Dear Forum Members, I apologize for not sending this sooner, but for those interested in the Mark Twain Boyhood Home in Hannibal, MO, the press release below was sent out on September 15th. The Mark Twain Home Foundation has announced that Dr. Regina Faden, Executive Director of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum will be leaving the organization in early October. While the foundation is sorry to see Dr. Faden depart, David Mobley, Board President states, "We are delighted that Regina has been offered such a prestigious job as Executive Director with Historic St. Mary's City in Maryland." Dr. Faden explains that her experience in Hannibal has been beneficial professionally. "It has been a great privilege to work at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum. Twain himself brought me here. As a museum director, there is no greater asset than the subject of your organization; since I have been in Hannibal, I have only come to respect and admire the author more." Faden further states, "I will take my appreciation for Mark Twain with me and always be attentive to developments at the museum and in Hannibal." Under Faden's leadership, the museum has seen significant improvements. The organization completed its first strategic plan in 2005 and defined its vision to be the leading resource for teaching and learning about Mark Twain. Teacher Workshops, instituted by the museum in 2005 have empowered 129 teachers from around the nation to bring Twain works into the classroom and the hands of young readers. The Young Authors scholarship program nurtures the talents of aspiring writers from across the country. The museum updated and enhanced its internal capacity, building a technology infrastructure and professionalizing its policies and procedures. The organization completed its first audit and installed new software systems for accounting, fundraising, and collections. Dr. Faden has also raised the museum's stature in the academic field through presentations and published works. She has made numerous scholarly presentations around the world, sharing the story of the museum and its efforts to bring Twain's message worldwide. She has also had several academic articles published in peer reviewed journals across the nation. The board and staff look forward to building upon their success, Sally Poole, director of the Foundation Board states, "Dr. Faden has helped lift our local historic landmarks to the quality of a national museum. We are perfectly positioned for future growth and outreach bringing Twain's stories to the nation and the world." The Foundation will continue to move forward with its Master Plan to preserve its historic structures and preserve Mark Twain's legacy in Hannibal. The Foundation will discuss future plans and leadership at the next regularly scheduled board meeting. Megan Rapp Manager of Marketing and Community Relations Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum 120 North Main St. Hannibal, MO 63401 573.221.9010 fax # 573.221.5109 www.marktwainmuseum.org