Who We Are
Welcome
Friends of Theodore Roethke, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, represents a concerned group of educators, business people, and writers working to preserve not just the memory of the Pulitzer Prize winning poet Theodore Roethke, but also working to preserve his history in Saginaw and the inspirations behind his poetry. In so doing, we have created ongoing programs to help aspiring poets through writing workshops along with introducing the wonderful world of poetry to the community of Saginaw.
Friends of Theodore Roethke Foundation is instrumental in directing the Theodore Roethke Home Museum, a teaching house and place for reflection, learning, and creativity. It is in keeping with our mission to be a literary focal point, a catalyst for community based education.
Because Roethke is considered a major voice in 20th century literature, Friends of Theodore Roethke Foundation has overseen the following designations for his childhood home: National Register of Historic Sites, National Literary Landmark, and a Michigan Historic Marker. Our foundation has been in existence for ten years. Presently, our organization is working on capital funding to renovate Theodore Roethke’s childhood home and extend community outreach possibilities.
Renovation Plans
The Theodore and Carl Roethke homes are adjacent residences in Saginaw, Michigan, formerly belonging to the family of the Michigan Pulitzer Prize winner. Friends of Theodore Roethke have undertaken “to promote…the Theodore Roethke heritage…by raising funds to purchase and restore” them. Theodore’s will be used as an interactive museum, while Carl’s will be developed as a cultural/educational center.
In 2008, the poet’s centennial year, programs supported by NEA and MHC were sponsored by Friends of Theodore Roethke resulting in a $55,000.00 input to area economies and an “All Area Arts Award” for adding to the quality of community life. Saginaw Mayor Joyce Seals said the Roethke home “gives hope to Saginaw.”
An architectural study has been donated by Les Tincknell to address the renovation goals, including:
- Classrooms for arts education, literacy improvement, adult reading instruction, career counseling, etc.
- Multimedia facilities for education and publishing
- Bedrooms for visiting artist-teachers
- Greenhouse pavilion for arts events, environmental education, gardening programs
- Writing camps, landscape study, etc.
- Mental health outreach informed by the arts, in consideration of Theodore Roethke’s own struggles with mental illness
The intent of the museum is to give the experience of writing in a writer’s house, and to avail visiting writers and researchers of the archives and artifacts of the Roethke family. Facilities are to be handicap accessible with sensitivity to visitors with disabilities.
In addition to acquisition and renovation costs, additional land is needed for parking and green spaces for safe access and the reflection of Roethke’s lifelong involvement in the natural world.
Mission
It is our commitment to promote, preserve and protect the literary legacy of Theodore Roethke, Michigan Pulitzer Prize winning poet, by restoring his family residences in Saginaw, Michigan, for cultural and educational opportunities.
