Mark Twain & Youth: A Weekend Symposium

Please join the staff of the Elmira College Center for Mark Twain Studies for an intimate gathering of Twain scholars in the picturesque setting of Quarry Farm. In a letter to William Dean Howells in the fall of 1876, Samuel Clemens wrote, “The Farm is perfectly delightful this season. It is quiet and peaceful as a South Sea Island. Some of the sunsets which we have witnessed from this commanding eminence were marvelous.” We hope you too can witness the fall beauty of Quarry Farm and be part of the lectures and discussions.

The keynote speaker is Jon Clinch. His first novel, Finn – the secret history of Huckleberry Finn’s father – was named an American Library Association Notable Book and was chosen as one of the year’s best books by the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, and the Christian Science Monitor. It won the Philadelphia Atheneum Literary Award and was shortlisted for the Sargent First Novel Prize. His second novel, Kings of the Earth – a powerful tale of life, death, and family in rural America, based on a true story – was named a best book of the year by the Washington Post and led the 2010 Summer Reading List at O, The Oprah Magazine. Some of his other notable works include The Thief of Auschwitz and Belzoni Dreams of Egypt.

The registration is $150.00. Payment includes dinner Friday night and all meals on Saturday. Due to space restrictions, attendance at the symposium is limited to 60 people. All events on Saturday will take place at Quarry Farm. Contact the Elmira College Center for Mark Twain Studies to register.

Housing is available at the Holiday Inn Riverview at a rate of $129 per night plus NYS Room Tax fees. Please call the hotel directly at (607) 734-4211 by Thursday, September 8 to reserve rooms at the reduced symposium rate. The Group ID Code is MTS. Additionally, limited shuttle service will be available between the Elmira College campus, the Riverside Holiday Inn, and Quarry Farm.