Mark Twain House & Museum, The Hartford to Host Year-Long Celebration in 2010

HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- "I came in with Halley's Comet in 1835," Mark Twain wrote in 1909. "It is coming again next year, and I expect to go out with it. The Almighty has said, no doubt: 'Now here are these two unaccountable freaks; they came in together, they must go out together.'"

And with this uncanny prediction, Samuel L. Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain, indeed died in the year of that rare occurrence on April 21, 1910. One hundred years later, The Mark Twain House & Museum and The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., will recognize Twain's role as one of our nation's foremost literary icons, his incredible legacy as a witty and insightful social commentator, and his ongoing influence on American culture with a 2010 Centennial Celebration of unique events throughout the year. Twain wrote such American classics as Adventures of Huck Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Prince and the Pauper, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, among others, while living in Hartford, Connecticut.

The events kicked off January 23 with Mark Twain Tonight! starring celebrated actor Hal Holbrook. In collaboration with Hartford Stage, the Oscar-nominated, Emmy- and Tony-award winning actor brought his one-man Twain show, which he has performed more than 2,000 times in more than 40 years, to Hartford. The Hartford was Presenting Sponsor, and the production was also sponsored by Connecticut Light & Power Company.

The nearly thirty other events include an Adventures of Huckleberry Finn anniversary musical celebration (Feb. 18); the world premiere of a new adaptation of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer at Hartford Stage (April 1); participation in The Big Read, a collaboration with the Hartford Public Library (April though June); a Clemens lecture by bestselling author Wally Lamb (April 7), a Victorian seance with a special cake created by Charm City Bakery (as seen on Food Network's Ace of Cakes) (April 21); a Tom Sawyer Day at the museum (June 12) and much more.

"The rumors of our centennial celebrations have not been exaggerated!" said Jeffrey L. Nichols, Executive Director of The Mark Twain House & Museum. "In 2010, Twain fans of every age should come to Hartford to recognize the life of Samuel Clemens and his work at the beautiful home where Huck, Jim and Tom were born. Through the generous support of The Hartford, we plan to celebrate this important year in the legacy of Mark Twain with unique events and exhibits that explore his books, his humor, his adventures and his times."      

The Hartford marks a significant milestone of its own in 2010, celebrating the bicentennial of its incorporation and two centuries of service to the communities in which its employees live and work.  The company is providing year-long financial support for Twain 2010 celebrations across Hartford, Connecticut—the site of its corporate headquarters and Twain's home for more than 15 years --including its role as presenting sponsor for Hartford Stage's upcoming world premiere theatrical adaptation of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and the theater's Twain-related programs and education initiatives.

"We are excited to enter our third century, joining in the celebration of the great works of Mark Twain," says Connie Weaver, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at The Hartford. "The full slate of events organized by The Mark Twain House & Museum will present the community with an amazing opportunity to experience Twain first hand, while embracing the rich history of our region."  

Visit the Mark Twain House & Museum website, www.marktwainhouse.org, for updates. Unless otherwise specified, call 860-280-3130 for tickets.

About the Mark Twain House & Museum:

The Mark Twain House & Museum, a National Historic Landmark in Hartford, Connecticut, is where famed American author Samuel Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain, and his family lived from 1874 to 1891. Twain wrote his most important works while living in this Gothic architectural masterpiece, whose artifact collections include rare first-editions and heirlooms, stunning examples of Victorian decorative arts, and historic family photos.  Located at 351 Farmington Ave., the House & Museum are open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5:30 p.m.  Programs of The Mark Twain House & Museum are made possible in part by support from the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism and the Greater Hartford Arts Council.

About The Hartford

Celebrating nearly 200 years, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is an insurance-based financial services company that serves households, businesses and employees by helping to protect their assets and income from risks, and by managing wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 500 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world's most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com. HIG-C

SOURCE The Mark Twain House & Museum