Mark Twain (1835-1919) was an American humorist, journalist, lecturer, and novelist who gained international fame for his travel narratives and for his adventure stories of boyhood, especially The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. He is considered one of America’s best and most beloved writers. Susan K. Harris is a Mark Twain scholar as well as a scholar of American women’s writings. She has published four books on the author. Susan’s talk will focus on Twain’s innovative language, his double-edged humor, his political courage, and his struggle to find certainty in an uncertain world. She will explore the debate over teaching Adventures of Huckleberry Finn—how its offensive language works, and why it matters.

Mark your calendars! From Saturday, April 26 to Monday, April 28, 2025, NSC Branch Champions from across the country will gather in New York City for an unforgettable weekend of inspiration, learning, and performance.
The weekend will culminate with the Final Competition at Juilliard’s Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center.

Join us for New York City Week, a dynamic celebration of culture, history, and community in partnership with the ESU's Andrew Romay Center for New Immigrants (ARNIC).

Step into the enchantment of the holiday season with an exclusive invitation from the Earl and Countess of Derby to spend a luxurious weekend at historic Knowsley Hall, a magnificent estate nestled in the English countryside.