Curriculum
History
THE MARK TWAIN HOUSE & MUSEUM
Compiled by Bob Rouse
HUCKLEBERRY HOME
The Mark Twain House & Museum, a National Historic Landmark in
Hartford, Connecticut, was the home of one of the United States’
most celebrated authors and humorists. Mark Twain, the pen name of
Samue l Clemens, lived in the home with his family from 1874 to 1891.
It was there he wrote his most important works, including “Adventures
of Huckleberry Finn,” “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” “The Prince
and the Pauper” and “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.”
A beautiful example of picturesque Gothic architecture, the 25-room
home was named one of the 10 best historic homes in the world
by National Geographic. The modern museum center houses a
permanent exhibition on Twain’s life and work, as well as a Ken Burns
mini-documentary on Twain, classroom and auditorium space, The
Mark Twain Store and a sunny second-floor café and patio area.
Exhibits and educational programs illuminate Twain’s literary legacy,
and visitors will also gain perspective on the author’s family. “In Their
Father’s Image: Susy, Clara & Jean Clemens” shows how the passions
and tragedies of Twain’s three daughters made them unforgettable
women. The exhibit runs through Jan. 24, 2017.
New this year are living history tours. “Guests can see The Mark Twain
House from an entirely different perspective when they join a costumed
member of the Clemens family or household staff for a behind-the-scenes
look,” said Kimberly Beal, tourism outreach coordinator.
For more information about tours and programs, contact Beal at
[email protected], or visit marktwainhouse.org.
OH, HISTORY!
CANADIAN MUSEUM OF HISTORY
Set on the banks of the Ottawa River in Ottawa, Ontario, the
Canadian Museum of History is the country’s most visited
museum, showcasing the events, experiences, people and
objects that shaped the nation’s history.
“As Canada’s national museum, we are the place to learn all
about Canadian history,” said Stéphanie Fortin, the museum’s
tourism and marketing officer. “In addition to ongoing exhibitions,
each year the museum presents a number of outstanding
exhibitions focusing on Canadian and world history and
civilizations.”
Popular areas and exhibitions include the Grand Hall, a gallery
focusing on the First Peoples of Canada’s Pacific Coast that
features the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles.
The First Peoples Hall showcases the history and cultures of
Canada’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. The Canadian
Stamp Collection presents a comprehensive group of more than
3,000 stamps (every stamp Canada has ever issued), as well as
behind-the-scenes stories and unique artifacts.
The museum is currently working on its largest and most
ambitious exhibition, the Canadian History Hall, opening July
1, 2017, in time to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. The
new hall will tell the story—chronologically and thematically—of
Canada and its people, from the dawn of human habitation to
the present day.
Teachers can take advantage of the museum’s school
programs, gallery activity sheets, workshops, guided tours and
group menus at the cafeteria.
For more information, contact Fortin at stephanie.fortin@
museedelhistoire.ca, or visit historymuseum.ca.
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