Traveling to Hannibal, Missouri: 2010 is the Year of Mark Twain

It's only slightly ironic that a man who railed against the practice of celebrating anniversaries should be at the center of not one, but three, anniversaries this year. The life and works of beloved author Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) will be the focus of celebrations throughout the country this year, as a result of three anniversaries: 100 years since his death, 175 years since his birth, and 125 years since the first copy of "Huckleberry Finn" was published in the United States.

All this means that there will be plenty of celebrating, and nowhere is more at the heart of the celebrations than Hannibal, Missouri, location of Clemens's boyhood home. Located in downtown Hannibal, the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum welcomes visitors year round. In 2010, however, the events planned have gotten to be even bigger and better than in normal years. Just about every calendar day has some activity or exhibit scheduled.

First Fridays of the month will feature movie screenings of films based on the writings of Clemens or movies about his life. Thursday nights, beginning in May will be lively with musical tributes designed for the whole family. In June, Twain impersonators will begin entertaining crowds with shows based on Twain's humorous writings, and Memorial Day weekend will feature the annual celebration, Twain on Main Festival

This year's Twain on Main will focus on a Wild West theme, which harkens back to Mark Twain's travels in the Western United States, and his book, Roughing It. During the festival actors will enact scenes from the book. The festival will also feature music, food, and an arts & crafts fair in downtown Hannibal.

Those who can't attend Twain on Main have a good alternative in Richard Garey's summer theater production of "Mark Twain Himself." This retired drama professor has been taking on the role of Twain for more than 20 years, and performs at the Planter's Barn Theater. The theater itself is an actual Clemens landmark. Built during his boyhood behind the famous Planter's Hotel to house the horses of visitors, Clemens and his two boyhood friends used to play in the barn, which dates back to 1849.

Hannibal, Missouri, located along the Mississippi River, in the northeastern part of the state is a treasure trove of Twain sites. In addition to the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, there is a replica of Huck Finn's house located just across the brick laden street from Samuel Clemens's father's office (who was the Justice of the Peace). There is also the home of Samuel Clemens's friend Laura Hawkins (who was the inspiration for Becky Thatcher, Tom Sawyer's beloved). Summer visitors will also enjoy Tom and Becky impersonators when visiting Hannibal. Each year local children vie for the honor of dressing in 1850s costumes and portraying Mark Twain's characters.

In total, there are eight properties owned by the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum open to the public, with visitors' fees at less than $10 per person. Combined with this year's programs (from writing workshops to scholarly seminars to Twain on Main), there has never been a better year to visit Hannibal, Missouri.

Resources:
www.twain2010.org
www.marktwainmuseum.org
www.visithannibal.com