A new arrival center on the grounds of Rowan Oak — the home of literary giant William Faulkner — stands to elevate visitors’ experiences and preserve the integrity of the historic landmark.
Rowan Oak — perhaps the nation’s most famous literary home — welcomes visitors from around the world who come to experience Faulkner’s “little postage stamp of native soil.”
Faulkner, one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century, reveled in the peace and beauty of studying the world of Rowan Oak, his Oxford, Mississippi, home. In fact, his love for the property was so well known that it certainly served to inspire his novels. Now owned by the University of Mississippi, the modified Greek Revival home sits on 33 acres just south of the historic Oxford Square and is open to the public year-round, except for holidays.
Faulkner’s years spent at Rowan Oak were productive as he set stories and novels to paper, ultimately winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1949 and the Pulitzer Prize in 1955. Faulkner remains one of the most celebrated and studied authors in the world, with conferences, societies and journals dedicated to his life and work.
The Big Picture
With the strategic investments of alumni and friends, a new chapter will be written in the history of a beloved historic site. Gifts of all sizes are encouraged and will combine to construct a $2.5 million Visitor Center, which will dramatically improve interactions with the public.
This elevated arrival experience will help expand operations and welcome a larger audience to tour the interior of the home, ultimately expanding revenue opportunities. The Visitor Center will transform each guest’s experience, enriching the cultural and literary opportunities that only Rowan Oak can provide.
“This center will provide our visitors with a level of interpretation, comfort and convenience that has never been experienced before at Rowan Oak” said Bill Griffith, curator of Rowan Oak.
What Plans Include
Upon arriving at the grounds of Rowan Oak, visitors will enjoy:
- Displays in the Visitor Center providing information on the historic property before entering the home
- More efficient ticket purchases, including new technological infrastructure that allows for payment methods such as credit cards and digital wallets like Venmo, PayPal and Apple Pay
- An expanded offering of amenities, including secure, publicly accessible restrooms and a water fountain
- 10 new designated parking spots
The university is honored to steward such a meaningful resource for scholars worldwide. It also bears the important responsibility of preserving this sanctuary, ensuring it continues to welcome and inspire visitors of all ages and backgrounds for generations to come.
To learn more about supporting the Rowan Oak Visitor Center, contact Maura Langhart, senior director of annual giving, at mmwakefi@olemiss.edu or 662-915-2760.
To learn more about Rowan Oak, see these resources: