Dear Mark Twain Forum Members, For the last few years, the Center for Mark Twain Studies has collaborated with the Chemung County Historical Society by holding a Mark Twain-themed lecture series at the Historical Society's museum. CCHS has a very good collection of images and documents related to Mark Twain's legacy in Elmira. It also does a great job with public education, a facet somewhat lacking in CMTS due to its small staff size. The CCHS lecture series is usually composed of Quarry Farm Fellows and members of the CMTS staff. I've found that scholars are happy to come down off the East Hill and talk about their projects to an appreciative Elmira audience. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some members of the 2020 Class of Quarry Farm Fellows have not been able to take advantage of their residencies due to travel restrictions. Unfortunately, the CCHS Twain lecture series had to be cancelled this year. In lieu of a 2020 lecture series and in an attempt to keep some kind of good energy moving forward, CCHS has come up with a project in which all members of the Mark Twain Forum can participate. Please see below. Thanks for your consideration. *"Mark Twain Aloud"* What can Mark Twain offer our present moment? Although we are not able to hold our annual Mark Twain talks this September, the Chemung County Historical Society is inviting scholars to record a short reading of a favorite Twain writing as a way to connect with public audiences. To participate, record a 2-3 minute video that contains an introduction of who you are; your selected Twain passage; and an unscripted 1-2 sentences explaining why you chose that passage. We will collage these readings together to create a free public presentation that will be shared on the Center for Mark Twain Studies and Chemung County Historical Society's channels. We will accept videos until August 31. We hope to see everyone next year at the annual talks. To submit a video or for more details, contact Susan Zehnder [log in to unmask] Education Director Chemung Co Historical Society 415 East Water Street Elmira, NY 14901 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Joseph Lemak Director of the Center for Mark Twain Studies Assistant Professor of History Elmira College The Rose Office, Cowles Hall Elmira, New York 14901 (607) 735-1941 MarkTwainStudies.org, the official website of CMTS