Twain House still
struggles after gift

Hartford (AP) - Hartford's historic Mark Twain House and Museum is getting some breathing room in meeting costs that threatened to put the property in bankruptcy.

According to the Connecticut Post, the landmark recently received a $500,000 gift from the Annenberg Foundation. It came in the midst of intense fundraising and deep cost-cutting, including layoffs.

The gingerbread Gothic home was built in 1874 by the author and humorist.

The museum's directors say the Annenberg gift provides breathing room, but not long-term solutions.

That's because the Twain House still struggles with higher operating expenses and flat corporate support. It also saw a major dip in its endowment fund, and needs to repay a $4.9 million bank loan from earlier expansions.