Author Archives: John Updike Society

Childhood Home docent talks about Updike and art

Artist and John Updike Childhood Home docent Barbara Post drew an appreciative audience for her talk on “The Artistry of John Updike: Throughout His Prolific Writing.” The June 1, 2024 event was the most recent in the JUCH Speaker Series … Continue reading

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Updike house parking lot offers new visitor space

Nothing says “welcome” like a brand new parking lot that takes away any doubts about whether it’s okay to park on the lower property near Brobst. The lot was along time coming, but it was a condition of being zoned … Continue reading

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John Updike Childhood Home announces summer hours

If you’re planning on visiting The John Updike Childhood Home this summer, be aware that the museum just announced summer hours, restricted because of volunteer availability. The museum, which formally opened in October 2021, has been favorably reviewed and recommended … Continue reading

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Updike house schedules St. Patrick’s Day event

Before you head to Flanagan’s, a favorite stop for the adult John Updike, spend some time at The John Updike Childhood Home for a special St. Patrick’s Day event featuring Charles J. Adams III, editor of The Historical Review of … Continue reading

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Wall Street Journal recommends Updike house museum

Philadelphia-based cultural reporter and critic Julia Klein recently spent several hours touring The John Updike Childhood Home and wrote a review for The Wall Street Journal that was published on Sept. 4, 2023. “For such a clear-eyed chronicler of America’s … Continue reading

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Summer hours remain in effect

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Updike house holiday ornament contest announced

It’s that time of year again! John Updike’s first love was art and his first ambition was to be a cartoonist. In that spirit, the John Updike Childhood Home will sponsor an annual holiday ornament competition, with the winners ornaments … Continue reading

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TLC Fore Reading Education Series visits the Updike house

John Updike Childhood Home director Maria Lester welcomed another group of schoolchildren to the house recently, which resulted in a YouTube video documenting the visit. Education Series—John Updike Childhood Home offers a nice account of what goes on when young … Continue reading

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Reading Education Foundation to support Updike house visits

On September 14, 2022 the Reading Education Foundation announced their grant awards for the year. Among the approved projects was one proposed by John Updike Childhood Home director Maria Lester titled “Teaching Berks County’s Native Son, John Updike.” The grant … Continue reading

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Drone shots of Updike house featured on Berks Nostalgia

Alexa Freyman put together a nice feature on The John Updike Childhood Home, 117 Philadelphia Ave., in Shillington, using shots from an expertly controlled drone. Even those who’ve seen the house in person will find the drone shots interesting for … Continue reading

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