“Ink by the Barrel” Author Event Now Free to Public

Last Updated on Friday, 12 March 2010 18:10 Friday, 12 March 2010 18:09

The Mark Twain Museum, inconjunction with the Hannibal Free Public Library and the Northeast MissouriCommunity Foundation is pleased to announce the “Ink by the Barrel” lecture series is now free to the public on March 21 at 1 p.m. 

The Northeast MissouriCommunity Foundation received a grant from US Bank that will partially underwrite the cost of the author series. However, donations will be accepted. The event will be limited to the afternoon dessert lecture.

The “Ink by the Barrel”lecture series will provide an annual author event. This year, PulitzerPrize-winning author and Emmy Award-winning commentator, Ron Powers will speak on Sunday, March 21. Powers is a native of Hannibal and recently collaboratedwith the late Senator Ted Kennedy on his memoir, True Compass.

The event will be held at theMark Twain Museum Gallery at 120 North Main

Powers’ books, TrueCompass and Mark Twain: A Life both are available for purchase atthe Mark Twain Museum Gallery Gift Shop. Powers will be available to signcopies of his works.

Reservations may be made bycalling the Mark Twain Museum at 573.221.9010 ext. 401. Reservations arerequested but not required. 

 

Mark Twain Museum Presents “100 Word Essay Contest"

Last Updated on Tuesday, 09 March 2010 15:56 Tuesday, 09 March 2010 15:56

"How will the world remember YOU when you have been dead 100 years?"  That is the question that Hannibal children are invited to answer for the Mark Twain Museum's essay contest inspired by our town's most famous resident, Samuel Clemens.  Students are invited to submit a typed 100-word essay describing how the world will remember them for the contributions they made. This is an opportunity for children to think about their future and what they hope to do with their lives.

Essays must be exactly 100 words - not 99, and not 101.  There are four categories, and one winner from each category will win a $100 savings bond.

1) Elementary (grades 3-5)

2) Middle School (grades 6-8)

3) High School (grades 9-12)

4) K-2 (Students may draw a picture showing how they will be remembered.  Parents and/or teachers may include a typed explanation of the picture.)

Essays and pictures must be turned in at the Mark Twain Museum, 120 North Main by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 2, 2010.  Winners will be announced by Monday, April 12 and read aloud at the Time Capsule Ceremony on April 21.  The winning entries will be placed inside the time capsule.

For more information visit the Mark Twain Museum website at www.marktwainmuseum.org or call 573.221.9010 ext. 401.

 

 

Quilting Display at Mark Twain Museum

Last Updated on Tuesday, 09 March 2010 15:57 Tuesday, 09 March 2010 15:37

In celebration of National Craft and Quilting Month, the Mark Twain Museum and The Hickory Stick are hosting a display of quilts crafted by local quilters. The display features 19 quilts including machine embroidery, piecework, batiks, appliqué, and red work, as well as quilts which use fabrics from Windham’s Mark Twain Collection.

The quilts will be on display until April 5 at the Museum Gallery, 120 North Main Street. It is open during regular museum hours 9:00-5:00 Monday through Saturday, 12:00-5:00 Sundays.

On Saturday, March 20, to honor National Quilting Day, everyone is welcome to attend a reception from 2:00 to 4:00 in the Mark Twain Museum Gallery. Several of the quilters will be on hand to discuss their work. Light refreshments will be served.

In addition to this exhibit, The Hickory Stick also hosts Hometown Stitches, a two-day quilting symposium in September. Teachers and presenters for the 2010 event include Paula Nadelstern, Pat Speth, Marti Mitchell, Sue Penn, and Hallye Bone. This year’s event is scheduled for September 24 and 25.

 

Mark Twain Museum Needs Volunteers

Tuesday, 23 February 2010 22:26

Mark Twain said it best: “Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do.  Play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do.”  Hannibal residents will recognize that passage from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and recall that Tom managed to convince his pals that doing his work for him, was play for them.  In that spirit, the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum is sending out an all-call to Hannibal residents to serve as volunteers.  Or, as Tom might have put it, “Come on down and play!”  An informational open house is scheduled for Wednesday, March 3 at 2:00 p.m. at the Museum Gallery.

Current volunteers and prospective volunteers are encouraged to bring a friend and learn about the benefits of volunteering.  Light refreshments will be served. The open house will last about an hour.+

Volunteers are needed to staff the gift shops and admission desks, greet visitors, assist with mailings, set up for programs, and assist with a variety of other projects.  The Museum encourages “the buddy system” so volunteers can team up to make a difference with a friend or family member.  Volunteer positions offer flexible hours to fit every schedule.

“Since last year our volunteer program has grown tremendously; volunteers are an integral part of the Museum team,” said Ryan Murray, marketing and community relations manager at the Museum and also the volunteer coordinator. “What better way to give back to your community during 2010: The Year of Mark Twain, than to volunteer at the Museum?”

“Americans volunteer more hours than citizens in any other country,” executive director Dr. Cindy Lovell said.  “The Museum has a long tradition of welcoming volunteers.  We rely on their generosity of service to help us put a friendly face on the Museum and the city of Hannibal when visitors come through.” 

“Volunteering is a great way to expand your horizons and meet new friends,” Murray said.  Interested parties are encouraged to call the Museum at 221-9010 ext. 404 to RSVP, however reservations are not required. Information is available on the Museum’s website for those unable to attend: www.marktwainmuseum.org.