HARTFORD, Conn. -- One of the state's major tourist attractions is facing a critical financial shortfall.

Without an immediate influx of cash, the Mark Twain House could be out of operating funds within a matter of weeks.

"It's a very difficult cash position right now," said Jeffrey Nichols of the Mark Twain House. "We find ourselves with a few weeks, maybe a month of payroll and other expenses. So it is very tight right now."

Despite the popularity of the Hartford attraction, with 68,000 visitors last year, an aggressive expansion plan crippled the landmark's financial future.

"It really started in 2003 with the construction of the new facility, the museum center -- originally estimated to cost about $10 million … because of cost overruns, it was closer to 19," Nichols said.

Officials from the Twain house said that they expect a $370,000 shortfall by the end of the year.

"We've been very good about controlling expenses," Nichols said. "Since 2003 we've reduced our staff from 49 to 17 people."

WFSB has teamed up with the Twain House to help raise the necessary funds. To make a donation, visit the Mark Twain House online.