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MOUNDSVILLE - The Moundsville-Marshall County Public Library will have a special History Alive! program at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 16, when Doug Riley of Tunnelton, W.Va., portrays Mark Twain, the great American author and humorist.
This dramatic, witty and educational presentation is free and open to the public and is aimed at adults and students. It will take place on the library's main floor.
The pen name for Samuel Clemens, Twain is celebrated today as one of our greatest authors and one of the wisest and funniest observers of human nature, society and politics. During the second half of the 19th century, as America grew into an international and industrial power, Twain shared his observations through speeches and writing.
Born in 1835, a native of Missouri and with an influential stint as a riverboat pilot, Twain's most famous novels - "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" - are set along the Mississippi River. But Twain is also well-known for a large body of work that includes non-fiction, magazine and newspaper articles, monographs, commentaries and short stories. He traveled extensively and achieved international fame.
Riley developed his historically accurate portrayal of Twain for the West Virginia Humanities Council's History Alive! program. Extensive research and some of the historical figures' own words are incorporated into the performances.
This program promises to be very entertaining as well as full of insight into the life and times of the man widely regarded as the greatest American humorist of his age and one of our finest and most popular writers - a fitting character to celebrate during America's 250th anniversary year.
In History Alive! performances the audience has the opportunity, following the monologue, to ask questions of the historical figure as well as the presenter. This interaction helps make history more engaging and accessible, and the characters that shaped history much more memorable.
In addition to support from the West Virginia Humanities Council, this Moundsville Library program is sponsored by the R. Mike Baker Family. Light refreshments will be available.
The library is located at the corner of Fifth Street and Tomlinson Avenue.
Call 304-845-6911 for more information.