Early October 2014 eNews

FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 

"O, Tom, I reckon we're goners. I reckon there ain't no mistake 'bout where I'll go to. I been so wicked."

- Mark Twain in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

 

Dear Friends,

 

When Huck Finn uttered those terrified words to Tom Sawyer, he had no idea what "Wicked" would someday visit here - in the form of a benefit for The Mark Twain House & Museum! Will you please join me on the evening of October 21 at The Bushnell, where Gregory Maguire and Stephen Schwartz will join Frank Rizzo in conversation about Wicked - the novel and the musical? Please find me in the audience and say hello! This is a rare opportunity to hear these gentlemen together onstage and is a testament to their desire to support the House. All we need now is you to support the event by attending!

 

Interest in Mark Twain remains as strong as ever. PBS recently aired Ken Burns' brilliant documentary, and we immediately experienced a healthy surge in foot traffic. I recently gave two Twain talks in the UK while visiting my sister there, including one on behalf of Kensal Rise Library, the very library Mark Twain opened in 1900. More than 250 enthusiastic people attended. Last week the Hartford Courant acknowledged the 140th anniversary of the House with a wonderful article by Steve Courtney. And Jacques Lamarre continues to welcome various news and documentary film crews to the House. All roads lead to Mark Twain! 

 

Finally, in an effort to share the home and encourage greater visitation, we will soon be rolling out Virtual Tours of the House - unveiling a new room each week. Keep an eye on the website for these stunning tours. We plan to launch the first one in a couple of weeks. No hints as to which room it will be!

 

Thank you for your membership, your contributions, and your attendance at our amazing events. I've even spotted a few of you doing some early holiday shopping in the Museum Store. Without this kind of support, we simply could not fulfill our mission.

 

I look forward to seeing you soon!

 

With sincere gratitude,

 

Cindy Lovell
Executive Director


EARLY OCTOBER EVENTS

For more details on all our events, please visit our website.

Nook Farm Book Talk - Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire

Wednesday, October 1, 5:00 p.m. Reception; 5:30 p.m. Discussion; at the Mark Twain Museum Center

 

To tie in with our "Mark My Words 2014: A Wicked Cool Evening" event, we're presenting Wicked as the Nook Farm Book Talk for October.

 

And this is the book that started it all! The basis for the smash hit, Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Gregory Maguire's breathtaking New York Times bestseller Wicked views the land of Oz, its inhabitants, its Wizard, and the Emerald City, through a darker and greener (not rosier) lens. Brilliantly inventive, Wicked offers us a radical new evaluation of one of the most feared and hated characters in all of literature: the much maligned Wicked Witch of the West who, as Maguire tells us, wasn't nearly as Wicked as we imagined.

 

The is a free event. Reservations are recommended.  Please call (860) 280-3130.


 

Book/Mark: American Crucifixion by Alex Beam at Hartford Seminary, 77 Sherman Street, Hartford

Thursday, October 2, 7:00 p.m.

 

On June 27, 1844, a mob stormed the jail in the dusty frontier town of Carthage, Illinois. Clamorous and angry, they were hunting down a man they saw as a grave threat to their otherwise quiet lives: the founding prophet of Mormonism, Joseph Smith. In American Crucifixion, Alex Beam tells how Smith went from charismatic leader to public enemy: how his most seismic revelation--the doctrine of polygamy--created a rift among his people; how that schism turned to violence; and how, ultimately, Smith could not escape the consequences of his ambition and pride. 

 

This is a free event. Reservations are recommended. Please call (860) 280-3130 or click here.

 

 

Graveyard Shift Ghost Tours

October 3, 10, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, and 30; at 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. 

 

We reprise our popular Graveyard Shift Ghost Tours for spooky fall chills. The Mark Twain House has been featured on Syfy Channel's Ghost Hunters and the Biography Channel's My Ghost Story.

On these tours, participants will hear about these investigations -- and learn about Mark Twain's own interest in the supernatural. Filled with haunted history, dark tales and Victorian traditions surrounding seances and spiritualism, these nighttime tours are as educational as they are goosebump-inducing. Ghost tours sell out fast, so be sure to call soon to make your reservations!

The tours are tsponsored by Tsunami Tsolutions.

 

$22 with discounts available for members and children. Please call (860) 280-3130 for more information & ticketing or click here.
 

Book/Mark: Finding Oz by Evan Schwartz

Wednesday, October 8, 7:00 p.m. 

 

Finding Oz: How L. Frank Baum Discovered the Great American Story by Evan Schwartz is a groundbreaking new look at an American icon, The Wizard of Oz. Finding Oz tells the remarkable tale behind one of the world's most enduring and best loved stories. Offering profound new insights into the true origins and meaning of L. Frank Baum's 1900 masterwork, it delves into the personal turmoil and spiritual transformation that fueled Baum's fantastical parable of the American Dream. Prior to becoming an impresario of children's adventure tales--the J. K. Rowling of his age--Baum failed at a series of careers and nearly lost his soul before setting out on a journey of discovery that would lead to the Land of Oz.  Followed by a book sale and signing.

 

The is a free event.  Reservations are recommended.  Please call (860) 280-3130 or click here.

 

 


The Trouble Begins at 5:30: Benjamin Griffin on A Family Sketch

Wednesday, October 8, 5:00 p.m. reception; 5:30 p.m. talk

 

Benjamin Griffin, an editor at The Mark Twain Project and Papers in Berkeley, California, will launch A Family Sketch and Other Private Writings, which includes an important first-hand account of life in the Hartford house by Samuel L. Clemens himself, published for the first time. The book also includes "Small Foolishness," Clemens' account of his children's sayings, and an authoritative edition of his daughter Susy's biography of her father, written when she was a teenager. 


 

The Trouble Begins lecture series is supported by Connecticut Explored magazine, Hot Tomato's restaurant and The Friends of the Mark Twain House & Museum. ASL signing for the lectures is provided courtesy of students of the Interpreting 1 Class in Northwestern Connecticut Community College's Interpreter Preparation Program.  

 

This is a free event. Reservations are recommended. Please call (860) 280-3130.

 

 

Seance 101

Thursday, October 9, 6:30 p.m.

 

Have you ever wondered if psychic photographs are real? What famous Spiritualist produced faces of spirit on film? How did the Victorians conduct their seances?  Author and medium Elaine Kuzmeskus answers these questions as she explores the fascinating world of physical mediumship and Victorian Seances. Learn more about rare but real physical phenomena, as well as valuable information on: Seances around Victorian Hartford; the Connecticut medium who levitated; how to contact spirit through table tipping; spirit photographs; electronic voice phenomena; plus readings for selected members of the audience.

 

Tickets are $15. Please call (860) 280-3130 or click here.

 

 

Exhibition Opening and Reception for SPIRITUALISM, SEANCES & SAM

Friday, October 10, 5:30 p.m.

 

The Mark Twain House & Museum, in partnership with Calvin Von Crush, will be opening a new exhibition, "Spiritualism, Seances & Sam." The exhibition will examine the Victorian era's fascination with spiritualism and, in particular, the relevant beliefs and experiences of Samuel Clemens ("Mark Twain").

A free opening reception will be held that evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.  Please RSVP to (860)280-3130.

 

This is a free event, followed by...

 

CASHETTA is "THE RARE MEDIUM - WELL DONE"
Friday, October 10, 7:00 p.m.

Spiritualism doesn't have to be a drag, but it will be when drag superstar Cashetta unveils her side-splitting, magical and mysterious show featuring the tricks and trappings of mediums everywhere!  Will she conduct a silly s�ance?  Will she make spirits materialize and disappear (faster than the spirits in her cocktail glass)?   A thrilling evening of paranormal experiments!

 

Tickets are $25 / $20 for MTH&M Members. Please call (860) 280-3130 or click here.
 

 


Book/Mark: PICTURE THE DEAD with Lisa Brown

Tuesday, October 14, 7:00 p.m.

  

Lisa Brown's book 

Picture the Dead is aimed at the young-adult audience, but adults will find much to like, too.  We will discuss her book and maybe even tease out a few stories from Lisa about growing up in West Hartford and insights into life with her husband, Mr. Lemony Snicket.  

Picture the Dead tells the story of

  

Jennie Lovell. Her life is the very picture of love and loss. First she is orphaned and forced to live at the mercy of her stingy, indifferent relatives. Then her fiance falls on the battlefield, leaving her heartbroken and alone. Jennie struggles to pick up the pieces of her shattered life, but is haunted by a mysterious figure that refuses to let her bury the past.


This is a free event.  Reservations are recommended. Please call (860) 280-3130 or click here.


PLUS: There are many more events coming up later in October! Check our website for details.

 




Our Biggest Event 
of the Year!

 
TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE!
information and tickets.


 


WRITE IN THE SHADOW OF THE TWAIN HOUSE WITH OUR WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES

 

Writing Classes: 6 weeks, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, $265
 

 

Wednesdays Beginning October 1: 
Fiction with Susan Schoenberger
Travel Writing with Mary Sharnick
Freelancing with Theresa Sullivan Barger
Poetry with Edwina Trentham

Thursdays Beginning October 2:
Nonfiction with Susan Campbell
Writing from Found Objects with Y. Renfro

Tuesdays Beginning October 7:
Social Media for Writers with Caitlin Thayer

Mondays Beginning October 20:
Self-Publishing with Patrice Fitzgerald


Writing Workshops 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, $40

The Perfect Pitch with Mike Morin, October 4th
Writing an Op-Ed with Hugh Ryan, October 11th
Dialogue with Dan Pope, October 11th


 

For class and workshop descriptions, please visit our website.  Note that there are discounts for members.


 

To register or for more information, please email Julia Pistell, Director of Writing Programs at [email protected].


 


 
 For more information, please visit the events section of our website 
and click on 'November,' or call Sarah Hawkes at (860) 280-3112. 
 
THANK YOU TO OUR NEW   
(August 26 through September 19)
 

Tom Almy

John Bermel

Sandra Blossom

Rudiger & Anne Marie Breitenecher

Catherine Brewer

Mr. & Mrs. Henry Burdelski

Karl & Lisa Cicitto

Steven Dorfman

Joseph Dreisch

Danielle Grunzke

Jerome & Marcia Howard

Ann Hunter

 

Shelly Losty

Sal Pappalardo

Kathleen Riley

Amanda Rivera

Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Schweitzer

Robert Sedivy & Elizabeth Curtler

Amir Steinberg

Dan & Jessica Stites

Michelle Vadenais

Joe Vasicek

Karen Wolf


 

  
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS (August 26 through Sept. 19)
 
INDIVIDUAL 


Bill & Barb Arnold

Judith E. Askey

Elizabeth M. Barnes

Marion Carling

Mary Cashman

Brian W. & Ellen Nelson Clarke

Martha Czaczkes

Tracy Wu Fastenberg

Patrice Fitzgerald

Lynn Gregor

J. David Haddox & Marsha McAllister

Mathew & Valerie Jasinski

Brian & Betsy Maguire

James Masso

Michael Morgan

Barton Niedner

Bill Pimentel

Carter A. Prescott

Constanza Segovia

Frank Sentner & Annette Blackwood

Mark Zampano


 

INSTITUTIONAL 

The Travelers Companies, Inc.


 

The Hartford


 

The Brown Rudnick Charitable Foundation

 

  

IN HONOR OF PATTI PHILIPPON'S TENURE AT THE MARK TWAIN HOUSE & MUSEUM 


 

Richard F. Ahles

Craig & Annette Bolt

Gregory & Harriet Boyko

Ted & Sally Carrier

Dede & Frank DeRosa

Dr. Kerry Driscoll

Anne Elvgren

Frank Lord & Suzanne Hopgood

Jeffrey Nichols & Laura Macaluso

 

  
 
 Make the most of your donation, be sure to ask your employer about matching gifts.
 

 

 

Is your employer holding a United Way campaign this fall?

 

You can designate your giving to The Mark Twain House & Museum!


 

(UW of  Central  and Northeastern CT code: AG3020; please note other UW branches may have a different code.)

  

 
MARK TWAIN STORE 
FEATURED ITEM OF THE MONTH

Quote Twain Often and Correctly with "THE WIT & WISDOM OF MARK TWAIN" 

 

An alphabetically listed, topographical compilation of some of Mark Twain's funniest quotations. 265 pages.

 

 

Only $13.99!  

Visit our store or click here to buy online.



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 2014 -- over 150 years after Sam Clemens took on his famous pen name and entered history.

 

Submit our easy-to-use, secure online membership form or simply call 860-280-3112.

 

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 Avenue, 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 The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, 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, 11:00 a.m. - 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, and the Greater Hartford Arts Council's United Arts Campaign.

 

David Cash, Publicist and Publications Editor

The Mark Twain House & Museum

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