It seems as though the problems in Hartford are just like the problems in
Hannibal.  A very well-meaning patron convinced Hannibal that bigger was
better.  They got away from preserving what was there. They have constructed
a bunch of very expensive facilities with the "if we build it they will
come" philosophy.  They have mistaken their creativity for Twain's.  They
have hired consultants who have gladly taken their money to design and build
"attractions" that don't attract, interpret what doesn't need interpreting,
and mislead people as to Sam Clemens's actual experiences in Hannibal.   The
Hannibal facility has been having concerts, cooking lessons, and a book
club.  The foundation and board have become ends unto themselves.  Twenty
years ago you could amble through the boyhood home for a voluntary
contribution.  Now they have high user fees.  Attendance has declined by
2/3rds.
    I'm sure this is going to be a lousy year for tourism everywhere.
Attendance in Hannibal will continue its sad decline.  The people who run
the Hannibal operation will trot out all the usual suspects of  excuses.
This year it will be gas prices.  In past years it has been floods or rumors
of floods. It is never the fault of the people on the boards or the
decisions they make.
    I hope Hartford doesn't close.  I would sure like to see the NPS operate
the Hannibal house.  Vicki and I gave the Molly Brown Birthplace Museum to
the city of Hannibal and the land where Grant camped the night before he
rode into Florida, Missouri (see his autobiography for the significance of
the place to American history) to the State of Missouri.  The fact is that
the Republicans who have run the federal government and Missouri for the
past few years haven't put funding into history.  I can guarantee you the
NPS is strapped.
    I think this is one of those problems from hell.  I wish the best to
Hartford, Hannibal, and all the other struggling historic sites.
    Terrell Dempsey