John Updike Childhood Home, Literary house museum in Shillington, Pennsylvania, United States
The John Updike Childhood Home is a ten-room residence in Shillington that preserves the author's years growing up at 117 Philadelphia Avenue. The spaces contain his personal belongings, documents, and furnishings from his youth.
The house was built in 1884 and served as home to the young Updike for roughly thirteen years while he developed his writing skills. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019.
The home reflects how the young author connected with his surroundings during his formative years in this small Pennsylvania town. Visitors can see the spaces where daily life unfolded and imagination took root.
The museum is accessible by car with designated parking spaces, including spots for visitors with mobility needs. Tours are led by trained staff who guide visitors through the home and explain its significance to Updike's life.
The author's bedroom preserves a personal collection of toys and books that reveal which reading and interests shaped his early imagination. This intimate selection sheds light on the roots of his later literary work.
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