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.