A Happy Ending?

Katherine Kane is simply wrong about the issues that face the Twain House: "The issues are long-term sustainability, excellent programming, meeting and exceeding audience expectations, and rebuilding community trust and support."

The first and foremost issue is money to keep the House open.

While the Twain House certainly shares the challenges that face other historical properties, it can't even begin to contemplate those until the finances are set in order.

The Twain House's problems were and continue to be those of arrogance and financial malfeasance. The professional and volunteer leadership of the House turned a blind eye to what was clearly a disaster in the making, and dismissed, literally and figuratively, any volunteers or staff who suggested that the plans for the property were simply not consistent with prudent management. It was simply a matter of time until the situation imploded.

Close the House temporarily until the finances can be sorted. Then hire someone whose wisdom, prudence and vision can turn the situation around. Oh, and be sure that confidence is not just another word for arrogance and ego. That was the problem this time around.

It's easy for Mrs. Kane to say some of these things when a great portion of her operating budget comes from their endowment. She should be as worried as any about the Twain House closing. I'm sure if Twain closes, you'll see quite a sharp decline in the amount of visitors going to the Stowe house too.