Founded nearly a quarter century ago, Wellesnet — the Orson Welles Web Resource — will proudly celebrate its 25th anniversary this March.
Jeff Wilson conceived, launched and guided Wellesnet through its first decade before passing the torch to its current owner, veteran journalist Ray Kelly, who greatly expanded the website’s scope and offerings. Wellesnet, which once attracted 10,000 monthly users, now averages between 45,000 and 75,000 human visitors each month.
Many of the site’s original contributors remain actively involved, most notably Mike Teal, who continues to manage the the popular Wellesnet Message Board and Facebook page.
Over the years, Wellesnet’s content and reporting have earned recognition in prominent books and documentaries. The site has been cited by The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Hollywood Reporter, and featured on BBC Radio and National Public Radio — affirming its place as a trusted resource for Welles scholarship.
Washington Monthly has called Wellesnet “the go-to site for all things Welles,” an honor we are grateful for and hope to uphold for many years to come.
As we mark this silver anniversary, we’re happy to say that no sweeping changes are planned. Instead, we remain committed to what has always defined Wellesnet.
We will continue to celebrate Orson Welles’ extraordinary career while keeping readers informed about the latest books, documentaries, and film restorations — carrying the legacy forward into the next quarter century.
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