The formal program at PEN American Center’s Literary Gala on Monday night at the American Museum of Natural History consisted almost entirely of award-giving:

Toni Morrison received one, sponsored by Borders, for literary service. The founder of the Nou Hach Literary Project, Kho Tararith, received the Jeri Laber International Freedom to Publish Award. The Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award was presented to a writer imprisoned in China, Yang Tongyan.

So it was offstage at the event, which saw 605 attendees and raised $1.16 million, where guests exercised their storytelling prowess.

Ron Chernow had a story about an award: He told of finding just the right place to display the bust of Alexander Hamilton that he received from the Manhattan Institute a few years ago — a niche on the stairwell of his new apartment.

James Atlas beamed about having just published the first book on his first independent list under his own imprint, Atlas & Company.

Frank McCourt told of his excursions to Sheep’s Meadow with his black, brown, and white beagle, Rory. “She’s become very popular because a beagle won Westminster,” Mr. McCourt said.

Last night, it was Mr. McCourt’s turn to accept an award, from the American Place Theater, which brings the written word to the stage. Anticipating the event, Mr. McCourt said, “What I’m really happy about is that 200 public school teachers will be there.”

agordon@nysun.com