Columbus' four-decade old literary hub and museum, Thurber House, has new leadership.
Thurber House on Jefferson Avenue is based in the former home of James Thurber, the 20th century humorist, cartoonist, author and playwright. The house serves as a museum celebrating Thurber’s life, and the Thurber Center next door offers literary programs and events.
Katherine Matthews is currently serving as the interim executive director, after former director Laurie Lathan left the organization a few weeks ago.
"It's just a simple matter that Laurie has moved on and we're heading forward," Matthews said.
Matthews said Thurber House is also in the midst of a regular financial audit.
Lathan led the organization through a major fundraiser last December. At the time, Thurber House said it needed more support after attendance at events failed to rebound after the pandemic.
Matthews said Thurber House surpassed its $200,000 goal — and she believes attendance at in-person events has begun to tick back up.
"I think people wanna come back to seeing other people face to face and talking about things they love," Matthews said.
The organization plans to hold true to promises to host more classes and events. Matthews, a longtime teacher at Thurber House, said programming will be her focus as interim director.
"I mean, different directors do different things. So for me, right now, I am looking at expanding the programs. I'm looking at meeting people and learning more about the nonprofit community here," Matthews said.
Thurber House plans to bring back some children's programs that have not been done in recent years, she said. The agenda also includes Halloween events for children and adults. Matthews teased a murder mystery.
"I might be in costume playing a role," Matthews said. "And by might, I mean definitely."
She said Thurber House is a place for writers — who "live solitary lives" — as well as creative kids and teens to come together.
"That sense of community and that sense of a place to go learn about what you love is a big deal," Matthews said.
