Category Archives: House news

Updike house Summer Creative Writing Workshop for Teens wraps up

Posted on July 19, 2026 by John Updike Society

Under the direction of Dr. Maria Lester and with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the inaugural free Summer Creative Writing Workshop at the John Updike Childhood Home concluded—after perhaps giving a boost to a new generation of … Continue reading →

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Former Updike house owners visit and share treasures

Posted on July 19, 2026 by John Updike Society

David and Linda Stuckert, who owned 117 Philadelphia Avenue before Niemczyk-Hoffman bought the building, visited the house near the end of June, 2026. Now residing in Indianapolis, Ind., the Stuckerts donated a signed book by John Updike, an envelope and … Continue reading →

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Three screens enhance John Updike Childhood Home visits

Posted on May 30, 2026 by John Updike Society

Thanks to a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the John Updike Childhood Home now has three new media screens that loop in Updike interviews, so people can hear the author’s voice as they enjoy ten rooms of … Continue reading →

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Updike museum director receives Distinguished Service Award

Posted on October 26, 2025 by John Updike Society

Maria Lester, director of The John Updike Childhood Home, was honored for “extraordinary work as Education Director and Director” at the only museum dedicated to the two-time Pulitzer Prize winning writer and famous Berks County resident. Lester, who co-directed the … Continue reading →

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Updike Childhood Home receives NEH grant

Posted on August 6, 2025 by John Updike Society

Maria Lester, director of The John Updike Childhood Home that is owned and operated by the 501c3 John Updike Society, received word recently that the museum at 117 Philadelphia Ave. in Shillington, Pa. was awarded a $25,000 Chairman’s Grant from … Continue reading →

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Updike’s dogwood doggedly persists

Posted on June 28, 2025 by John Updike Society

The dogwood tree (right) that Updike’s parents planted on his first birthday is still alive and well, thanks to excellent care from Pete Giangiulo, who is trying to coax an “offspring” from the tree, via air layering. Planted in April … Continue reading →

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In Memoriam: David W. Ruoff

Posted on January 11, 2025 by John Updike Society

With heavy hearts we report that the senior docent of The John Updike Childhood Home, David W. Ruoff, died Jan. 1 at age 83 of congestive heart failure while in hospice care in Ephrata. Dave became a member of The … Continue reading →

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Updike house parking lot offers new visitor space

Posted on June 7, 2024 by John Updike Society

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

Posted on May 31, 2024 by John Updike Society

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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