About Wilder125

Wilder125 is a year-long celebration of the 125th anniversary of the birth of Thornton Wilder (1897–1975), one of America’s most acclaimed novelists and playwrights. The initiative unites theaters, libraries, schools, and cultural organizations around the world to honor Wilder’s remarkable contributions to literature and the stage.

Our Story

Born in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1897, Thornton Wilder spent his early years in China, where his father was a diplomat. He later studied at Yale and Princeton and became the only writer to win Pulitzer Prizes for both drama and fiction: for his novel The Bridge of San Luis Rey and his plays Our Town and The Skin of Our Teeth. His other works include The Matchmaker (adapted into the musical Hello, Dolly!), The Alcestiad, and the screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock’s Shadow of a Doubt.

The Wilder family and its partners created Wilder125 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of his birth. Instead of a single event, it is a worldwide series of performances, readings, exhibitions, and conversations that show how relevant Wilder’s work remains and how it links everyday life with the cosmic scale of human experience.

Our Mission

Wilder125 celebrates Thornton Wilder’s life and legacy by supporting productions of his plays, creating educational opportunities, and helping new audiences discover his work. We believe Wilder’s themes—community, resilience, the passage of time, and the beauty of ordinary life—resonate as strongly today as they did when he wrote them.

What We Do

• Support Productions: We work with theaters across the United States and around the world to stage Wilder’s plays, from Our Town to The Skin of Our Teeth and beyond.
• Host Events: We organize talks, panel discussions, film screenings, and community gatherings that explore Wilder’s work and its influence.
• Provide Resources: We offer downloadable materials—mission statements, logos, press kits, and timelines—for producers, educators, and media.
• Engage Communities: We partner with libraries, schools, and cultural institutions to bring Wilder’s work to a wide range of audiences.

Who We Serve

Wilder125 serves a wide community: theater professionals, educators, students, scholars, and general audiences interested in Thornton Wilder’s work. Whether you are producing a Wilder play, teaching Our Town in a classroom, or discovering his writing for the first time, Wilder125 offers resources and connections to enrich your experience.

Our Values

• Accessibility: We strive to make Wilder’s work available to everyone, whatever their background or location.
• Collaboration: We believe partnerships amplify our reach and impact.
• Education: We are committed to deepening understanding of Wilder’s contributions to literature and drama.
• Legacy: We honor Wilder’s memory by ensuring his work continues to inspire generations to come.

Get Involved

There are many ways to take part in Wilder125. Attend a production or event near you, download our resources, or contact us to discuss bringing Wilder’s work to your community. For more information, contact Rosey Strub, Manager, at 718.857.0013 or [email protected]. You can also visit the official Thornton Wilder website at ThorntonWilder.com.