June 6th, 2009 from 4:00pm to 6:30pm come to 23 Mark Twain Lane in Redding,
Connecticut
to kick off the Mark Twain Centennial. Reservations are required, as space
is limited to 50 people and there is a $15 event fee. For reservations and
further details contact Susan Durkee at [log in to unmask]

The Lobster Pot in Redding is part of the original property Mark Twain
purchased in 1906. This is where Isabel Lyons lived as she tended to the
construction and interior
decoration of Stormfield prior to Twain's arrival in 1908. We felt it would
be fitting to kick off the local Mark Twain Centennial Celebrations here at
the Lobster Pot seeing so much of Twain's life in Redding was influenced by
the decisions made on this property.

The original Saltbox was lost to fire in 1953 but the foundation, patios,
gardens and
stonework still remain. The gardens, which Susan Durkee faithfully tend to,
will be the
colorful focal point of this event.

In addition to the garden tour, the Lobster Pot Studio will be open for
viewing, there
will be previews of Dangerous Intimacy, a new documentary on Isabel Lyons'
relationship
with Twain, Brent Colley will present a slideshow on Twain's days in Redding
and Susan
Durkee will speak on Isabel Lyons.

Reservations are required, as space is limited to 50 people and there is a
$15 event fee. For reservations and further details contact Susan Durkee at
[log in to unmask]

To see photos (new and old) of the Lobster Pot property visit my blog:
http://twainproject.blogspot.com/

This is just the beginning...following this event, there will be exhibits
and programs at all the local libraries and museums that wish to
participate.  The idea is to celebrate the Centennial by showcasing his life
and friends here in Fairfield County.

For example:

Over in Ridgefield, CT there is Cass Gilbert's Keeler's Tavern Museum and
the location of Col. Edward M. Knox's "Downesbury Manor", whose 300 acres
included a 45-room mansion Mark Twain often visited.

In Easton, CT is Helen Keller.

In Bethel, CT is P.T. Barnum...that connection is made via the "Stolen White
Elephant"
and "Christmas Elephant"

In Danbury, CT is Charles Ives who married Joe Twitchell's daughter.

Ideas and suggestions are welcome and encouraged! Hope to see some of you on
the 6th of
June.

Brent