The American Writers Museum in Chicago now features a new exhibit entitled “Tools of the Trade.” The exhibit includes typewriters used by an array of famous American writers, such as Orson Welles, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, Maya Angelou, Ray Bradbury and more.

All typewriters in the collection are in “pristine” condition and still functional; many are on loan from philanthropist Steve Soboroff. The typewriters are accompanied by photos of the owners and information about their works. Other interesting items within the “Tools of the Trade” exhibit, beyond traditional typewriters, include Helen Keller’s braille writer and Frederick Douglass’ inkwell and pens. Visitors are invited to create their own works on replicas of some of the displayed typewriters and contribute their works to the “Story of the Day” exhibit.

“The iconic works these typewriters gave birth to transcend generations,” said Carey Cranston, president, American Writers Museum. “Never before has such a diverse collection of writing tools been assembled in one place for people to view up close. Fans of literature, music, journalism and history are in for a moving experience!”

The collection is on display through June 30, 2020, in the Roberta Rubin Writer’s Room.