Press Room

Below you will find information about upcoming events and exhibits, as well as general interest press releases. For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact:

Marketing and Community Relations Manager
(573) 221-9010
Fax (573) 221-5109

    Recent Press Releases

September 17, 2008
Mark Twain Museum Invites Candidates, Colbert to Debate in Hannibal
Hannibal, Mo. – The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum has invited Senators Barack Obama and John McCain to a town hall-style debate moderated by Stephen Colbert at the museum gallery.  No dates have been set, although Colbert’s staff provided dates when he is available should the candidates accept the invitation. 

“Democratic candidates have a history of stopping by Hannibal,” board member Cindy Lovell explained.  “We decided to invite both candidates because we feel that not only would the public enjoy a spirited debate, but it is in keeping with preserving the legacy of Mark Twain.  After all, he had plenty to say about politics and government.”  Because Twain consistently used humor to deliver his message, Stephen Colbert was invited to moderate.  Colbert was described in a recent Time magazine article (July 14, 2008) about Mark Twain as one who is “descended from that man in the white suit.”  Even former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright compared Stephen Colbert to Mark Twain in her recent book, Memo to the President-Elect: How We Can Restore America’s Reputation and Leadership. 

Missouri has a unique history in deciding the nation’s commander in chief.  “With one exception, Missouri has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every single election since 1904.  As the home of Mark Twain, one of this country’s most insightful voices on America –especially American politics – it is only fair that we invite the candidates to come to America’s Hometown to help Missourians, and the rest of the country, decide on their next leader,” said Megan Rapp, Manager of Community Relations for the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum.  
“We hope that Hannibal residents take time to contact the senators and let them know we’d love to host them here,” Lovell said.  “I think Mark Twain would approve.  After all, he described the ballot box as ‘the finest asset we’ve got’.”

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The Mark Twain Home Foundation has announced that Dr. Regina Faden, Executive Director of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum will be leaving the organization in early October. While the foundation is sorry to see Dr. Faden depart, David Mobley, Board President states, “We are delighted that Regina has been offered such a prestigious job as Executive Director with Historic St. Mary’s City in Maryland.”

Dr. Faden explains that her experience in Hannibal has been beneficial professionally.  “It has been a great privilege to work at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum. Twain himself brought me here. As a museum director, there is no greater asset than the subject of your organization; since I have been in Hannibal, I have only come to respect and admire the author more.”  Faden further states, “I will take my appreciation for Mark Twain with me and always be attentive to developments at the museum and in Hannibal.

Under Faden¹s leadership, the museum has seen significant improvements. The organization completed its first strategic plan in 2005 and defined its vision to be the leading resource for teaching and learning about Mark Twain. Teacher Workshops, instituted by the museum in 2005 have empowered 129 teachers from around the nation to bring Twain works into the classroom and the hands of young readers.  The Young Authors scholarship program nurtures the talents of aspiring writers from across the country.  The museum updated and enhanced its internal capacity, building a technology infrastructure and professionalizing its policies and procedures. The  organization completed its first audit and installed new software systems for accounting, fundraising, and collections.

Dr. Faden has also raised the museum’s stature in the academic field through presentations and published works.  She has made numerous scholarly presentations around the world, sharing the story of the museum and its efforts to bring Twain’s message worldwide.  She has also had several academic articles published in peer reviewed journals across the nation.

The board and staff look forward to building upon their success, Sally Poole, director of the Foundation Board states, “Dr. Faden has helped lift our local historic landmarks to the quality of a national museum. We are perfectly positioned for future growth and outreach ­ bringing Twain’s stories to the nation and the world.”

The Foundation will continue to move forward with its Master Plan to preserve its historic structures and preserve Mark Twain’s legacy in Hannibal.  The Foundation will discuss future plans and leadership at the next regularly scheduled board meeting.

For general information about the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, please visit the About Us page. For images of the museum, Mark Twain Boyhood Home, or any of our other historic properties, please contact us.

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