American Writers Museum
One of the benefits of slow travel is having time to see lesser-known places like the American Writers Museum. It was on Michigan Avenue, near Millennium Park, and we’d walked by it many times.
The museum was small, but there was plenty to see.
One room was dedicated to authors who wrote for children, and it was fun reminiscing about the books we loved most when we were kids. I discovered that I loved Langston Hughes’ blues poetry - it’s not just for children.
A large gallery had a time line with 100 notable writers, putting their work into context across more than 500 years of American history. There were some intriguing stories, and there were a many authors who were new to me.
A temporary exhibit showcased writers for the gaming industry - from Dungeons & Dragons to video games to visual novels where players decide what happens next in the story.
Visitors were encouraged to linger: there was a reading room with books and comfortable chairs, a game room with shelves of board games, and a writing room. There was also a gallery full of ideas, inspiration, and even exercises for aspiring authors and those experiencing writer’s block.
My favorite spot was a long table with vintage manual typewriters for visitors to use. I still remembered how to insert a sheet of paper and push the carriage return lever at the end of each line. I had forgotten how much pressure was needed to make those keys strike the ribbon hard enough to leave a good imprint!
I thoroughly enjoyed this museum! It’s very interactive and will delight readers, inspire writers, and engage history buffs. It can also be a quiet oasis from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Chicago. (Admission is free with membership in a NARM institution.)
