Our 150th Anniversary Celebration was a Huge Success!

On Saturday, September 14, the Mark Twain House hosted a day-long, family-friendly event to mark the 150th Anniversary of the house where Sam and Olivia Clemens and their three daughters, Susy, Clara, and Jean, created life-long memories. We welcomed over 250 visitors to explore the house with many more who enjoyed the various activities throughout our grounds, including hat-making, story-telling, music, and even a pie-eating contest.

During his remarks, Interim Executive Director Michael L. Campbell said, "Hartford and this house provided important grounding for Clemens as he developed his unique American voice, and wrote his most famous books, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Mark Twain and Hartford had a strong partnership for 17 years, some of the most productive of his life."

On behalf of our staff, we wish to thank all of our artists and visitors for making our celebration so joyful. We also extend a huge thank you to Global Atlantic for their sponsorship.

Pam Amodio, Co-Coordinator, Special Events Manager
Mallory Howard, Co-Coordinator, Assistant Curator

Save the Date for the American Voice Literary Award - November 1st

One of the nation’s leading literary prizes, The Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award honors an exemplary work of fiction from the previous calendar year that speaks with an “American Voice” about American experiences, much like Twain’s masterwork, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Established in 2016 with the generous sponsorship of acclaimed novelist and museum trustee David Baldacci, the award is bestowed annually and carries a cash prize of $25,000.  Entrants are submitted by a wide range of publishers, and judged by a panel of acclaimed writers, critics, and scholars.  Past winners include T.C. Boyle, Bill Beverly, Jesmyn Ward, Ocean Vuong, Stephen Graham Jones, Dawnie Walton, and last year’s winner, Jennifer Haigh, for her novel Mercy Street.

The finalists have been announced! For more information on past winners and this year's finalists, visit The Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award on our website.

Join us Friday, November 1, for our celebration to recognize a modern voice that’s defining our current America.  The award will be presented by the prize’s benefactor, bestselling author and trustee of The Mark Twain House & Museum, David Baldacci, with excerpts of the winning book read by the author.

The Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award Celebration

Friday, November 1, 2024
The Mark Twain House Museum Center
https://marktwainhouse.org/mtavlcelebration/
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.  Tickets will go on sale later this month.
Sponsorships available; please contact Dawn Veillette Diana.

Unveiling of New Sculpture, Noble Purpose, by Michael Linton.

On September 14, we unveiled Noble Purpose, our new sculpture dedicated to all the people who worked for the Clemens family. Made up of horseshoes of many sizes, some from the many horses that artist and farrier Michael Linton has worked with, this sculpture evokes the life and work of Patrick McAleer, the coachman to the Clemens family for all the years they lived in Hartford. Patrick and his family lived in the Carriage House and were an active part of the life of the Clemens' busy household. Patrick not only drove the carriage, but he looked after the horses, cows, and other animals that lived on what was once an 8-acre parcel of Clemens' land.   

This sculpture is also dedicated to the more than 30 other people who lived and worked in the home from 1874 to 1891. These include, but are not limited, to George Griffin, who worked as butler and foreman of the team of servants, Katy Leary, who worked as a lady's maid and nursemaid, Daniel Molloy and John O’Neill, both gardeners, along with many others who were the cooks and cleaners who kept this house running.

This sculpture also reminds us that visual art has the power to do things that words alone cannot—art has the power to tell stories, to slow us down from our daily lives and remind us of history that isn’t always known or seen. Art is a powerful memorial, and we hope you will visit the sculpture when you next come to the Mark Twain House & Museum.

Behind the Scenes with Omar  Acevedo, Literary Program Coordinator

Mark Twain's life and work were characterized by his challenge to societal norms and his invitation to the public to engage in complex dialogues about the state of society. He used clever storytelling to unearth uncomfortable truths and provoke thoughtful reflection, often encouraging his readers to question the status quo.  My approach to our literary programs is shaped by this legacy. I actively seek out authors whose narratives similarly challenge conventional viewpoints and encourage critical thinking. Their works range from fiction that presents fresh and diverse perspectives to non-fiction that sheds light on contemporary issues, both deeply relevant and necessary in today's world.

Our literary programs thus reflect a wide array of voices and experiences, addressing themes that are critical to understanding the complexities of modern life, such as identity and the ever-evolving landscape of politics and culture. I also strive to find authors whose books contribute significantly to ongoing and evolving conversations within our communities. My goal is to foster discussions that are not only relevant and impactful but also open doors to new ways of thinking, helping our audience explore their own beliefs while considering diverse perspectives from fellow community members. These conversations enrich the cultural fabric of Hartford and its surrounding areas, giving a platform to voices that might otherwise go unheard.

An ideal author event is not just about the books or the act of reading; it’s about creating a space where dialogue, community, and connection can flourish. It’s an opportunity for people to come together, share ideas, and build a sense of collective understanding. This reflects my personal commitment to fostering both literary appreciation and community engagement. Through these programs, I seek to bring literary events to all people, regardless of background or circumstance, making literature accessible and engaging for everyone. By doing so, I aim to honor the transformative power of storytelling, much like Twain did in his time, and contribute to a more thoughtful and connected community.