The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum is situated at 206-208 Hill Street, Hannibal, Missouri, on the west bank of the Mississippi River in the United States. This location is where the famous author Mark Twain, whose real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens, lived from 1844 to 1853. The museum has been open to the public since 1912 and was designated a National Historic Landmark on December 29, 1962.
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home is one of nine properties that make up the current Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum complex. In addition to the Boyhood Home, there are seven other museum buildings that form part of the complex. These include the Interpretive Center, Becky Thatcher House, Huck Finn House, J.M Clemens Justice of the Peace Office, Grant's Drug Store, the stone Works Progress Administration (WPA) building that houses a gift shop, and the Museum Gallery, which is located at 120 N. Main St.
The museum's collection boasts many first editions by Mark Twain, numerous personal items such as his Oxford gown, the only known surviving white suit coat, and a vast array of Twain memorabilia. This includes the death mask of his baby son Langdon, and a jewelry box that Twain had hand-carved in Italy to his specifications as a gift to his wife, Olivia.
History & Anthropology Specialized & Alternative Historic house Language & Literature Person & Artist
March 15 through October 31
Monday – Sunday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
November 1 through March 14
Monday – Sunday | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
Will close for inclement weather in the winter.
May close early on New Year’s Eve, and Christmas Eve.
120 N Main St, Hannibal
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Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum has 1 rating.
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri offers visitors a genuine look into the early life of Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. The museum complex includes several buildings, including Twain's childhood home, which has been restored to its 1840s appearance. Many visitors appreciate the authenticity of the experience and the well-preserved artifacts that provide context to Twain's writings.
The museum does a good job of presenting Twain's life and works, with informative exhibits and knowledgeable staff. Visitors often comment on how the tour helps them understand the inspiration behind some of Twain's most famous characters and stories. The Huckleberry Finn house and the Becky Thatcher house are also part of the complex, adding depth to the experience.
However, some visitors note that the museum might feel small or basic compared to more modern, interactive museums. The lack of air conditioning in some buildings can make summer visits uncomfortable. Additionally, a few reviewers mention that the admission price might seem high for the size of the museum.
Overall, the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum is generally well-regarded, especially by literature enthusiasts and those interested in American history. It provides a valuable insight into the formative years of one of America's most celebrated authors, though it may not appeal as much to those seeking a more interactive or extensive museum experience.
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