VonnegutFest 2024

November 9-11

Join us for a weekend of laughter, celebration, and meaningful conversations during VonnegutFest 2024.

Every November 11th, we hold VonnegutFest to celebrate Kurt’s birthday and Armistice Day. We host a variety of programs and events and offer free admission to the museum all day.

The festival offers engaging events for all—whether you enjoy comedy, literary talks, or our black-tie optional Gala. Don’t miss out on this special weekend as we celebrate Kurt Vonnegut’s legacy.

SATURDAY, NOV. 9

Youth Writing Center’s Storytelling Salon
1–3 PM | FREE

Vonnegut Sessions: Dwight Simmons & Friends Comedy Night
7:30–9 PM | Tickets Required

Comedians:

Dwight Simmons: Listed as Indiana’s selection for Thrillist’s 50 Best Undiscovered Comics in the country. Dwight’s comedy has been featured on Kevin Hart’s LOL on Sirius XM and on the Bob and Tom show for which he is also a writer. He is a co-director of the Limestone Comedy Festival and the creator and host of the web series BrewTube Comedy. Be sure to check out his podcast Mat and Dwight Just Might wherever music is available.

Stewart Huff: Known for philosophical and historical themes in his comedy. Described as “One of the best comedic writers America has seen since Woody Allen.”

Gwen Sunkel: Winner of Helium’s “Indiana’s Funniest Person” in 2024 (@Gwenderwoman on Instagram).

Mat Alano-Martin: Appeared on NPR, Laughs on Hulu, and The Bob and Tom Show (@Matalanomartin on Instagram).

SUNDAY, NOV. 10

Night of Vonnegut Gala
7–10 PM | @Fishers Art Center | Tickets Required

The 2024 Night of Vonnegut Gala is an essential fundraising event that directly supports the mission and programs of KVML.

We invite you to join us not just to celebrate Kurt’s Birthday but to contribute to the ongoing success of KVML.

This year’s theme—a black-tie-optional birthday cocktail party—sets the stage for a night of laughter, inspiration, and most importantly, meaningful support.

MONDAY, NOV. 11

Breakfast of Champions: Vonnegut Birthday Celebration
10–Noon | @KVML | RSVP FREE

A casual continental breakfast event celebrating Kurt Vonnegut’s birthday. Continental breakfast catered by Illinois Street Food Emporium.

Reclaiming Armistice Day Exhibition Unveiling
Noon–1 PM | @KVML | FREE

Unveiling of the Reclaiming Armistice Day exhibition with a special talk on its significance.

Kathi Badertscher, PhD

Director of Graduate Programs at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
Kathi Badertscher, PhD, is Director of Graduate Programs at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Dr. Badertscher teaches a variety of BA, MA, and doctoral courses, including Applying Ethics in Philanthropy and History of Philanthropy. She has participated in several Teaching Vonnegut workshops and is a member of the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library. Dr. Badertscher has been a guest speaker on ethics in philanthropy, including at the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners – Indianapolis Council; Association of Fundraising Professionals – Indiana Chapter; and Zhou Enlai School of Government, Nankai University, Tianjin, China. In 2019 she received IUPUI Office for Women, Women’s Leadership Award for Newcomer Faculty. In 2019 and 2020 she received the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Graduate Teaching Award.
Dr. Badertscher’s publications include “Fundraising for Advocacy and Social Change,” co-authored with Shariq Siddiqui in Achieving Excellence in Fundraising, 5th ed., 2022; “Insulin at 100: Indianapolis, Toronto, Woods Hole, and the ‘Insulin Road,’ co-authored with Christopher Rutty, Pharmacy in History (2020); and three articles in the Indiana Magazine of History: “A New Wishard Is on the Way,” “Evaline Holliday and the Work of Community Service,” and “Social Networks in Indianapolis during the Progressive Era.” Her chapters on social welfare history will appear in three upcoming edited volumes on the history of philanthropy, including “The Legacy of Edna Henry and Her Contributions to the IU School of Social Work,” Women at Indiana University: Views of the Past and the Future, edited by Andrea Walton, Indiana University Press, 2022 (forthcoming). Dr. Badertscher is also the Philanthropy and Nonprofits Consulting Editor for the forthcoming Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis, edited by David J. Bodenhamer and Elizabeth Van Allen, Indiana University Press, 2021. Dr. Badertscher is an active volunteer in the Indianapolis community. At present, she is a Coburn Place Safe Haven Board Member and a Children’s Bureau/Families First Brand and Marketing Advisor. Dr. Badertscher holds the MA in History from Indiana University and the MA and PhD in philanthropic studies from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Volunteer With KVML

Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library Volunteer Application

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