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The Mark Twain House
& Museum Newsletter
Early March 2014

 Mark Twain said:

"Supposing is good, but finding out is better." -Autobiography

 

 

Dear Friends of the Mark Twain House,

 

With the new year well underway, we are excited about our plans for the immediate, near, and even distant future. We have been "supposing" some things ourselves, and now we're determined to find out.

 

For instance, we believe many more people from all around the world would like to come visit the Mark Twain House. So, we are planning a concentrated effort to increase tourism attendance at "the loveliest home that ever was," and to that end I am pleased to announce Kim Beal, an outstanding Mark Twain House interpreter, has accepted the position of Tourism Outreach Coordinator. Kim has hit the ground running, and we know she'll do an outstanding job reaching out to potential visitors from around the world.

 

Another area we've been "supposing" about is Mark Twain's lasting influence on the art of writing and the Mark Twain House's role in encouraging up and coming writers. Julia Pistell, who has firmly established our writing programs over the past two years, has been named Director of Writing Programs. She has taken some innovative approaches to writing workshops this year and will soon be officially announcing an annual writing contest complete with celebrity judges.

 

I invite you to keep an eye on The Mark Twain House & Museum this year as we implement these and other exciting plans. We are going to be busy "finding out" a few things! Come visit!

 

All best,

 

Cindy Lovell

Executive Director

 

MTH&M logo

TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

 

The Mark Twain House & Museum presents 
Dan Brown  (The Da Vinci Code, Inferno)

in conversation with John Dankosky at The Bushnell

 

On Saturday, June 7, the creator of The Da Vinci Code, Inferno and other adventures of the symbologist Robert Langdon, comes to The Bushnell  as a fundraiser for The Mark Twain House & MuseumIt's a rare on-stage appearance for Dan Brown, who will engage in conversation with WNPR radio personality John Dankosky, and a special opportunity for his many fans. 

 

Tickets range in price from $25 to $75.  There will be a limited number of $250 VIP tickets available that include a pre-event reception, a signed book, and a chance to meet Dan Brown; it also includes premium VIP orchestra seating locations at The Bushnell event.

 

The Bushnell box office is at 860-987-5900, or click here to buy tickets online.



EARLY MARCH EVENTS
(For full descriptions, click here.)

 

Nook Farm Book Talk: LEAN IN : WOMEN, WORK AND THE WILL TO LEAD

Wednesday, March 5, 5:00 p.m. Reception/5:30 p.m. Discussion at Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

 

Thirty years after women became 50 percent of the college graduates in the United States, men still hold the vast majority of leadership positions in government and industry. This means that women's voices are still not heard equally in the decisions that most affect our lives. A moderator will facilitate discussion of Lean In, author Sheryl Sandberg's (COO of Facebook) examination of why women's progress in achieving leadership roles has stalled, the root causes, and compelling, commonsense solutions that can empower women to achieve their full potential.

  

Sponsored by First Niagara Foundation.

 

This is a free event, but reservations are suggested.  Please call: (860) 280-3130.

 

 

The Trouble Begins at 5:30! "Mark Twain and the Philippine-American War" With Susan K. Harris

Wednesday, March 12, 5:00 p.m. reception; 

The Trouble Begins at 5:30 p.m.

 

Late in life, Mark Twain railed against the American suppression of the Philippine independence movement. 

He wrote "I am opposed to having the eagle put its talons on any other land." Twain's role in the anti-imperialism movement will be discussed by Susan K. Harris, the Joyce and Elizabeth Hall Distinguished Professor of American Literature and Culture at The University of Kansas and the author of God's Arbiters: Americans and the Philippines, 1898 - 1902.  A book signing will follow the event.

 

This is a free event, but reservations are suggested.  Please call: (860) 280-3130.

 

Made possible by the generous support of First Niagara Foundation.  Additional support provided by Hot Tomato's Ristorante.

 

 

Exhibition Opening At Your Service

Thursday, March 13, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

 

Do you enjoy Downton Abbey? If so, you'll love the new At Your Service exhibition at The Mark Twain House & Museum. This special exhibition, which will be on view from March 14 until September 1, 2014, will use historic objects from the collections of the museum and other institutions to educate visitors about the daily work lives of servants of the nineteenth and early twentieth century, and to tell the stories of the diverse and interesting individuals who worked as servants for Mark Twain and his family. The opening reception will include beverages and appetizers and will allow attendees to see the exhibition before it opens to the public on the following day.  

 

At Your Service and related events are supported by the City of Hartford Arts & Heritage Jobs Grant Program, Pedro E. Segarra, Mayor, The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, the Connecticut at Work initiative of Connecticut Humanities in partnership with Hartford Public Library and Greater Hartford Arts Council, and United Technologies Corporation.

 

The opening is a free event, but reservations are suggested.  Please call: (860) 280-3130.

 

 

BOOK/MARK: Charles MacPherson - Author of The Butler Speaks

Thursday, March 13, 7:00 p.m.

 

Following the At Your Service

exhibit opening, Charles MacPherson, founder of the only licensed butler academy in North America, will discuss the essentials of entertaining and household management as outlined in his new beautifully illustrated style, etiquette and entertainment guide.

For anyone who rents or owns--be it a small urban condo or a lavish country estate--The Butler Speaks includes everything you need to know to simplify, organize and care for your home. 

 

This is a free event, but reservations are suggested.  Please call: (860) 280-3130.

  

 

Savage Girl by Jean Zimmerman - The Official Book Launch

Friday, March 14, 7:00 p.m.

 

Calling all wild women (and the men who love them)!

The Mark Twain House & Museum has been selected to launch Jean Zimmerman's latest novel, Savage Girl. A suspenseful and murderous read, the book follows the story of a young woman believed to be raised by wolves who is adopted and transported to Gilded Age Manhattan. Shortly after her arrival, suitors start dropping, leading to a sensational investigation to determine whether or not the deaths are caused by this "savage girl."

 

Get ready for a savage evening of fun and conversation with New York Times bestselling author Jean Zimmerman, author of The Orphanmaster and Love, Fiercely: A Gilded Age Romance

  

This is free event, followed by a book signing. Reservations are suggested; please call (860) 280-3130.

 

 

CHRISTINE LAVIN: Live In Concert!

Saturday, March 15, 7:00 p.m.  (The Knitting Circle pre-show is at 6:00 p.m.!)

 

Christine Lavin is a singer/songwriter/

guitarist/recording artist living in New York City. She is currently working on her 21st solo album, and in December 2013 she co-produced her tenth compilation CD Just One Angel v2.0 showcasing the holiday songs of 19 songwriters whose work she loves. The food-themed compilation One Meat Ball, includes a 96-page cookbook that Christine edited. Christine performs concerts all over the US, Canada, and points beyond (Australia, Germany, Israel), and hosts knitting circles backstage prior to each show.  Arrive with your needles and yarn at 6:00 p.m. for the pre-concert knitting circle with Christine!

 

Tickets are $25.  Please call (860) 280-3130 for more information & ticketing. Or, click here for tickets.

 


Get inspired with our Writing Classes, Workshops, and Annual Writers Weekend!

 

    

  

Go deep into detail and challenge yourself with a 6-week course in Fiction, Memoir, or Storytelling. Courses are $265 and meet on Wednesdays from 6:00 - 8:00 pm beginning March 19. Learn from the best--past students have called these courses "terrific classes in an intimate setting."

  

If you have less time or want to try a new genre, register for a Saturday writing workshop! Next up are Playwriting with Sarah Moon on March 22nd and Writing for Young Adults with Dayna Kaufman Lorentz, April 12. Saturday writing workshops run from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. and cost $40.

  

Ready for the big kahuna? Come to our 3rd Annual Writers Weekend to meet authors, get your books signed, attend workshops, lectures, panels, and so much more! Keynote speaker is Meg Wolitzer, author of The Interestings. The weekend will also feature former editor-in-chief of Granta, John Freeman, and a round of "Literary Death Match." April 25 - 27, $150.

 

... and a special, never-before offered opportunity:

Writing in Mark Twain's Library

 

Bring your laptop or your journal, and spend a quiet, uninterrupted Sunday morning drawing inspiration from the same room as Sam himself. Very limited enrollment-only 15 participants allowed. March 23, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. $50.

 

Registration and more information for all writing events is available by phone at (860) 280-3130 or by clicking here

 
 
 
 
Thank you to our new Members (since February 5)
 
Mary Barnes
Patricia Eisen
Marcia Krupnikoff
Patty & James Quagliaroli
Elena Shekleton
Jennifer Thurber

 
 
MARK TWAIN STORE FEATURED ITEM



In honor of servants...and the household items they use.... this month's special store item is our custom kitchen towel.  Choose Victorian Bee or Jumping Frog.  Produced in New England exclusively for The Mark Twain House & Museum by Pamela Cassidy.

 

To purchase these towels, visit 
our store or click here.

We rank as one of the
"Top 10 Historic Homes
in the
World" in
National Geographic's 
The Top 10 of Everything book! 


JOIN The Mark Twain House & Museum! 
  
Enjoy the special insider benefits of membership in The Mark Twain House & Museum. And there's the sheer joy of being part of the legacy of Mark Twain, whose wit and insight remain alive today in 2013 -- exactly 150 years after Sam Clemens took on his famous pen name and entered history. 

Make a DONATION Today!

Your donation to The Mark Twain House & Museum has a major impact on our ability to preserve this beautiful home, provide crucial educational programs for thousands of schoolchildren, offer mind-stimulating and spine-tingling events for adults, and welcome thousands of visitors each year.  
 
 ...and make your donation count double: Find out if your employer has a Matching Gift program.
 
Donate online, call 860-280-3112, or send your donation to: The Mark Twain House & Museum, Development Department, 351 Farmington Ave, Hartford, Connecticut 06105.
 
Join the FRIENDS
 
The Friends of The Mark Twain House & Museum offer wonderful speaking events, social gatherings, and fun volunteer opportunities. Pony up $30 and you'll get it all, too! 

 

It's the volunteer organization that has supported the museum for more than 50 years. To join, call Membership Co-Chairs Chuck Paydos, 860-242-4825, or Dee Peters, 860-233-4066. 

 


The Mark Twain House & Museum has restored the author's Hartford, Connecticut, home, where the author and his family lived from 1874 to 1891. Twain wrote his most important works there, including
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. In addition to providing tours of Twain's restored home, a National Historic Landmark, the institution offers activities and educational programs that illuminate Twain's literary legacy and provide information about his life and times. The house and museum at 351 Farmington Ave. are open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5:30 p.m. For more information, call 860-247-0998 or visit us online. Programs at The Mark Twain House & Museum are supported by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, and the Greater Hartford Arts Council's United Arts Campaign.
David Cash
Mark Twain House & Museum