THE CENTER

With a focus on the core tenets of author and naturalist Peter Matthiessen’s lifelong passions–writing, environmental justice, and contemplative practice–the Peter Matthiessen Center (PMC) will be used in perpetuity as a reflective refuge for leading thinkers of our time. On account of his prodigious contributions to literature, advocacy for the natural world and Indigenous peoples, as well as American Zen during his five decades on the South Fork, we believe the PMC will be a point of pride for the East End community, inspiring generations to come.

Our original vision was to preserve Matthiessen’s legacy by acquiring and restoring his 3.3-acre former property–located at 527 Bridge Lane in Sagaponack, NY–the home where he lived and worked for fifty-five years. There, we had hoped to create a quiet space for contemplation and retreat. Working with the Town of Southampton’s Community Preservation Fund (CPF), we were delighted to recently secure the promise of enough funds to make a competitive offer to the current property owner this past summer, whom we had always understood to be a willing seller. Sadly, the owner decided not to sell after all, although he is still willing to donate the culturally significant buildings, such as the writing studio where Matthiessen wrote most of his non-fiction works and iconic novels, including the National Book Award winners, The Snow Leopard and Shadow Country, as well as the Ocean Zendo where, as Muryo Roshi, Peter directed the first meditation center for Zen practice on the East End. 

We have therefore identified a few alternative properties in the Sagaponack historic district where these historic and culturally relevant buildings could help establish a sanctuary for writers, naturalists and meditators to meet and help promote Peter Matthiessen’s vision of a more sustainable and just world. In addition, we plan to add a donated 19th century Amish barn to the site to provide a formal, dedicated writing and meeting space for participants. Through creative partnerships with likeminded institutions near and far, we will engage both local and global communities, and encourage participants to draw lessons and inspiration from Matthiessen’s lifetime commitment to writing, advocacy and spiritual practice.