After hosting numerous author programs online for the past year-and-a-half, the American Writers Museum (AWM) will begin to welcome audiences back to the museum for in-person events this Fall. A book launch event for TikTok star Joanne Lee Molinaroโs The Korean Vegan: Reflections and Recipes from Ommaโs Kitchen is at the AWM on Tuesday, October 12 and a discussion with The Writerโs Crusade author Tom Roston about Kurt Vonnegutโs life and his iconic novel Slaughterhouse-Five takes place on Friday, October 15. The AWM will be using new equipment and technology to also broadcast this program live online for those who are unable to attend in-person.
The AWM recently installed a new, high-definition, three-camera system with video production software and streaming capabilities, and an expanded museum-wide sound system. The new equipment and technology has many applications โ creating video for author programs and exhibits, virtual field trips, and even audio and video for private events. The museum can now offer programs for the public and students with real-time interactions with authors who can join remotely.
“This resource will give our patrons a higher-quality, more engaging experience,โ said Christopher Burrow, AWM Director of Operations. โThe dynamic camera and microphone system essentially creates a television studio in the museum, allowing us to broadcast live through YouTube, Zoom, or other platforms.โ
The Chicago Council of the American Writers Museum is hosting Molinaro for the launch of her debut cookbook, The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Ommaโs Kitchen. She will share insights into her Korean heritage, the process of writing a cookbook, and more. Molinaro has amassed 2.4 million followers on TikTok (@thekoreanvegan) with her recipes and personal stories. The $75 ticket price includes food, drinks, and a copy of the cookbook. To register for this 6pm program, visit here. The full recording of the author talk will be available on AWMโs YouTube for those who miss the live program.
In The Writer’s Crusade, Roston probes Vonnegutโs work, history, and discarded drafts of Slaughterhouse-Five, as well as original interviews with the writerโs family, friends, scholars, psychologists, and other novelists. His deeply researched exploration of the connection of Vonnegutโs life and his enduring masterpiece on trauma and memory will be discussed in a 6:30pm program. To register for the in-person event for $10 admission, visit here. To watch the live broadcast online, sign up here.
For in-person programs, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the event, valid photo ID, and masks are required to enter.
Upcoming Virtual Programs
Wednesday, October 13, 6:30 p.m. Laurence Leamer, Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era
In Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era, bestselling author Laurence Leamer reveals the complex web of relationships and scandalous true stories behind Truman Capoteโs never-published final novel, Answered Prayersโthe dark secrets, tragic glamour, and Capoteโs ultimate betrayal of the group of female friends he called his “swans.”
Thursday, October 21, 6:30 p.m. Now Comes Good Sailing: Writers Reflect on Henry David Thoreau
A discussion about the life, work and legacy of Henry David Thoreau with writers A. O. Scott and Rafia Zakaria. Both writers contributed pieces to the new collection Now Comes Good Sailing: Writers Reflect on Henry David Thoreau. Learn more about the impact of the author of Walden and “Civil Disobedience” from the perspectives of modern writers influenced by him.
Tuesday, October 26, 6:30 p.m. Asali Solomon, The Days of Afrekete
From award-winning author Asali Solomon, The Days of Afrekete is a tender, surprising novel of two women at midlife who rediscover themselvesโand perhaps each other, inspired by Mrs. Dalloway, Sula, and Audre Lordeโs Zami. Solomon will be interviewed by fellow award-winning writer Rebecca Makkai.
For more information and to register for a program, visit AmericanWritersMuseum.org/calendar/.
About American Writers Museum
The American Writers Museum is the first museum of its kind in the United States. The mission of the American Writers Museum is to engage the public in celebrating American writers and exploring their influence on our history, our identity, and our daily lives. The museum is located at 180 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60601, and offers something for every age group including permanent exhibits and special galleries highlighting Americaโs favorite works and the authors behind them. Tickets to the museum are $14 for adults, $9 for seniors, students, and teachers. Free for members and children ages 12 and under. To inquire about discounted rates for groups of 10 or more, including adults, student travel groups, and University students, visit AmericanWritersMuseum.org/visit/groups/ or call 312-374-8770. Museum hours are Thursday – Monday 10 AM โ 5 PM. For more information visit AmericanWritersMuseum.org or call 312-374-8790.
Contact: Karie McGahan, Director of Marketing