Type-In

Organized by writer Kathryn Carse and Michael Ardito, owner of Hometown

Business Machines, the event invites you to disengage from the distractions of

digital devices and experience the analog simplicity of the typewriter.

In addition to different models and generations of typewriters to use, the

typewriter of artist John Noble will be on display.

Bryan Kravitz, founder and co-owner of Philly Typewriter, will kick off the event at

12:30 with a short talk about the history of typewriters and their appeal today.

After the discussion, you’ll be welcomed to choose your own adventure. Multiple

typewriters will be provided – standard and portable manual machines as well as

the IBM Selectric which offers a large font size.

You can head right to the typewriters to tap out a poem, a letter, or just to hear

the clickety-clack on the keys. You are also encouraged to find inspiration and

follow prompts in the museum’s galleries, including the images and sea creatures

of the Oceanus exhibit, family activities on the second floor, or the archival

objects and photos in the Writing Room.

Have a typewriter stashed in the back of a closet or up in the attic? Bring it along

no matter what shape it is in. Ardito, an expert in repair and reconditioning

typewriters, will evaluate its condition and provide insight into the history and

use of the machine.

Typewriter poet Marina Gasparyan, will also be on hand to compose a poem

with you from 2 to 4 p.m.

Just be sure not to miss the speed typing competition at 3:00. Each participant

will get a chance to type out a short excerpt and see who can accurately type the

piece the fastest. Winner will receive a small prize!

This event is for all ages 6 and older. Fun for families and kids! Children must be

accompanied by an adult.

Typewriting in the Neo Analog Age is made possible by a DCLA Art Fund Grant

from Staten Island Arts, with public funding from the New York City Department

of Cultural Affairs.