Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library

In Kurt's 1981 autobiographical collage Palm Sunday, he referred to the concept of a "New York friendship" as "someone you have met at least once." On this list of friends was one William S. Burroughs, who happened to leave New York in 1981 for the safe haven of Lawrence, Kansas. While living there, he hosted many arts and humanities luminaries, such as Kurt Cobain, Sonic Youth, and Joe Petro III, Kurt Vonnegut’s partner in screen printing. Our very own curator Chris was in Kansas City last weekend, and took the 40 minute drive to Lawrence to visit the former home of the infamous author of Naked Lunch and read his favorite part of the novel, about a man who taught his asshole to speak, with disastrous results! The book was first published in excerpts by students at the University of Chicago in 1959, and then full copies of the book eventually led to the arrest of a Boston bookstore owner on obscenity charges in 1962. In 1966, the United States Supreme Court in Memoirs vs. Massachusetts confirmed that a "book cannot be held to be obscene in view of substantial evidence showing that it has literary, historical, and social importance." As we enter the last week of Banned Books Month, we encourage everyone in our karass to join the museum for some important events we are having, and pay close attention to upcoming events surrounding Kurt’s 100th birthday on November 11th. We’re grateful for your support in fighting censorship wherever it may be, and we hope you’ll share this video far and wide, please comment and share for a chance to win Chris's copy of Naked Lunch! #Vonnegut, #Burroughs, #BannedBooksWeek, #Libraries, #Museums. https://www.vonnegutlibrary.org/banned-books-week/

Artists in Residency Thomas Teller and Spiritchild taking guests through our random book quote generator as part of this week’s anti-censorship album from scratch experiment! In Indy!? Come get involved. It’s super easy and fun!

Everybody Doesn’t Like Something: Let’s Just Ban Everything with Barry Lynn, part of Teaching Vonnegut 2022 We live in a nation with people all across the political spectrum increasingly willing to use the power of government to suppress expression they don’t like: not just with school curriculum and library books, but with a broad swath of other things as well. Sometimes “censorship” occurs over topics most Americans find silly like Shakespearian plays or a few “damns” in a library book. However, other things that people want to suppress are not easily labelled “silly” at all: advertising for controversial products like tobacco, alcohol and condoms; rock and rap music that shows disdain for women or the police; comedy that offends based on racial, gender or medical stereotypes, and hardcore pornography. Lynn's workshop will start with some of the “new” suppression tactics and legal decisions and then move on to the arguments about protecting children and emotional appeals that are more often used against adverting, music, comedy and of course pornography. Register for Everybody Doesn’t Like Something: Let’s Just Ban Everything here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/everybody-doesnt-like-something-lets-just-ban-everything-tickets-316729114307 Teaching Vonnegut is an annual series of workshops exploring the life, works, and legacy of Kurt Vonnegut as well as the causes that he championed. In 2022 KVML will host 8 two-hour Zoom workshops spread across the afternoons and evenings of July 14th, 19th, 21st & 26th. Synopses, teacher bios and registration links for all of the Teaching Vonnegut workshops can be found at vonnegutlibrary.org/teaching-vonnegut/ KVML have workshop packages and student discounts available as well as a few scholarships remaining! Teaching Vonnegut Workshops are inclusive, and open to all. There are no prerequisites, and it is our goal to provide high-quality educational experiences to as many people as possible.

Using the frame of Vonnegut’s mock-autobiographies, Mother Night and Bluebeard, Emma and John's workshop will look closely at the construction of “selves” in these narratives and how students and writers all use some of these same strategies to construct public facing versions of themselves. Participants will discuss what these frames accomplish, and how they can be used to spur writing and discussion in the classroom. Through Howard W. Campbell, Jr. and Rabo Karabekian we will see how plot and character become intertwined in the construction of the self, and how students can use similar tactics when writing application letters, social media posts and in their own creative work. "Authoring Selves: When Plot Becomes Character—The Mock Autobiography in Mother Night and Bluebeard" is workshop 4 of Teaching Vonnegut 2022 and you can register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/authoring-selves-when-plot-becomes-character-tickets-316850066077?ref=estw Teaching Vonnegut is an annual series of workshops exploring the life, works, and legacy of Kurt Vonnegut as well as the causes that he championed. In 2022 KVML will host 8 two-hour Zoom workshops spread across the afternoons and evenings of July 14th, 19th, 21st & 26th. Synopses, teacher bios and registration links for all of the Teaching Vonnegut workshops can be found at vonnegutlibrary.org/teaching-vonnegut/ And don't forget to check out our workshop packages and student discounts! Teaching Vonnegut Workshops are inclusive, and open to all. There are no prerequisites, and it is our goal to provide high-quality educational experiences to as many people as possible.

Kurt Vonnegut was a musically literate writer. In a number of his works there are references to Bach, Mozart, jazz, the blues, the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. There is even a cuckoo clock in Hell! In Galápagos he wrote, “Oh well, he wasn’t going to write Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony anyway.” But why Beethoven, and why that piece? "Bach, Beethoven, and the Beatles – Vonnegut and his musical choices", workshop 2 of Teaching Vonnegut 2022 will explore Vonnegut’s references as we unravel his musical choices – including the movie music from Slaughterhouse Five. Teaching Vonnegut is an annual series of workshops exploring the life, works, and legacy of Kurt Vonnegut as well as the causes that he championed. In 2022 KVML will host eight (8) two-hour Zoom workshops spread across the afternoons and evenings of July 14th, 19th, 21st & 26th. You can register for "Bach, Beethoven, and the Beatles – Vonnegut and his musical choices" and the rest of the Teaching Vonnegut workshops at: vonnegutlibrary.org/teaching-vonnegut/ And don't forget to check out our workshop packages and student discounts. Teaching Vonnegut Workshops are inclusive, and open to anyone. There are no prerequisites, and it is our goal to provide high-quality educational experiences to as many people as possible.

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KVML are thrilled to announce our first ever Music Directors in Residence! Jared Thompson is an Indianapolis jazz saxophonist, composer and member of Premium Blend. His brother, Joshua Thompson is a classical pianist and a music sociologist. As music directors, Joshua and Jared will curate the musical components of KVML's exhibits, events and educational programs. Check out KVML's new Vonnegut & Jazz exhibit now on display at the museum, and stay tuned for more exciting music announcements coming soon.

(From the Literary Landmark Celebration) Lots of new things to see at the Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library including our Literary Landmark, the new Vonnegut & Jazz exhibit and the new Women Who Shaped Vonnegut exhibit!

Vonnegut and Jazz is launched! Come check out the new exhibit!

Vonnegut and Jazz is launched! Come check out the new exhibit!

What was it like growing up in the Vonnegut household? Register for any KVML event today and get a link to the full recording of our 2022 kick-off event with Kurt's son, Mark Vonnegut, his nephew, Steve Adams and his long-time friend and publisher, Dan Simon. During the event Mark and Steve shared several anecdotes from their childhood with Kurt. And the event also featured a musical performance inspired by Vonnegut from The Bushwick Book Club.

Register for any KVML event today and get a link to the full recording of our 2022 kick-off event with Kurt's son, Mark Vonnegut, his nephew, Steve Adams and his long-time friend and publisher, Dan Simon. The event also featured a musical performance inspired by Vonnegut from The Bushwick Book Club. It was a heart-wrenching and inspiring evening filled with wonderful moments like when Steve read this letter from Kurt.

Register for any KVML event before Feb 13, and receive a private link to the full interview with Comedian Nick Griffin kvml.org/events Nick Griffin is a NY comic who has regularly appeared on the late shows and at The Comedy Cellar and Gotham Comedy Club. He also has a new special out on Amazon called Cheer Up. #vonnegut #museum #nickgriffin #sneakpeek

Sign up for any KVML event and receive a private link to the full Sophie Maurer interview with comedian Nick Griffin! www.kvml.org #vonnegut #museum #nickgriffin #sneakpeek

Courtesy of the Vonnegut Family Archives.

There's still time to support KVML's 1922 Society on Giving Tuesday! And if you pledge right now, several KVML Board Members have pledged to match the next five $100 donations!!!!! Join the 1922 Society today, and help us raise thousands toward our 2022 educational programming! From our Youth Writing Program to Teaching Vonnegut Workshops, the 1922 Society supports all of KVML's educational programming. Because your generous gift directly impacts the reach of our educational initiatives, we are asking you to think big with your donation today. A gift must be at least $100 to be included in this program. In the words of Kurt, "Your city thanks you; your country thanks you; your planet thanks you. But the deepest thanks of all is from future generations." And we at KVML thank you for your support of the Vonnegut Museum and Kurt’s legacy. Donations can be made at: www.vonnegutlibrary.org/support/make-a-donation/

There are only hours left to our SUPER SALE! All items in our museum store are 25% off until midnight! Visit kvmlshop.org and use code: 6DAYSALE at checkout. (Note: discount cannot be added to Edie Vonnegut’s artwork. International orders must be placed via email at [email protected].)

***3pm UPDATE: We've just received word that several KVML Board Members have pledged to match the next five $100 donations!!!!! Join the 1922 Society today, and help us raise thousands toward our 2022 educational programming!*** On this Giving Tuesday (today!), we hope that you will consider contributing to a society that keeps giving. To celebrate Vonnegut’s 100th year and his support for education, KVML has formed the 1922 Society, a fund dedicated to educational programming. From our Youth Writing Program and Teacher Workshops to our Museum Tours and Veterans Programs, KVML and the 1922 Society reaches far and wide, and we wouldn't be able to do this important work without you! Because your generous gift directly impacts the reach of our educational initiatives, we are asking you to think big with your giving today (monthly recurring payments and gifts of stock are also accepted). A gift must be at least $100 to be included in this program. During this season of thanks, please consider the good work KVML has been doing for over a decade, and know that we greatly appreciate the support of our community. In the words of Kurt, "Your city thanks you; your country thanks you; your planet thanks you. But the deepest thanks of all is from future generations." We at KVML thank you for your continued support of the Vonnegut Museum and Kurt’s legacy. Please make your donations at: www.vonnegutlibrary.org/support/make-a-donation/ #vonnegut #teacherlife #museum #personaldevelopment #GivingTuesday

"I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different." KV

"See Beth Ann, it's easy..." Come down and challenge Drew DeSimone to a game of ping pong during Banned Books Week!

Screenplay from Scratch is relocating! Still at 4pm Eastern, you can find him hard at work via Zoom. Email [email protected] or [email protected] for the link!

Screenplay

from Scratch

Screenplay from Scratch

Together we start writing a screenplay from scratch. Today we come up with the idea behind the film.

Here! Today! At 4pm Eastern!

Drew, this is NOT how it goes!!

Drew, this is NOT how it goes!!

There's A Storm Brewin'

There’s a storm brewing and we’re here to discuss it. Come join us on August 19th for Storm’s A Brewin’ - Weather and Climate Change, a live panel discussion that takes a look at climate, weather, and how the two are connected. We have the Executive Director of the Hoosier Environmental Council, Jesse Kharbanda, along with past chairman of the Hoosier Chapter of the Sierra Club and Chairperson of the Indianapolis Greenways Commission, Gregory Silver joining us in the discussion. We’ll talk about the differences between weather and climate, how they’re interconnected, and current climate issues we’re facing. Buy tickets for Storm's A Brewin' - Weather and Climate Change here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/weather-and-climate-change-tickets-164188561407

Join IUPUI's Radical Reading Circle!

Join IUPUI's Radical Reading Circle on September 1st for a discussion on the short film "The River Is Me" by MEL Films. The film documentary follows the story of the Whanganui River located in New Zealand. After years of disputes over the ownership of the river, it now owns itself. The Whanganui River was granted legal personhood in 2017. But there are still disputes on where the river ends and nature begins. Watch it here: https://vimeo.com/288119812 The Radical Reading Circle is free and open to all. Participants should arrive prepared to approach controversial subjects with an open and respectful voice. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/radical-reading-circle-with-the-kurt-vonnegut-museum-library-tickets-142741101477?aff=ebdsoporgprofile