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We have been honored over the years to have support
and participation from three of Kurt Vonnegut’s children, Mark, Edie, and Nanette. They
continually serve on various boards, provide important feedback on our work and
vision, and cheer us on. This weekend Edie joins us at the Grand Opening
festivities of the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library (KVML), and we can’t be
more thrilled.

Edie is an award-winning painter who lives on the same
property where she grew up in Massachusetts. She shares her thoughts on her
father and the new KVML location here:

Thank you for joining us for the Grand Opening
of our “Forever Home.”
This is your first
trip back to Indianapolis since 2010. Why did you decide to return?
I came
back because I’m thrilled about this new building and that Dad has a “Forever Home.”
Julia Whitehead (KVML’s CEO and founder) stayed with us on Cape Cod in August
for the Vonnegut Marathon Reading Festival, and I became very impressed with
all she’s doing and with her in general.

In this anniversary year of Slaughterhouse-Five,
why do you think your father’s book remains relevant?
It’s
a timeless and brilliant book about war that is more relevant than ever.

What does it mean to you, specifically, as
Kurt’s daughter?
He’s contributed so many helpful writings
that never get old and continue to bring comfort to humans, making them feel
less alone and making them laugh . . . and cry . . . as we should in these
times. I can’t think of any other father who would have been better.

You created the beautiful art that accompanies Kurt’s quote, “I give you a holy word: DISARM.” Why do you feel it’s important for artists to share their voices through their creations? All artists of every ilk are motivated to share. Otherwise they wouldn’t make it. My art has always had a message and story, whether it be in support of women, or environmental awareness, or social justice. My paintings are how I choose to express myself. I am presently working on a billboard project that presents images with words that may possibly have an effect on the eye balls that see them as people whiz down the highway. (There’s a group being formed called WAAR: Women Against Assault Rifles. I’m contributing my images.)

Painting by Edie Vonnegut, Kurt Vonnegut’s daughter.

Is there anything in particular about the
work of the Vonnegut Library that you think Kurt would like?

He would love it all. Particularly all the outreach programs concerning social
issues today that keep the library vital and relevant and alive. Almost like
he’s still here.

Thanks, again, Edie. We look forward to seeing you
this weekend.

Want to meet Edie? Get your tickets today and join us!
Click here for a
complete schedule. Click here
for tickets.

 

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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

Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions about this application’s content.