News Release No. 474

BIRTHDAY PARTY AND INFORMATIONAL MEETING PLANNED NOV. 30 AT MARK TWAIN BIRTHPLACE STATE HISTORIC SITE

Volume 33-474

Contact: Sue Holst

(For immediate release)

573-751-6510

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 17, 2005 -- Celebrate the 170th birthday of author-humorist Mark Twain on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site near Florida. In conjunction with the event, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will hold an informational meeting to discuss issues related to Mark Twain Birthplace and Union Covered Bridge state historic sites. The birthday party will run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the site's museum, with the meeting beginning at 1 p.m. The event and meeting are free and open to the public.

Highlights of the birthday party will include free admission to the museum, door prizes, a viewing of the award-winning video "Missouri's Native Son: Mark Twain" and refreshments. A presentation will also be given on the history of the birth cabin.

At 1 p.m., the informational meeting will begin. Staff will discuss issues dealing with both historic sites, including decisions regarding the log cabin in Florida. Visitors will be given the opportunity to ask questions and comment about both sites.

Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site's museum houses the cabin where Samuel Langhorne Clemons, known as Mark Twain, was born. The museum also features exhibits that cover his childhood and adult life, including a handwritten manuscript of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer."

Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site is located adjacent to the village of Florida in Mark Twain State Park off Highway 107. Persons requiring special services or accommodations to attend the event or meeting can make arrangements by calling the historic site directly at 573-565-3440 or by calling the department toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf ). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit the Web at www.mostateparks.com.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the upcoming meetings and events in the state park system, visit the online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/parkssearch.do.

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