He was one of the foremost playwrights of the 20th century and a long time Roxbury resident.  He preferred to be called “Writer.” 

Built in 1958 as a no frills work space, Miller worked here almost every day he was in Roxbury. It is 14 feet by 22 feet, approximately 300 sf in area; slightly smaller than a one car garage.

The proposed site is the southwest corner of the meadow behind the Barbara M. Henry Senior Center. There will be simple, natural landscaping to buffer views and provide privacy to residents. It will be experienced as highly representative of the original site and an interesting cultural feature integrated with the surrounding woodland at the approach to Joey’s Trail. The project will have no water, plumbing, or nighttime illumination.  

Specific deed restrictions prohibit structures on all other nearby locations making this the closest to our collaborating organization, Minor Memorial Library. This ideal site is separated from the Senior Center and is a quiet, contemplative location similar to the original studio’s remote setting.

There will be a public Town Meeting with advance notice where there will be discussion, and the townspeople will vote yes or no. Before that vote, all appropriate commissions and boards will weigh in. So far, the project’s scope has been approved by the Roxbury Wetlands and Watercourses Commission and the Historic District Commission. The Roxbury Planning Commission has determined that this project is in adherence to the Roxbury Plan Of Conservation and Development.

The Arthur Miller Writing Studio, Inc. as a private non profit 501 (c) (3).

The Town of Roxbury, which would hold a 99 year lease for AMWS on a parcel encompassing the ground 50 feet outside the building.

No; the AMWS mission of replication and preservation of this quiet site and historic building is contrary to any future expansion.

There is no expense to the taxpayer. The studio is a gift from Rebecca Miller, Arthur’s daughter, and this project is made possible by many private donors. No construction or operating expenditures will be incurred by the Town of Roxbury. AMWS is supported by a $300,000 endowment invested through Connecticut Community Foundation generating interest available for maintenance expenses, so even in default the endowment remains and is at the disposal of the Town of Roxbury. Community programming is supported by grants, donations, affiliated organizations, and attendees.

The site is public land, accessible to anyone.  The building itself will be open by appointment only, arranged through the website arthurmillerstudio.org or by inquiring at the Minor Memorial Library. Library facilities are available to the public during normal hours. There is no onsite parking. All parking is at the Library lower lot where there will be an accessible interpretive path across the meadow to the studio. Average visit will likely be 1/4 to 1/2 hour.

The Minor Memorial Library collaborates with the AMWS and allows use of its facilities to hold meetings and present public events and programs in support of its endeavors. Other facilities are also available at Town Hall and at the area schools.

 The AMWS is an artistic and cultural landmark enriching the fabric of the area and inspiring a vibrant intellectual community with programs at Minor Memorial Library offered to students, educators, writers, artists, intellectuals, historians, tourists, anad curious hikers.

The AMWS is widely supported by the Arthur Miller Foundation, Arthur Miller Society, Arthur Miller Trust, Connecticut Community Foundation, CT Humanities, Harry Ransom Center at University of Texas, Hickory Stick Bookshop, Inge Morath Estate, Minor Memorial Library, Preservation Connecticut, Western Connecticut State University’s MFA in Creative and Professional Writing program. Resources on Arthur Miller can be found at Beinecke Library at Yale University, Harry Ransom Center at University of Texas, New York Public Library Berg Collection, and University of Michigan Special Collections Research Center.