New York Office
Who We Are
PEN America was founded in New York City in 1922, and the city’s lively literary community remains the beating heart of the organization. PEN America’s rich array of literary programs, support for writers and translators, and advocacy champions the power of the written word to transform culture.
New York is home to PEN America headquarters and most of its staff, including the leadership of U.S. and International Free Expression Programs, Literary Programs, Membership, and other core functions.
With humble beginnings at New York City’s Coffee House Club, the PEN American Center was founded on April 19, 1922, a year after the establishment of the PEN Club (originally short for Poets, Essayists, and Novelists) in London. PEN America’s founding members included Robert Benchley, Arthur Bullard, Willa Cather, Robert Frost, Ellen Glasgow, Eugene O’Neill, Edwin Arlington Robinson, Mary Heaton Vorse and, as the first president, Booth Tarkington.
The organization moved to its first permanent New York headquarters in 1968 at 5th and 20th streets, with office furniture and supplies donated by members.
PEN America headquarters moved to 120 Broadway in 2024, and the organization now has offices in Washington, Los Angeles, and Florida, and PEN Across America chapters across the country.
What We Do
Literary Events
PEN America celebrates New York’s literary community with its annual literary awards, author events, and the PEN World Voices Literary Festival, the premier celebration of international literature in the United States.
Literary Community
A vital part of our New York community, we curate activities and events to engage our members and their work, including New Year, New Books, our Annual General Meeting, and exclusive Member events, along with opportunities to join committees or volunteer.
Free Expression Advocacy
The New York City office is home to Free Expression Programs including the PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Center and U.S. Free Expression Programs defending the freedom to read and learn.
Outreach and Support
Our New York City teams include Membership and PEN Across America, along with communications, development, finance, and other support services.