Not come to Hannibal?  Heaven Forbid!  Please come to Hannibal and see for
yourself!

    Terrell

----- Original Message -----
From: <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2003 8:33 AM
Subject: Mark Twain Museum


> Any Twainian who can't appreciate joking around had better switch
> interest to Bronson Alcott or E.P.Roe.  Still, I hope that Terrell
> Dempsey's comment on 12 April won't encourage any Forumites to think that
> the museum in Hannibal tolerates spurious artifacts (much less a patent
> fake like a note from Mrs. Twain, boy Sam's mother).
>   As a member of the original planning committee for the New Mark Twain
> Museum, I am completely happy with both the physical and intellectual
> shape that it has been taking.  Whether it successfully interweaves
> audience-appeal with basic substance and authenticity is, however,for
> informed visitors to decide.
>   More generally, Henry Sweets has worked successfully to bring
> professional standards to the exploitive and amateurish (my words)
> beginnings that he was asked to  continue.  It would be unfortunate if
> jocularity inclined anybody to miss a chance to visit Hannibal (and
> Florida, MO).  This spring, those American pilgrims who can't afford or
> don't care/dare to travel to Canterbury could experience, I think, a
> reverent yet pleasurable time at the Boyhood Home and New Mark Twain
> Museum.
>