Museum Hours
12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. Wednesday - Sunday
Closed Monday and Tuesday
409 East Fifth Street
Austin, Texas 78701
(512)472-1903

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The O. Henry Museum offers a look into the life of William Sidney Porter, the man who became famous under the pen name O. Henry. Known as "the master of the short story," Porter lived in this 1886 Queen Anne-style cottage from 1893 to 1895. His home has since been restored and now contains artifacts and memorabilia from Porter's life in Austin. The O. Henry Museum is a National Register Property and a National Literary Landmark of the City of Austin.”

During his more than thirteen years in Austin, Porter worked in a variety of occupations. Some of his experiences as a pharmacist, draftsman, bank teller, and reporter would later figure in his short stories. His first nationally known short story, "The Miracle of Lava Canyon", was published before leaving Texas in 1897. His pen name, "O. Henry," first appeared in the short story, "Whistling Dick's Christmas Stocking," published in 1899

The O. Henry Museum offers writing programs for adults and children. During the school year, the museum offers creative writing workshops as after school programs, to Austin middle school students. This award winning program, known as the O. Henry Museum Writing Club, is a six week workshop that includes an anthology of the students work and a reception at Barnes and Noble Westlake. If your school is interested in participating in this program or would like more information contact the museum. In the fall the O. Henry Museum offers adults an opportunity to write in O. Henry’s home. This three week workshop is taught by author, Susie Flatau. If you are interested in signing up for this free workshop contact the museum. Space is limited.

Calendar of upcoming events:
• 32nd Annual O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships , Saturday May 16, 2009, at the O. Henry Museum 409 East 5th Street on Brush Square.

The O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships will take place Saturday, May 16, noon to 6:00 pm, in Brush Square Park, behind the O. Henry Museum. For more information, including how to register to be a contestant, please contact Gary Hallock at (512) 973-9929 or gary@hallock.net.

Images Gallery:

• William Sidney Porter's family (32 kb gif)
• William Sidney Porter as a young man 22 kb gif)
• Masthead from The Rolling Stone, Porter's locally published newspaper (3 kb gif)
• O. Henry Museum (37 kb gif)