Author will discuss Hartford circus fire

Author Michael Downs will speak and read from "The Greatest Show," his collection of short stories based on the 1944 Hartford circus fire. He will appear at The Mark Twain House & Museum on July 6, the 68th anniversary of the blaze that killed more than 160 people. On the anniversary of the fire -- Friday, July 6, at 5:30 p.m. -- Downs will speak on the Hartford Circus Fire, describe his literary take on it, and read from the book at The Mark Twain House & Museum. A reception at 5 p.m. will precede the talk, and a booksigning will follow. The event is free.