The Mark Twain Boyhood Home was given to the City of Hannibal, Missouri, on May 15, 1912. A City agency, the Mark Twain Home Board evolved to oversee the Boyhood Home. Additions came through the years: a stone museum building was constructed by the WPA to serve as the Mark Twain Museum (1939); the John M. Clemens Justice of the Peace Office and the Pilaster House (Grant’s Drug Store) were given to the City (1955), and a former pizza restaurant was acquired and remodeled to serve as an Interpretative Center (1983). These City properties, along with the Tom & Huck Statue grounds (1926) were leased to the Mark Twain Home Foundation in 1989. 

The Mark Twain Home Foundation was incorporated in 1974. In 1989 the Mark Twain Home Foundation approached the City of Hannibal and leased the City-owned properties for operation and maintenance. Since assuming that lease, the Foundation: acquired, planned, and opened the 18,000-square foot Museum Gallery Building (1995); acquired the Becky Thatcher House (2001), and reconstructed the Huckleberry Finn (Tom Blankenship) House (2007) on the original site using period materials. The Interpretative Center was purchased from the City of Hannibal and now is Foundation property. The Pilaster House and Justice of the Peace Building were transferred to the Foundation in 2018. Today, the Foundation maintains and oversees the operation of eight buildings and accompanying sites in Hannibal that are related to Mark Twain. The restoration of the Becky Thatcher House was completed in June 2013, and a new interpretation was installed in 2020. The John M. Clemens Justice of the Peace Office was restored in 2016. The Pilaster House restoration was completed in 2019.

Fulfilling our mission through the daily operations of the Boyhood Home and museum properties attracts tens of thousands of guests annually. These guests create a vital economic impact in our community and leave with a greater understanding of Hannibal and Mr. Twain’s place in America’s larger story. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum receives no local, state, or federal tax funding. In this spirit, we humbly ask for your tax-deductible year-end gift to the Mark Twain Home Foundation. All gifts are appreciated. We are excited to innovate, inspire, and impact with your help.

Thank you for your continued support of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum.