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King's Mansion Becomes Literary Haven
6 Nov
Summary
- Stephen King's historic Bangor mansion is now a literary archive.
- A nearby mansion offers funded retreats for selected writers.
- The initiative preserves historic property and supports artists.
Stephen King's former residence at 47 West Broadway in Bangor, Maine, a red Victorian mansion purchased in 1980, has been repurposed as a center for literary research. The property, famous for its unique bat-decorated gate, now houses King's extensive literary archives. This transformation, approved by the Bangor City Council in late 2019, allows scholars and researchers access by appointment.
Adjacent to the archive, the historic Brown Mansion at 39 West Broadway functions as a dedicated writers' retreat. Operated by The Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, this program provides 10-day residencies for selected writers. Participants receive comfortable accommodation, including private bedrooms and shared living spaces, along with group dinners and a $2,500 stipend to cover expenses.
The foundation's residency program targets various groups annually, including recent MFA graduates, K-12 educators, and Maine-based writers. Applications are evaluated based on writing samples and work plans through an anonymous selection process. The initiative seeks to preserve the historic neighborhood's character while fostering a supportive environment for literary arts.
