Museum in the U.S.A. unveils esteemed authors for OnWord 2025 fundraising event honors
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The American Writers Museum in Chicago is set to host its annual OnWord benefit on September 8, 2025, at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. This event, a celebration of literature and storytelling, aims to raise funds to support the museum's operations, including its expanding youth education programs.
The OnWord 2025 event will honour distinguished individuals who have significantly impacted the literary landscape. Among the honourees are Scott Turrow and Jerre and Mary Joy Stead, who will receive the Beyond the Page Award for their commitment to advocacy, philanthropy, and leadership.
Brit Bennett, author of The Vanishing Half and The Mothers, will present the Inspiration Award to her former teacher, Christine Esteban. David Grann, journalist and bestselling author of Killers of the Flower Moon, will receive the Founder's Inspiring Writer Award. However, the specific focus of OnWord 2025 and other honourees have yet to be confirmed.
The American Writers Museum, located at 180 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601, offers something for every age group. Permanent exhibits and special galleries showcase the rich history and diversity of American literature. The museum is open Monday, Thursday-Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM and is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. For group visits, discounted rates can be found on the museum's website or by calling 312-374-8765.
Tickets for adults are $16, while seniors, students, and teachers pay $10. Children ages 12 and under have free entry. For more information, visit AmericanWritersMuseum.org or call 312-374-8790. The museum can also be followed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
In addition to the OnWord benefit, the American Writers Museum hosts the John Estey Student Writing Contest. This year, the awards will be given to 10 finalists, with $10,500 in prizes. The winners in the middle school category include Samarth Agrawal, Faith Ducksworth, and Aarna Desai. Ada Bartlett, Sienna Wong, and Shira Kerchner are the winners in the elementary school category. Alicia Fischi, Asmi Tyagi, Edward Lee, and Lexi Lin are the high school winners.
OnWord 2025 is not just a fundraising event, but a celebration of literature and an opportunity to support the museum's programs. Roxanne Decyk is the Co-Chair for OnWord 2025, ensuring the event's success and the museum's continued growth in promoting American literature. Last year's OnWord event raised $820,000, demonstrating the event's significant impact on the museum's operations.
Join the American Writers Museum on September 8, 2025, for an unforgettable evening of literature, storytelling, and support for the future of American literature.
- For individuals passionate about personal growth and learning, the American Writers Museum in Chicago offers opportunities in education and self-development through its permanent exhibits and special galleries focused on American literature.
- During the OnWord 2025 event, attendees can engage with various fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and home-and-garden spaces available at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, adding a unique touch to the literary celebration.
- The museum's youth education programs are supported by fundraising events such as OnWord 2025, enabling relationships with educators and advocates for these programs, like Christine Esteban, who is being honoured with the Inspiration Award this year.
- In addition to literature-centered events, the American Writers Museum also hosts competitions for learning, such as the John Estey Student Writing Contest, offering an avenue for students in middle, elementary, and high schools to showcase their talents and win prizes.
- Pets lovers and enthusiasts can make a visit to the museum part of their pet-friendly lifestyles, as the museum does not have specific pet policies mentioned on its website, providing a potential inclusive environment for pet-owners.
- For those planning a getaway or travel within the Chicago area, a visit to the American Writers Museum can be incorporated into an itinerary filled with personal growth, sports, and sports-betting experiences, as Chicago is home to numerous professional sports teams and gambling establishments.
- Upon visiting the museum, guests can explore a variety of shops related to books, literature, and merchandise, making for an unforgettable shopping experience that enhances their lifestyle and personal growth.
- After a day at the museum, visitors can consider pursuing career-development opportunities by embracing real-estate trends in the city, with luxury properties like the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago offering a polished living environment that accommodates various lifestyles and interests, from urban living to pet-friendly accommodations and distinguished dining options.