On Jan. 24, 2026, The John Updike Childhood Home museum received another one-of-a-kind display item, thanks to the generosity of Gary and Deb Knerr. The Knerrs presented the museum with a hand-drawn map of Shillington, created by Barry Nelson, Shillington H.S. Class of 1950. Nelson was one of Updike’s best friends in high school and remained a close friend throughout their lifetimes.

Updike died in 2009, Nelson in 2011. In high school they worked together on the editorial board of Chatterbox, the school newspaper, According to the content note of the Silcox/Lewis Collection housed at Alvernia University, which contains Nelson’s collection, Nelson taught Updike how to play basketball and baseball. Later, as an adult, Nelson taught English at his old school, renamed Governor Mifflin High School. He also served as historian for Shillington Borough and wrote two books on local history.

The John Updike Childhood Home is owned and operated by The John Updike Society, a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to awakening and sustaining interest in Updike and his works. The museum is open most Saturdays from 12-2pm and to groups also by special arrangement.