The Willa Cather Foundation is a not-for-profit organization created in 1955 that owns and operates the National Willa Cather Center and the nation's largest collection of nationally-designated historic sites dedicated to an American author.
Events
Upcoming Events
Prairie Echoes: Eco-Printing with Nature
We look forward to welcoming Kansas artist Laura Mead and her dream-like botanical prints to the Red Cloud Opera House Gallery this autumn. The works on display, whether printed on paper, polymer clay, or silk, are more than just a representation of the prairie; instead, they are created by and with native prairie plants that are grown and hand-selected for use by the artist, on her own acreage.
Virtual Author Series: Joanna Biggs, Richard Scott Larson, and Kirsten Sundberg Lunstrum
Help us welcome three writers from our first Willa Cather Residency for Writers cohort as they share recent publications! Joanna Biggs, Richard Scott Larson, and Kirsten Sundberg Lunstrum will all read excerpts from their books as they reflect on their unique writers in residence experiences.
Botanical Print Workshop
Kansas artist Laura Mead will teach the secrets of botanical printing on textiles during a 1-day workshop. Participants will partake in plant selection at the Willa Cather Memorial Prairie and learn the techniques that Mead uses to create her beautiful artwork.
Readings from the Willa Cather Residency Cohort
Our second writers cohort will share from their work-in-progress. This free event will also feature reflections and conversation from our panel of five writers!
Lauren Anderson
Lauren Anderson returns to Nebraska to bring her soulful performance to the Red Cloud Opera House stage! Her earthy yet sharp vocals are a perfect match for the bluesy rock music featured in her shows. Reserve your tickets for this 2025 audience choice show today!
Echoes of the Archbishop
We hope you'll join us in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a 3-day, 3-night excursion, November 9–12, 2025! We’ll explore the vibrant city center and the best of its historic and arts offerings, while learning about Cather’s time in New Mexico. Commuter registration is still available!
Joseph Hall presents Elvis' Blue Christmas
Celebrate the holiday season with Elvis not once but twice! Joseph Hall returns as the King of Rock and Roll to bring nostalgic holiday classics to the opera house stage. Be sure to reserve your tickets for a jolly night out with family, friends or colleagues. It'll be a Blue Christmas without you!
This show is generously sponsored by Campbell Connection, Gary and Bev Meyer, Red and Pam Meyer, Ridgeline Exteriors LLC, and Van Beber Properties LLC.
Get Involved
Support Our Work
The Willa Cather Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the work, life, and legacy of this great American writer. Through our scholarly endeavors, educational outreach, arts and humanities programs, and preservation of historical settings and archives, we serve as a vibrant memorial to the Pulitzer Prize-winning author.