The Mark Twain House: A Conversation with Aubrey Horn
Written by Simon Lichter, Founder and Executive Director of Urban Dor
An Urban Dor member and historic interpreter shares the stories behind Hartford’s iconic landmark and Mark Twain’s relationship with the Jewish people.
When I founded Urban Dor more than five years ago, Greater Hartford’s young Jewish adult community was still finding its footing. COVID-19 made gathering difficult, but people continued to show up. One of them was Aubrey Horn, often accompanied by her sister, Lily.
Today, young Jewish adult engagement has become a priority across our community, and Urban Dor is leading the way. Last year, we welcomed 130 young Jewish adults to our Chanukah celebration at Tumble Brook Country Club (founded in 1922 by the local Jewish community as a response to antisemitic exclusion), and that event was generously sponsored by the Zachs family. This December 5, we’re bringing that same energy to another remarkable and local venue: the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, with generous sponsorship from Solinsky EyeCare.
Ahead of our annual Latke Vodka celebration this year, I sat down with Aubrey, one of our early Urban Dor members, Hartford native, and historic interpreter at the museum, to explore local history, Jewish culture, and the stories visitors might otherwise miss.
From Art to History
Like me, Aubrey was born in Hartford and grew up in West Hartford. Her love of the arts eventually developed into a passion for local history.
“I studied illustration and art history,” she explained. “I also worked as a curatorial intern at the Wadsworth Atheneum and later spent about a year working there as a gallery attendant.”
A 2023 graduate of the Hartford Art School, Aubrey has worked as a historic interpreter at the Mark Twain House since last fall.
“It’s been fun getting to know our neighbors of the past and helping visitors connect with the people who once lived here,” she said.
That idea resonates with me. Understanding the people and organizations that shaped our community helps us build for the future while preserving the stories that brought us here.
Mark Twain and the Jewish Experience
One reason the Mark Twain House is such a compelling setting for our Chanukah celebration is its connection to the history of antisemitism.
In 1898, Mark Twain wrote an essay titled “Concerning the Jews,” published in Harper’s Magazine in 1899. Drawing partly on his experiences witnessing antisemitism in Austria, Twain challenged the prejudice and scapegoating directed toward Jewish people.
Twain considered himself a philosemite, meaning someone with a strong appreciation for Jewish people and culture. However, as Aubrey explained, his essay received mixed reactions. Even his favorable descriptions of Jews sometimes relied on generalizations that readers could interpret negatively.
“He was willing to speak out against antisemitism at a time when anti-Jewish prejudice was widespread, particularly in parts of Europe,” Aubrey said.
His writing remains worth examining today, both for its willingness to challenge prejudice and for its complexities. It reminds us that understanding history requires looking beyond intentions and examining the words themselves.
For Urban Dor, hosting Latke Vodka at this historic site offers an opportunity to bring Jewish culture, Hartford history, and community together in a meaningful way.
The Details That Tell a Story
I asked Aubrey what visitors should look for when touring the house. Her advice is simple: pay attention to the details.
“Look out for the small details and look at the book titles on the shelves, the children’s toys, and the artwork on the walls. Those things can tell you a lot about the people who lived here,” she said.
One particularly interesting connection is Olivia “Livy” Clemens, Mark Twain’s wife, who was a patron of the arts and one of the founders of the Hartford Art School in 1877.
“As a graduate of the school myself, I feel a special connection to her legacy,” Aubrey shared.
Visitors may also wonder why the house seems so dark compared with modern homes. The museum keeps its electric lighting subdued to recreate the atmosphere of the gas lighting used during the Clemens family’s time.
The approximately 11,500-square-foot home once sat on about five acres within Hartford’s Nook Farm neighborhood. Since the family left in 1891, the property has served many purposes, including a school for boys, apartments, and the Mark Twain Branch of the Hartford Public Library from 1930 to 1956. Today, the museum preserves its history for future generations.
From Urban Dor’s Early Days to Chanukah at the Museum
Aubrey has been part of Urban Dor since our early years. I remember her arriving at events shortly after graduating from the Hartford Art School, wearing a playful T-shirt that spelled out the university’s name phonetically in Hebrew. It’s wonderful to see a longtime member now helping us connect our community with Hartford’s history.
At the museum’s Visitors Center, Aubrey looks forward to turning on its small blue electric menorah for Chanukah. Urban Dor is preparing an evening of latkes, drinks, appetizers, and opportunities to connect with young Jewish adults from across Greater Hartford and with our neighbors in New Haven and Western Massachusetts.
As we wrapped up our conversation, Aubrey shared a message for our community: “I hope everyone enjoys celebrating Chanukah here. I’m excited to see the menorah lit and to welcome Urban Dor to the museum!”
From our early gatherings during COVID-19 to celebrating Chanukah inside one of Hartford’s most treasured landmarks, Urban Dor continues to create opportunities for connection, culture, and community.
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Urban Dor's next event is Latke Vodka at The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford on Saturday night, Dec 5th 2026. Tickets and details here.
Whether you’re from Greater Hartford, New Haven, Springfield, Boston, NYC or beyond, come experience the warmth and energy of the Greater Hartford Jewish community with Urban Dor.
