Magdalena Madzar

Review of The Mark Twain House

My boyfriend and I just visited Mark Twain's house...

My boyfriend and I just visited Mark Twain's house a few days ago, and it was okay. To begin with the positives, the house is beautiful, and enchanting. Full of interesting details and warmth. The museum was refreshing, and full of useful facts and descriptions, and actual belongings of the Clemens family. The gift shop is also mostly nice. Oh and there was a live snake on the steps of the entrance, and it was adorable. Now, maybe it's the snobby European in me, but I was overall not impressed, and this place is somewhat disappointing. The price is too high, for what you get. I understand there are maintenances to be paid for, but it is still too high. Not to mention, there is no such thing as a student discount unless you are a UConn student, which is lame. An educational and historic place should offer student discount. The beginning of the tour was awkward. You had to share your favorite memory. Now this is cute, if you are a child, but a little uncomfortable and fake if you are a grown up. Then, the overly chipper tour guide took us on a what seemed to be a very brief tour. I felt rushed, and did not have enough time to look at things, especially the children's room, which I was most excited about. I did not understand why the guide counted to seven. I wish her pronunciation was more clear and that her speaking in general was more put together and formal. She was very very nice, but just a bit sloppy over all. I assume there was a next tour coming after us, so she had to rush, but perhaps there should be more time between tours. I give it three stars, because it was the best things to do in Hartford, and I love the house, even though it was very clear most things are not the true belongings from Mark Twain's time. I would definitely take my kids here when they start reading the American classics of Mark Twain, but hopefully by then, there will be some improvements. :)