Riedel Foundation awards $10,000 matching grant to Mark Twain Boyhood Home

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Riedel Foundation will provide a match of up to $10,000 for an upcoming fundraiser for the Mark Twain Boyhood Home Foundation in Hannibal. The proceeds will be used to replace audio and video equipment at the Mark Twain Museum and Gallery.

In a press release, Mark Twain Boyhood Home Foundation CEO James Lundgren said, “Our audio and video technology is sorely outdated. We are currently missing out on programming opportunities. This Riedel grant will bring us up to date and allow us to introduce more people to our museums.”

In his lifetime, George H. Riedel was a generous supporter of the Mark Twain Museum.

“Our first grant from the Riedel estate was a $100,000 matching award to the Boyhood Home Foundation,” long-time trustee Bill Craigmiles said. “We’ve made many contributions since then, because it was an important cause for Mr. Riedel.”

The matching grant will apply toward proceeds from an upcoming whiskey tasting event called “Spirits and Sarcasm” to be held Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Mark Twain Museum. The event includes whiskey tasting, hors d’oeuvres, music, cash bar, auction and a performance by Mark Twain impersonator Jim Waddell. Tickets are on sale at the museum for $50.