A Chance to Make History

Dear Friend of John Steinbeck,

Remember him, Remember him!  These were Elaine Steinbeck’s parting words to Sag Harbor’s Nada Barry, John and Elaine’s friend, at Steinbeck’s funeral.

We are at the brink of an extraordinary opportunity to do more than just remember Steinbeck—we have the opportunity to save his home in Sag Harbor as a Writers’ Retreat for future generations, spearheaded by Canio’s Books and the Sag Harbor Partnership and aided by a prestigious University willing to guide and further fund its development once purchased. We are not far from making an acceptable bid to the willing seller, but we need your help to get us to the finish line.

We continue to seek additional pledges and funding sources. And because we have made good progress, it is now possible for everyone to participate with a small but mighty donation and join the team.  Our initial small donation goal is $250,000. 

Would you please stand with us and donate 
$10, $50, or even $100 or more if you can, 
to make the Steinbeck Writers’ Retreat a reality, 
and save this international treasure?  

So far, the Partnership has raised over $1 million in pledges. Southampton Town has made a generous offer to purchase an open space easement on the property using its Community Preservation Fund, which would not only provide the bulk of the needed funds but would also insure that the property remain a writer’s center forever. We believe we need an additional $1M altogether to realize our goal.

If our efforts to purchase the Steinbeck home do not succeed, all funds collected will be donated to the Sag Harbor Food Pantry and Sag Harbor Volunteer Fire Department, something we know Steinbeck would have blessed. 

We are so close, and with your help, we firmly believe that we will realize our goal to preserve Steinbeck’s legacy, his iconic homestead, and to remember John.  

Thank you for your time and your support! 

* If you can make a pledge of $500 or more please contact us directly at [email protected] for information as to how to pledge. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.