The New Hampshire Writers’ Project (NHWP) is proud to announce the induction of acclaimed playwright, Academy Award-Winning screenwriter, and author Ernest Thompson into the New Hampshire Literary Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place at the annual 603 Writers’ Conference, held in June, at the Southern New Hampshire University Banquet Hall.

Thompson, renowned for his Oscar-winning screenplay “On Golden Pond,” is the latest author to join the prestigious ranks of the Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony, a surprise announcement by Masheri Chappelle, Chair of the NHWP, at the recent Conference, honored Thompson’s significant contributions to the literary world. Trustee and NH Literary Awards Committee Chair, Claudia Decker presented Thompson with a crystal book describing his impact and achievements.

The New Hampshire Literary Hall of Fame was established in 2015 when NH Governor Maggie Hassan, signed a Proclamation for the New Hampshire Literary Hall of Fame to celebrate and recognize the significant contributions of the state’s writers to the literary world. This biennial honor highlights the state’s ongoing literary achievements and the vibrant community of writers who continue to enrich New Hampshire’s cultural heritage.

Since its founding, the Hall of Fame has celebrated a diverse group of writers who have made substantial contributions to literature, including poets, novelists, and children’s book authors. Previous inductees include notable figures such as Robert Frost, John Irving, and Donald Hall, Grace Metalious, Harriet E. Wilson, Tomie dePaola, Maxine Kumin, Sarah Josepha Buell Hale, Charles Simic, Anita Shreve, David McPhail, and Donal M. Murray.

Governor Maggie Hassan, who read the official proclamation at the inaugural induction in 2015, expressed her continued support for the project, noting, “The New Hampshire Literary Hall of Fame not only honors our past but also inspires future generations of writers in our state.”

The NHWP oversees the nomination and selection process. The Hall of Fame, which is in the process of being resurrected in a new location at the SNHU Wolak Learning Center, will be opening to the public in the future. The goal is to create an interactive educational resource, encouraging visitors to explore New Hampshire’s rich literary traditions.