Save the Twain House!

[Ski Diva]

There's been a considerable amount of press coverage recently about the sorry state of financial affairs at the Mark Twain House in Hartford, CT. And unless things improve significantly, the house, home to one of American literature's most prominent figures and a neat place in its own right, may be forced to close its doors.

Because of this, Mr. Ski Diva is spearheading an effort to raise money to keep this historical landmark afloat. He and a number of A-list authors (Tom Perrota, Arthur Phillips, Robert Hicks, Andy Carroll, Stuart O'Nan, David Gates, and more) will be participating in "Writers Reading for Twain," a fundraiser to benefit the Mark Twain House and Museum. On September 23, Jon and other authors will read their favorite Twain excerpts, sign books, and be present at a reception at the Twain House and Museum.

Anyone interested in the fundraiser, or anyone interested in donating, can go here.

[SnowDancer]

A couple of years ago, while visiting some friends who live in Windsor, CT, we spent several hours at the Mark Twain house. I didn't quite know what to expect, but it was a wonderful place to experience and the tour was excellent. How sad it's in trouble.

I'm in New Jersey, not far from the Thomas Edison museum and his Llewellyn Park home "Glenmont" (which is an additional tour); both are great visits and combined they make a good day trip. The musuem's been closed over a year now for major renovations, but it's been kept afloat through annual fund raisers AND because it's also part of NJ's state park system.

Here's hoping Connecticut (and the people) can find the funding to keep that important piece of history alive.

Thanks for the info, SkiDiva.
Divas - If this matters to you, please consider donating.

[skigrl27]

any update on this? I'm from CT - but I extensively studied Twain in college. The Mark Twain house is really amazing and god only knows what would happen to all that stuff if it isn't saved. It's really just the way he left it, practically.

[Ski Diva]

The situation is very serious there. All donations are welcome. Even if you can't attend the event on September 23rd, you can give to the foundation at Dollars for Twain. (Tax deductible, of course )

[Ski Diva]

Anyone planning to go? I'll be there!

[Lisamarie]

Well, it seemed right that this should get a bit more publicity!

I managed to cover the fundraiser, the ski diva and Finn in one blog post!

[Ski Diva]

Thanks, Lisa Marie!

Mr. SD was interviewed about this for the NY Times, and today he's being interviewed for a piece for the Wall Street Journal. All good.

[cwmscm]

I may be able to go to the benefit. Or I will give some money. Looks like a very good event for the Twain House. I am sending the link to some friends who might be interested.

[Ski Diva]

Great! Hope to see you there!!!

[Ski Diva]

This is pretty cool: CBS Sunday Morning (the TV news show) is going to be there to do a story on the event. Maybe they'll even interview Mr. Ski Diva! (I hope I hope I hope.)

[cwmscm]

I will be going with my friend to the readings. Looks great!!!

[Ski Diva]

Great! Quiver Queen's coming, too!

Here's coverage in today's Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and the Hartford Courant. Mr. Ski Diva's mentioned and quoted.

[SnowHot]

Originally Posted by Ski Diva

Great! Quiver Queen's coming, too!

Here's coverage in today's Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and the Hartford Courant. Mr. Ski Diva's mentioned and quoted.

I bet your buttons could pop!

[Ski Diva]

Today, the NY Times (CT edition).

[RachelV]

All the press is great. I'd head up and combine it with a visit to the parents if it were on a weekend, but Hartford is a bit of a haul for a weeknight for me. Have fun!!

[SnowHot]

Today is the big day! Have fun and get lots of $$!!!

[Ski Diva]

Well, the event is over, a what a terrific evening! I'll post later with some pix from the event. But let me say that it was a tremendous success, not only because of the number of people attending and the caliber of the author's readings, but because of the donations brought in by the publicity about the event.

I was delighted to see Quiver Queen and CWMSWM there. Thanks so much for coming out!

And yes, CBS Sunday Morning was there (with correspondent Erin Moriarity), and they interviewed Jon along with some of the other authors. The story will air sometime in October, and it's about the financial problems faced in these difficult times not only by the Twain house, but by other historical landmarks, as well: Lincoln's homes in Illinois, Edith Wharton's home (The Mount) in the Berkshires, and other places, as well. I don't know what date the story will be on. I guess I'll have to watch every Sunday to find out!

[Robyn]

So glad this was a success!

[Ski Diva]

Here are some photos from the event.

First, the Twain House. If you've never been, you have to go. Its really cool inside. Twain was the Bruce Springsteen of his day, and he really lived it up:



Mr. SD doing this thing:



And here's group photo of the writers who participated, as well as their latest works. From left to right: Arthur Phillips (Prague, The Egyptologist), Phil Beard (Dear Zoe), Amy McKinnon (Tethered), Jon Clinch (Finn), David Gates (Jernigan), Tasha Alexander (Elizabeth: The Golden Age), Robert Hicks (Widow of the South), Tom Perotta (Little Children, The Abstinence Teacher), Phil Lopate (Two Marriages), Kristi Kieran (Catching Genius), Stuart O'Nan (Last Night at the Lobster):

[cwmscm]

It was a fun event and great to meet The Ski Diva (with Diva Dude) and Quiver Queen. Looking forward to reading Finn.