Current Exhibits
Opened in 2003, The Mark Twain Museum Center offers guests an opportunity to learn more about Mark Twain, his family, the historic house, and the author's legacy. This state-of-the-art facility houses our ticket desk; the Aetna Gallery with a permanent exhibition on Twain's life and work; a rotating exhibition hall, The Hartford Financial Services Theatre, showing a Ken Burns mini-documentary on Twain; classroom space; the lecture hall-style Lincoln Financial Auditorium; The Mark Twain Store; entertaining spaces like the soaring Great Hall and the sunny second floor café/patio area.
In addition, the Museum Center houses our research library, which is open by appointment only. Featuring walls etched with some of his most famous quotations, this LEED-certified green museum is a treasure-filled way to begin and end your visit to The Mark Twain House.
Special Centennial Year Exhibit: Legacy
February 2010 through January 2011
Open during regular museum hours. Exhibit included with admission.
Legacy examines the enduring and evolving legacy of Mark Twain and his work. Famed author Tom Wolfe sent a long, carefully calligraphied scroll describing what Mark Twain meant to him. Political thriller writer David Baldacci answered the question "How would you describe Mark Twain's legacy?" with these thoughtful words: "Never before or since has a writer so completely owned and shared through his writings the soul of a nation that had yet to find itself." And humorist Roy Blount, Jr., summed it up: "He's still funny!" These are only three of about two dozen quotations that adorn the "celebrity wall" in The Mark Twain House & Museum's new exhibition, Legacy, which traces the inheritance of wisdom, insight and uproarious humor that Samuel L. Clemens left America and the world.
This year marks the Centennial of the author's death, and Legacy is a key part of The Mark Twain House & Museum's commemoration. The Hartford Financial Group, Inc., is the Mark Twain House & Museum's Centennial Sponsor. Legacy begins with Twain's death in 1910 and the media coverage that surrounded it. It examines how he was presented and perceived during the 1935 centennial of his birth; the 1985 observances of the 150th anniversary of his birth and the centennial of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - and how he is regarded today.
The exhibition includes historic items, such as the program and invitation for Twain's funeral; photographs, newspaper articles, letters and popular culture items such as Campbell's Soup ads, Toby jugs and a Soviet postage stamp from 1960 depicting Mark Twain and his various characters. It features quotations about Twain--pro and con--from people such as Booker T. Washington, William Faulkner, Benito Mussolini and Thomas Edison, as well as the contributions from modern celebrities. There is a reading area where visitors can browse through novels, children's books and other works that have used Twain's writings or characters as inspiration. Drawing materials are available for younger visitors to document their responses. Legacy is sponsored by The Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation and The George A. & Grace L. Long Foundation, Bank of America and Mr. Alan Parker, Co-Trustees.
Twain’s Centennial: 2010 |
2010 is a huge year in Twain’s legacy and we are celebrating big-time‚ with one-time only events throughout the year. |
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Twain Store |
Twain’s books‚ funny quote t-shirts‚ Victorian-era gifts‚ Twain House and Hartford souvenirs‚ writer’s journals and other tools. The Twain Store has something for everyone. |
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Upcoming Events |
There is always a good reason to visit the Mark Twain House. With unique events for Twain fans of every age‚ keep checking back for updates. |
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Support Twain Going “Green” |
Your donation to the museum will ensure that Mark Twain’s legacy will continue on at little cost to the natural world he admired so much. |
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