John, Good to see your posting. The house in Hartford is spectacular. You'll feel as if MT might walk around the corner any second! It might be worth writing or calling ahead to the House or to the Executive Director John Boyer and explaining your avid interest. That your writing a paper comparing Twain and Steinbeck might be helpful. I suggest this because you might get a different kind of tour if you work on it in advance ...maybe see some areas that the general tours open to the public do not. Worth a try. Secondly, while in NYC you could go to the church where MT's memorial service was held. Brick Presbyterian, I think the name is, around 91st or 92 St. (Better check) The house he lived in at 21 5th Ave. is long gone. But he was a member of the Lotos Club (E. 66th, I believe) and there you can see the original oil portrait painted by James Montgomery Flagg. Also, he used to go the the Palm Court in the Plaza Hotel on Sunday mornings and so can you. He waited for church to let out before walking back down 5th Ave. The acclaim he received while being recognized on the street has been called "his final reward, and he had the courage to claim it." Short on time this morning, so I've got to go. Let me know how you make out. I'm sure other Forum members will respond and give you some more ideas. Best regards, Roger Durrett