American Writers Museum Plans Unveiled in Washington, D.C.

by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 1:01 AM ET, Thu September 23, 2010

Surprisingly, a museum to honor American writers doesn't exist, but a group of Washington, D.C., literature lovers has banded together to change that. At the helm of the movement to establish a museum that celebrates our nation's literary heritage is Malcolm O'Hagan, a former association executive. O'Hagan intends to establish The American Writers Museum, crediting his inspiration to the Dublin Writers Museum in Dublin, Ireland.

O'Hagan has garnered the support of a high-profile planning committee; gained pro bono legal services and a K Street, Washington, D.C. office from Mayer Brown LLP, a leading global law firm; launched a website, and earned the support of the nation's leading literary and cultural institutions. As a show of support, the Smithsonian Institution provided a day-long think-tank session on founding a museum just for O'Hagan and his team. The museum now needs a major funder, and until the right funder is found, O'Hagan is holding off on decisions about where The American Writers Museum will be located. Although there are mayors who have dangled the keys to their city for the museum site, O'Hagan wants the funders to have a say in that decision. More information and a chance to provide suggestions for the museum planners are available at www.americanwritersmuseum.org. The first newsletter distributed by The American Writers Museum Foundation may be seen at www.americanwritersmuseum.org/newsletter.htm.

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