Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

92nd Street Y Archives Historic Poetry Recordings Since 1949

12/19/2025

44 8

Summary

Story summary

The 92nd Street Y Unterberg Poetry Center in New York City has digitized audio recordings dating back to 1949, including unreleased performances by Tom Wolfe, Eudora Welty, and Kurt Vonnegut.
The center has been a key venue for public readings, noted by former U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins for its historical importance.
The archive preserves James Dickey's 1965 performance and shows his lament about his son's rock music preference.

1 of 1

Story summary

The 92nd Street Y Unterberg Poetry Center in New York City has digitized audio recordings dating back to 1949, including unreleased performances by Tom Wolfe, Eudora Welty, and Kurt Vonnegut.
The center has been a key venue for public readings, noted by former U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins for its historical importance.
The archive preserves James Dickey's 1965 performance and shows his lament about his son's rock music preference.