reading Only | $21
18 and Under Reading Only | $5.25
Dinner Upgrade | $20 Add a boxed dinner to any Reading Only ticket or Full Summer Subscription for $20.
Black Friday Sale
November tba: 75% Off Black Friday Sale; online only, excluding books. Use promo code THURBER75 to apply the discount.
Cyber Monday
November tba: Get $25 in Thurber Ca$h on Cyber Monday when you purchase a $25 or more gift card. Thurber Ca$h is valid for redemption through June 30, 2023.
Thurber Birthday Open House
December 8, 2022 from 1-7 pm
Celebrate James Thurber’s birthday with us at Thurber House at this free pop-in family event. Enjoy seasonal music, caroling, and hot chocolate to celebrate Thurber’s legacy.
The museum is open for extended hours from 1-7 pm.
On December 8 only, all merchandise (excluding books) is 75% off in the physical bookstore at 77 Jefferson Avenue.
Grab one-of-a-kind James Thurber-themed t-shirts, mugs, ornaments, dog toys, magnets, postcards, buttons, and more! Get some gifts for the Thurber enthusiasts in your life!
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