History is full of opportunities to learn. Whether you’re exploring a presidential library or an ancient castle in France, history can inspire generations to be better and learn from the past.
Growing up, I was taught bits and pieces about the Berlin Wall. But I failed to really understand why it was built. Maybe that was my own doing – although I paid attention and got good grades in school. Visiting Berlin, seeing the path of the Berlin Wall throughout the city and touring the Berlin…
I’ve often explored sites associated with the life and times of Abraham Lincoln, America’s 16th president. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, is absolutely amazing. But don’t miss the opportunity to explore the home of Abraham Lincoln during his adult life – and I’m not talking about the White House. 😉…
Historic jails are often made “famous” based on who resided in their walls. Without those high-profile prisoners, they’re just a building with bars to hold criminals. Historic Liberty Jail – roughly 20 miles northeast of Kansas City, Missouri – is one such jail. But who was the prisoner who brought this attention and historic preservation…
Washington DC holds so much history of the United States. There are countless museums showcasing art, spacecraft, transportation and American history. But there’s one museum in Washington DC that holds something you definitely want to see while in the nation’s capital – original copies of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. The…
It’s one thing to learn about the presidents of the United States in school. It’s another to explore their presidential libraries. Over the past several years, I’ve taken the opportunities to visit presidential libraries to learn about their years in office, life before their presidency and what they did following their presidential term(s). Last summer,…
I love engaging museums that give people of all ages the opportunity to dive into science, history or more. The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago has all of that and more. I was able to fly into outer space, watch a lightning storm over my head and go underground in a coal mine….
With so many great museums in Washington, DC, it’s hard to know where to focus your time. That said, one of the most inspirational exhibits about the United States is at the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. The Star Spangled Banner exhibit, along with multiple other exhibits, make this museum a must-visit…
My son is passionate about Sweden. His maternal ancestors immigrated from Sweden many decades ago and setup shop in northern Utah. He’s done numerous school reports on the country and loves to learn more about the culture. That love for Sweden is what drew us to the American Swedish Institute when we were planning a…
I’m always intrigued at how a national world war museum ends up in some of the most unlikely places. For example, the National World War II Museum is in New Orleans. Well, the National World War I Museum and Memorial is in Kansas City, Missouri. Why there? It’s a great question that I’ll answer in…
Chicago has so many things to see and do. I’ve been there several times for various work conferences, and it seems like each time, I’m able to experience something new. But if you’re planning to visit several of the more popular venues in Chicago, you may want to consider getting a Chicago CityPASS so you…
