David McCullough, a towering force in American literature and biography, winner of the President’s Medal of Freedom, two Pulitzer Prizes and two National Book Awards, died on August 7.
David McCullough, a towering force in American literature and biography, winner of the President’s Medal of Freedom, two Pulitzer Prizes and two National Book Awards, died on August 7. He was 89 years old.
He died of natural causes at home in Hingham, the family confirmed, where he had lived for the past few years, with all five children by his side.
Mr. McCullough devoted his writing life to telling the American story, beginning with his first book about the Johnstown Flood, published in 1968, and continuing to chronicle events, politicians and structures that made up the American experience. He followed up his debut with a book about building the Brooklyn Bridge, then headed to the creation of the Panama Canal (his first National Book Award). A book about Teddy Roosevelt followed (his second National Book Award) and then books on Harry S. Truman and John Adams, both of which won the Pulitzer Prize.
Much of his work was written in a small eight-by-10 foot shed in his backyard on Music street in West Tisbury, where he settled in 1972 full-time with his wife Rosalee, raising five children on the Island. He was known for his discipline as a writer, walking the short commute from his home to his writing shed each day.
Rosalee and David McCullough.
Rosalee and David McCullough.
But at a talk at the Nathan Mayhew seminars on the Vineyard in 1992, following the publication of Truman, he told the audience it never felt like work.
“People say to me “Are you working on a book?’ I am. But I don’t feel that way. When I am in the subject it is almost like putting yourself in a spell. You get to the point where you know these people.”
David McCullough was born July 7, 1933. He attended Yale University, where he studied under Robert Penn Warren, Thornton Wilder, John O’Hara and John Hersey, another prominent Vineyard writer.
After college, he moved to New York City where he worked at various publications, while also writing in his spare time. His first book centered on a tragedy close to where he grew up in Pittsburgh, the Great Flood of 1889, which wiped out the city of Johnstown.
The book was an immediate success and he turned to writing full time, moving to the Vineyard to better focus on his craft without distraction. He was introduced to the Island by his wife Rosalee, who had deep family roots.
“That was the summer of 1951,” Mr. McCullough said in a 2019 interview with the Gazette. “I suppose I’d heard a seagull, but I don’t think I’d ever seen a stone wall before....I fell in love with the girl. But I also fell in love with the Island.”
The family settled in West Tisbury and Mr. McCullough became a year-round fixture on the Island, speaking at events annually, particularly after the publication of yet another prize-winning book. He often schooled reporters on Island history.
“You know why this is called Music street?” he asked a Gazette reporter during an interview in 2011 at his home. “When sea captains retired from whaling, most of them wanted to be as far from the ocean as they could get on Martha’s Vineyard. They’d seen enough water. So they settled here. And one of the status symbols, if you will, was to have a piano in your house and a daughter taking piano lessons. And supposedly there were pianos up and down this street. And that’s why it became known as Music street.”
In addition to his writing, Mr. McCullough narrated numerous documentaries and hosted American Experience on PBS from 1988 to 1999.
Mr. McCullough worked on an old Royal typewriter and he and his wife read early drafts aloud to each other.
Mr. McCullough worked on an old Royal typewriter and he and his wife read early drafts aloud to each other.
At talks on the Island, Mr. McCullough frequently stressed that he didn’t choose subjects to write about, he chose people.
“I am not a bridge buff. I am no expert on the building of the canal. These stories are a metaphor,” he said during a 2011 interview. “It is about the United States and the people. History is about people and that is the most important.”
He wrote on an ancient Royal typewriter, typing away on Music street.
“It was made in 1940,” he said during the 2011 interview. “I bought it secondhand in 1965 when I started my first book; I think I paid about $25. Everything I have written, I have written on this typewriter. And nothing has ever gone wrong with it. It’s looked after by Denny da Rosa in Oak Bluffs. He gets me the ribbons and every once in awhile we have to have the roller replaced.”
“Sometimes I think it’s writing the books,” he continued.
He always gave credit to his wife Rosalee, who died in June, describing during an interview how they read his early drafts aloud to each other.
In 1981, Mrs. McCullough sent a copy to the Gazette of her husband’s commencement speech at Colorado College, noting that their son Geoffrey was in the audience as a graduate that year. In his speech, Mr. McCullough talked about the complexity of the country and its history, beginning with a litany of what had gone wrong.
“But that isn’t the whole of the real world, we know,” he continued. “It isn’t half. And it’s not the point... Understanding the real world, being part of it and enjoying it, has mainly to do, I believe, with being a real person. That’s the point. It means taking an interest in other people, all kinds of people. It means enjoying people and trying to understand one another. It means kindnesses. It means doing what we can to move civilization forward, to make the world a little better place because we are in it.”
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 16, at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury. Burial will be private.
Comments
A wonderfully written tribute
VA wonderfully written tribute for a wonderful, accomplished person
You are right. Could have
BYou are right. Could have been in the NYT. Tonight, a deer will lie down in the woods, both sad dark eyes. The island has lost a friend.
A Vineyard treasure and a
Karen Berwick EdgartownA Vineyard treasure and a nation’s treasure gone.
A literary gift to the world.
Pfred00 VH/CTA literary gift to the world. I will treasure my collection of his works and the memory of hearing him speak at the Tabernacle a fews back.
Beautifully written. Thank
Susan ChicagoBeautifully written. Thank you.
He had Such an extraordinary
Frank Poirot Windsor, CtHe had Such an extraordinary talent for developing his subjects on a page while sharing a deep clear view of history. No frills, every word mattered.
A true chronicler of our
Lorraine EdgartownA true chronicler of our history. RIP
A great and kind and generous
Steve & Janice Fletcher Laguna Niguel, CA / WTA great and kind and generous man.
My dear David, Thank you for
Mary Ann (Ferriera) White Tiverton, R.I.(formerly West Tisbury)My dear David, Thank you for all the chats we had back in the 70s at the Up-Island Market.
You'd come in and I'd capture you for a few minutes to catch up on your latest projects.
Thank you for your special messages you wrote in your books when you signed them for me.
Rosalee has been waiting for you since June, now you can relax amongst the angels while
they listen to you narrating as to what's happening on the Vineyard, your little corner
of the world. Rest in Peace Sweet Man, you are loved by so many.
Simply the best in his
Mark Hess EdgartownSimply the best in his profession; and his profession was living life in the most intellectual and profound way possible...
Mr. McCullough stopped by one
Robert Skydell Antigua, GuatemalaMr. McCullough stopped by one day at Fiddlehead Farm. We chatted a bit and when he was about to leave I called out, "Mr. McCullough, I have a great idea for your next book" He gave me a restrained but withering look. "No, really. It will be a bigger story than the Brooklyn Bridge book and even bigger than The Path Between the Seas!" He stared at me nonplussed, of course. I paused for effect and finally said with great enthusiasm: "the Saga of the Roundabout on the Vineyard Haven- Edgartown Road!"
He clearly was expecting the worst and was visibly relieved and laughed at the punchline.
He was such a gentleman and his work will forever be a part of the American Story.
Mr. Skydell, I just saw this
Rob Hughes Edgartown & Santa Barbara, CAMr. Skydell, I just saw this today, September 2025. I am touched by how well you captured the giant David McCullough's sense of humor. Did you hear him tell the story of the inbound call he took from the Washington Post after his Pulitzer was announced? Too long to write hear - email rh@ccgbank and I will reply with it. Many thanks for your comment.
Literary giant, humble man
June D Cambridge MALiterary giant, humble man
Beautifully written piece Yet
CoCo Boston/EDGBeautifully written piece Yet all I can think of he is once again with his greatest love, the beautiful Rosalee. The Vineyard has lost two lovely souls. May they both rest in peace.
He is with his beloved
CoCo Boston/EDGHe is with his beloved Rosalee once again. May they rest in peace.
I bumped into Mr. McCullough
Michael Parenteau Norwalk, CT.I bumped into Mr. McCullough several years ago at Cronig's. Although he had no idea who I was, he was most gracious and chatty with me. I introduced him to my 8 year old son, and the two had a short talk. Your article's last paragraph hit the nail right on the head. We have truly lost a treasure.
The best of the best. A true
J.Hess EdgartownThe best of the best. A true historian on all accounts with a passion for the Vineyard and a documented commitment to the year round island community.
Treasure of a human being who
George Stein OBTreasure of a human being who never lost his humility. Just another neighbor in the stores.
A great person. met him a few
chris keating orleans maA great person. met him a few times through my fathers friend Bob Mooney on Nantucket. read and loved all his books. Last time I saw him I brought him up to ghe bridge of the MV Nantucket to introduce him to a fellow Captain who was also fond of him. he was so humble and down to earth
His dear wife Rosalee passed
D. Meehan TexasHis dear wife Rosalee passed away only 8 weeks ago. It's as if he could not go on without her. He always gave her props.
What a beautiful partnership. We're indebted to their literary contributions - they left an extraordinary legacy.
May they both rest in peace together.
During my wonderful summer
Ginny Bradley Durham, NCDuring my wonderful summer travels to the Vineyard, over the years I have had the pleasure of meeting David McCullough several times. While many may remember him for his exceptional writing talents, I will remember him for the extraordinary man he was. He always had a smile on his face and an interest in chatting. At the conclusion of his visits, I was always left with a feeling that he was a kind and caring man. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting this exceptional man is blessed. My condolences to his family.
David McCullough's influence
Matt Connolly CT/MADavid McCullough's influence spans generations. My 23 year old son was the first in my family to note David's passing, and my 92 year old father (in Edgartown) introduced us all to David's writings. A treasure of a man, RIP.
And this article wouldn’t be
Penelope Wilson ChilmarkAnd this article wouldn’t be complete without the wonderful addition of Alison Shaw’s most beautiful portraits. They blend the man with the Island, his love of work and family, in such an authentic and beautiful way. The Gazette in true fashion does what no other paper can do in memorializing those touched by this place in its writings and photography, and this tribute is such a beautiful example.
Beautifully written piece,
Carol S. East ChopBeautifully written piece, Bill, capturing the very essence of a true American. His personal kindness always impressed me, along with his dedication to teach through the eyes of history and to make it relevant. Attending one of his talks was inspiring as well as humbling, usually imparting a direction for today’s troubled world. His knowledge was invaluable.
I would add that David was a congregant of West Tisbury Church for many years. Always a thrill to be escorted to one’s pew by such an illustrious man in the 70s and 80s when we attended.
I always enjoyed his books,
John Aldeborgh KatamaI always enjoyed his books, he alway found the positive in the remarkable characters chose, even through the most challenging of times and circumstances. I think that is at the core of the American sprite, something for us all to aspire too, a wonderful legacy. May he Rest In Peace.
It felt like an honor just to
Rchard OBIt felt like an honor just to share the island with him, and a pleasure to chat with him on Library occasions. Can there be a room in the West Tisbury Library named in his memory?
Here is one time when the
Andrew Theokas BostonHere is one time when the term "American Treasure" has real meaning. His quoted advice at the end of the article is needed now more than ever. I am sorry to never have met him.
My Dad, Harvey Black who also
Caren Deardorf Lexington MAMy Dad, Harvey Black who also passed this June at 89, was David's classmate at Yale (1955) and they saw each other at reunions most years. My dad loved history and would send me every book David wrote, which I devoured. I love the story about how David led the effort to preserve and save the letters & journals of John and Abigial Adams to stay at the Boston Public Library where they belong. He is a towering legend of his generation and we have lost a gem in the world. RIP
Both McCullough's energy and
Holly Nashville, TNBoth McCullough's energy and grace so enriched the Vineyard; I can only wonder how magical it is in heaven right now with them reunited.
To have lives like this lived on the island... to have these works created and celebrated amongst the community.
What a wonderful tribute to capture the man and the life as well as the achievements. Easily my favorite tribute to a man who made history and this country come to life for me in the most beautiful ways.
I first met David in the late
Michael H. Levin Menemsha / Washington DCI first met David in the late 1970s through Ken McCormick, Doubleday editor in chief (and my informal editor for about 5 hours on a novel that never saw daylight). We had several chance encounters after that. Two small anecdotes may highlight his breadth, depth and unfailing humor and enthusiasm for people & life. In one (which as been printed but he also told me himself) he & Rosalee were ushered into a room stuffed with Goethals documents when he was starting research on the Brooklyn Bridge book. "Oh my God!" he exclaimed with delight. "Oh my God!" Rosalee groaned. In the other, his family wouldn't let him get away completely by playing his (genuine) humility card. "Sure," they said, more or less. "Bur he also hangs around till someone recognizes him."
Extraordinary writer, and a totally civilized nice man.
Our family friend David
Louis Bevilacqua Darien Connecticut and sometimes the Edgartown InnOur family friend David McCullough was truthfully one of the greatest historians to come from American academia. We last ran into each other in front of Mory's on York Street in New Haven, my new born son in his stroller, and he was an outgoing and personable fella, we traded just a few words that Alumni weekend. He didn't quite rise to the level of Herodotus, but he got pretty close and made the true history of this country just that more complete.
The Community Room in the WT
Ginny Jones WTThe Community Room in the WT Library is indeed named in honor of David and Rosalee who were always generous patrons of the Library. He was and always will be an American (and an island) treasure. He was particularly good at making history accessible to folks of all ages and political persuasions in a very easy going style. His "master class" talks were particularly engaging and fascinating for all.
A true national treasure who
Jose Oak BluffsA true national treasure who will be missed. He wrote in an honest and nuanced way about what he called "The American Spirit," which was also the title of a book he wrote with the goal of using history to understand "who we are and what we stand for." His writings unified us around what he saw as the American national character and accomplishments that moulded our country. His writings are so different from many other modern "historians" who use history to divide us into angry identity and smaller interest groups. As a nation, we need Mr. McCullough's unifying wisdom now more than ever before. RIP.
My favorite book was „The
Uta Kirchlechner FloridaMy favorite book was „The Wright Brothers“
In 2002 David McCullough
Nancy F. VH, Ohio & TexasIn 2002 David McCullough helped raise $1.2 million to provide a book collection and materials for a new public library in New Albany, Ohio. Without him, the new library would not have gone forward.
Mr. McCullough returned in 2003 to help dedicate the new library which today circulates over one million items per year and provides programing and meeting spaces for the community.
Just one of many little-known contributions Mr. McCullough made throughout the country and the world.
Well deserved comments, all!
John M. Carbondale, CO & ChilmarkWell deserved comments, all! Added to his wonderful research and writing abilities was that of a teacher. Back in the 90s, he and Rosalee attended a seminar at the Aspen Institute. On the side, he gave a luncheon talk where he presented a couple of very interesting ideas for teaching history. One he did while teaching a course at Cornell. He said he passed out different photographs to each student. They were to research the subject matter of the photo and write a comprehensive report by the end of term. Extra credit would be given for innovation. One student, who had been given a photo of American comedian Fanny Brice, presented a photo album of her life. Two others, he reported, changed their majors to history with one of them ending up working for the National Archives. Another idea he wished to try was to have members of a high school history class rip off the covers of their history texts, remove all page numbers, shuffle the pages thoroughly and throw away a given number of pages. Their project was to reassemble the pages in their correct order and tell what the missing pages contained. THAT would have made any history course interesting. Both David and Rosalee will be sorely missed.
A beautifully written tribute
Jennifer Ithaca,NY & Edgartown,MAA beautifully written tribute to a towering yet humble human …. who quite frankly could not have been more spot on with his advice on “ understanding the real world”.
The photos are a calming addition . Thank you, VG for sharing the best perspective on
DM !!
David was a neighbor in
Irving Gates Chilmark, MADavid was a neighbor in Chilmark. I knew him from his morning trips to Alley’s store. I was a member of the Harvard Institute for Learning at the time. We were studying John Adams, and the text was the book by David on John Adams. The instructor was aware of my relationship with David and prodded me to ask (on the classes’ behalf) whether he would be willing to come to Cambridge and talk to the class. I didn’t think there was a chance in the world, given David’s schedule and national demand. But he did, and asked what day would be convenient. I gave him the day of the next class, and asked him if he would like us to send a car. He laughed and declined. On the day of the class, we had an overflow class, and he showed up maybe 30 minutes late because of the heavy traffic from the Vineyard. He gave a spellbinding class on preparation of the book, and left. The instructor asked me how much of an honorarium we would be paying him, because he was charging thousands of dollars at that time, and I confessed that it never entered my mind. We decided to finalize this as soon as possible, and no matter what his speaker’s honorarium was, we (or Harvard) would have to pay it. A few days later I saw David and asked that question. He laughed heartily, and said “Irving, I would never dream of charging you or the school. Consider it a gift for senior education." That was David McCullough.
I was saddened to hear of
Sarah Mayhew Davis, CA and West TisburyI was saddened to hear of David’s passing. He was a family friend. We first met he and his family when they bought a house we owned on Music Street. My mom and I had the privilege of working with him when he had finished his book on Truman and had to go back and find his source notes. We both learned so much about the history of that era. David was such a kind and generous man as was Rosalee. They will both be greatly missed. My love goes out to the family.
The country was a better
Janis Milroy Madison, CTThe country was a better place for having David McCullough in it; as a writer, researcher, speaker, humanitarian, and family man. What he added to our knowledge of ourselves - our past and and our potential - can never be fully appreciated. But I try.
It's wonderful to read all
Michelle Connell Dallas, TexasIt's wonderful to read all the beautiful memories and condolences from Mr. McCullough's home town. You have brought his humanity and humility to life for the rest of us. It must have been magical to run into him at your grocery or one of your stores! May David and Rosalee rest in Heaven together. David's voice and pen will be missed!
I had the pleasure of riding
Robert Syracuse NYI had the pleasure of riding an elevator with Mr. McCullough and his wife at the hotel I work at in Syracuse. I was bringing some hors d’oeuvres to an event and I heard a gentleman exclaim “My don’t they smell delicious!” I instantly recognized the voice even before the face!! He made an impression on me in that short time and though I was a fan before then, I became a bigger one after. R. I. P. to both.
In the 50+ years I have lived
Randon Rynd Vineyard HavenIn the 50+ years I have lived on the island, I had never formally met David McCullough, but did share a funny moment with him one time. It happened back in the 1990s when the Clintons were here on one of their summer visits, while Bill Clinton was President. It was August, and I was up at the Fair, when it was still at the old Fairgrounds. Suddenly there was a buzz in the crowd that President Clinton mightbe making a visit to the Fair that afternoon. Word spread quickly around the Fairgrounds, and people started watching the gates. When the Presidential motorcade arrived at the front gate, the crowd suddenly started to surge towards it. I'm not a fan of crowds, or even worse running along with a crowd, but found myself caught up in the moment, following behind the main crowd. As I moved along, I noticed a man next to me, doing the same thing. When I looked over at him, I recognized that it was David McCullough. We both looked over at each other with that sense of camaraderie that can sometimes happen between strangers, and both shared a laugh over the situation. There was a certain giddiness to the whole thing, and as our pace became quicker, he looked over, laughed and said to me, " I don't know why I'm doing this,I am going to be having dinner with him later tonight!" We both had a good laugh over that. It was a wonderful shared moment, and I have never forgotten it. I heard him speak once and really enjoyed that, and have tremendous admiration for the works he has left to us all, but I got a glimpse on that afternoon of a man with a warmness and openness towards other people,with a great sense of fun, and a wonderful sense of humor. I was terribly saddened by his death, but will always treasure the memory of this shared moment with him.
God Bless David McCullough.
Chris Nelson Laconia, New HampshireGod Bless David McCullough. Having read a number of his books, I'm very thankful for his thoughtful approach to his subjects and audiences in relating to them on a very personal level.
His great passion and exuberance for exploring the American Experience has provided us with invaluable reminders of the countless challenges and triumphs in our history. And I believe that he remains one of the finest examples of a true gentleman.
We were so blessed to have
David Taylor OstervilleWe were so blessed to have him with us. I will cherish the memories.
My family and I send our
Diana Powell Ward New York CityMy family and I send our deepest sympathy to Melissa, David Jr., William, Geoffrey, and Dorie, for the loss of your precious dad, David, and your devoted mother. Rosalee, just a few months prior. David and I were second cousins through his mother, Ruth Rankin McCullough, and our grandfathers were brothers. During the 70s and early 80s, we spent our summers on the Vineyard in Aquinnah and our families became friends. As an only child of only children, David was one of my few relatives and I always valued that relationship and his friendship deeply. His books speak for themselves as treasures of the American historical landscape and for his consummate ability to deepen and enrich the discussion of our past in order to guide us in meeting the challenges to come with strength and an open heart for all, which we so need now. May your parents rest in peace and may you all be comforted by their love and grace. Fondly, Diana, Douglas Powell Ward, and Elizabeth Ward Cuprill and famly.
Thanks to Mr. McCullough, I
Brian EdgartownThanks to Mr. McCullough, I once spent an amazing month with Harry S Truman, and now he's part of my life.
It has been an honor to know
Ken Goldberg EdgartownIt has been an honor to know you and your family.
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