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Courtesy of Mystic Seaport
Mystic Seaport
Mystic, Connecticut
Feel like you’ve traveled back in time by heading to Mystic Seaport and hopping aboard the oldest operating steamboat, the 101-year-old Sabino, for a relaxing cruise and live concert of soft rock and jazz on Wednesday evenings. Arrive early to stroll the streets of the charming 19th century seafaring village, where staffers portray townspeople plying authentic trades and tasks. Don’t miss the Preservation Shipyard, where skilled craftspeople build and restore colonial vessels. Also, be sure to tour the Sabino’s companions in the historic fleet, the whaling vessel Charles W. Morgan, L.A. Dunton and the Emma C. Berry.
Visitor Information Open 9 am – 5 pm daily
Admission: Under 5 free, Youth $15, Adults $24
860-572-5315
mysticseaport.org
Mystic, Connecticut
Feel like you’ve traveled back in time by heading to Mystic Seaport and hopping aboard the oldest operating steamboat, the 101-year-old Sabino, for a relaxing cruise and live concert of soft rock and jazz on Wednesday evenings. Arrive early to stroll the streets of the charming 19th century seafaring village, where staffers portray townspeople plying authentic trades and tasks. Don’t miss the Preservation Shipyard, where skilled craftspeople build and restore colonial vessels. Also, be sure to tour the Sabino’s companions in the historic fleet, the whaling vessel Charles W. Morgan, L.A. Dunton and the Emma C. Berry.
Visitor Information Open 9 am – 5 pm daily
Admission: Under 5 free, Youth $15, Adults $24
860-572-5315
mysticseaport.org
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iStockphoto
Elvis Museum
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
No list of American icons would be complete without Elvis, and this small museum boasts the largest private collection of paraphernalia that belonged to the King. A highlight is Elvis’s Honeymoon Cadillac Coupe de Ville, which is in its original condition except for a restored black vinyl top. Also, check out the Red Fender guitar, a custom hollow-body design for both electric and acoustic use. You’ll also find many pieces of his iconic gold jewelry, his red tour jacket, the 1972 sparkle-crusted tour jumpsuit, and personal items from his hobbies and travels.
Visitor Information Open 9 am – 9 pm daily
Admission: Children $12, Students $15, Adults $17
865-428-2001
elvismuseums.com
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
No list of American icons would be complete without Elvis, and this small museum boasts the largest private collection of paraphernalia that belonged to the King. A highlight is Elvis’s Honeymoon Cadillac Coupe de Ville, which is in its original condition except for a restored black vinyl top. Also, check out the Red Fender guitar, a custom hollow-body design for both electric and acoustic use. You’ll also find many pieces of his iconic gold jewelry, his red tour jacket, the 1972 sparkle-crusted tour jumpsuit, and personal items from his hobbies and travels.
Visitor Information Open 9 am – 9 pm daily
Admission: Children $12, Students $15, Adults $17
865-428-2001
elvismuseums.com
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National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian
National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian
Washington D.C.
Rediscover the roots of patriotism at the National Museum of American History, featuring an extraordinary exhibit of the Star-Spangled Banner. Experience the awe-inspiring sight of the “broad stripes and bright stars” raised in victory at the Battle of Baltimore, which inspired Francis Scott Key’s to craft our nation’s anthem. The exhibit is packed with surprises, from the impressive size of the flag to the women who stitched it (no, it wasn’t Betsy Ross).
Visitor Information Open 10 am – 7:30 pm (times may vary throughout the season)
Admission: Free
202-633-1000
americanhistory.si.edu
Washington D.C.
Rediscover the roots of patriotism at the National Museum of American History, featuring an extraordinary exhibit of the Star-Spangled Banner. Experience the awe-inspiring sight of the “broad stripes and bright stars” raised in victory at the Battle of Baltimore, which inspired Francis Scott Key’s to craft our nation’s anthem. The exhibit is packed with surprises, from the impressive size of the flag to the women who stitched it (no, it wasn’t Betsy Ross).
Visitor Information Open 10 am – 7:30 pm (times may vary throughout the season)
Admission: Free
202-633-1000
americanhistory.si.edu
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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum / Design Photography
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Cleveland, Ohio
Famous for his Born in the USA album and track, this rock ‘n’ roll icon is the subject of a collection titled From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen. The amazing assembly of Springsteen artifacts features a guitar collection, including the famous Fender Esquire model pictured on the cover of Born to Run. Don’t miss the selection of hand-written songs from his early career in bands such as Child, the Castiles and Steel Mill. Feast your eyes on the Boss’s 1960 Corvette before hitting the road.
Visitor Information Open 10 am – 5:30 pm, Wednesdays and Saturdays (Summer) 10 am – 9 pm
Admission: Under 8 free, Children $13, Seniors $17, Adults $22 216-781-ROCK rockhall.com
Cleveland, Ohio
Famous for his Born in the USA album and track, this rock ‘n’ roll icon is the subject of a collection titled From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen. The amazing assembly of Springsteen artifacts features a guitar collection, including the famous Fender Esquire model pictured on the cover of Born to Run. Don’t miss the selection of hand-written songs from his early career in bands such as Child, the Castiles and Steel Mill. Feast your eyes on the Boss’s 1960 Corvette before hitting the road.
Visitor Information Open 10 am – 5:30 pm, Wednesdays and Saturdays (Summer) 10 am – 9 pm
Admission: Under 8 free, Children $13, Seniors $17, Adults $22 216-781-ROCK rockhall.com
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© 2009 The Muppets Studio, LLC. Jim Henson image © The Jim Henson Company. Photo by John E. Barrett.
Center for Puppetry Arts Museum
Atlanta, Georgia
Who can resist Kermit? Head to Atlanta and enjoy Jim Henson’s A Man and His Frog. Find out how big the Muppets really are and explore their place in history and all the magic of Sesame Street. The museum also showcases other historic tales in daily live performances.
Visitor Information Open Tuesday – Friday, 9 am – 3 pm; Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm; and Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm
Admission: Adults and Children $8, Seniors and Students $7, UNIMA Members $6
Ticket Sales: 404-873-3391
404-873-3089
puppet.org
Atlanta, Georgia
Who can resist Kermit? Head to Atlanta and enjoy Jim Henson’s A Man and His Frog. Find out how big the Muppets really are and explore their place in history and all the magic of Sesame Street. The museum also showcases other historic tales in daily live performances.
Visitor Information Open Tuesday – Friday, 9 am – 3 pm; Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm; and Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm
Admission: Adults and Children $8, Seniors and Students $7, UNIMA Members $6
Ticket Sales: 404-873-3391
404-873-3089
puppet.org
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Courtesy of The Henry Ford Museum
Henry Ford Museum
Dearborn, Michigan
Can you imagine a time when horse drawn carriages were the only way to get around? How about a time when vehicles that went 4mph were considered fast? Put your travels in perspective with a stop at the Henry Ford Museum to oogle the impressive Allegheny Locomotive. Built in 1941, the engine exceeded all expectations with its sheer size and ability to travel 60 miles per hour. Duck inside the cab of this behemoth train to see the heart of the machine. The museum also offers the Concord Stagecoach that came out in the 1860’s, and the Rapid Omnibus that was introduced to the public in 1906 and the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile.
Visitor Information Open 9:30 am – 5 pm
Admission: Under 5 free, Youth $11, Seniors $14, Adults $15
313-982-6001
thehenryford.org
Dearborn, Michigan
Can you imagine a time when horse drawn carriages were the only way to get around? How about a time when vehicles that went 4mph were considered fast? Put your travels in perspective with a stop at the Henry Ford Museum to oogle the impressive Allegheny Locomotive. Built in 1941, the engine exceeded all expectations with its sheer size and ability to travel 60 miles per hour. Duck inside the cab of this behemoth train to see the heart of the machine. The museum also offers the Concord Stagecoach that came out in the 1860’s, and the Rapid Omnibus that was introduced to the public in 1906 and the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile.
Visitor Information Open 9:30 am – 5 pm
Admission: Under 5 free, Youth $11, Seniors $14, Adults $15
313-982-6001
thehenryford.org
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U.S. Air Force
Cavanaugh Flight Museum
Addison, Texas
If you ever wonder what it was like to battle the Red Baron or be a Top Gun ace, the Cavanaugh Flight Museum is a must see. Of particular interest, the Republic P-47N Thunderbolt, one of Americas most valued fighters that garnered the nickname “Jug” thanks to its milk jug appearance. To feed your flight fancy, the Cavanaugh Flight Museum also includes other historical planes from World War II as well as World War I, Korea and the 1950’s, Vietnam and the 1960’s, and smaller civilian aircraft. If your budget allows, call ahead to book a 30-minute flight in one of two war planes ($195 to go up in the N2S-4 Stearman bi-plane, or $275 to experience the AT-6 Texan, a training plane for WWII fighters).
Visitor Information Open Monday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm, Sunday 11 am – 5 pm
Admission: Under 5 free, Children $4, Seniors & Military $7, Adults $8
972-380-8800
cavanaughflightmuseum.com
Addison, Texas
If you ever wonder what it was like to battle the Red Baron or be a Top Gun ace, the Cavanaugh Flight Museum is a must see. Of particular interest, the Republic P-47N Thunderbolt, one of Americas most valued fighters that garnered the nickname “Jug” thanks to its milk jug appearance. To feed your flight fancy, the Cavanaugh Flight Museum also includes other historical planes from World War II as well as World War I, Korea and the 1950’s, Vietnam and the 1960’s, and smaller civilian aircraft. If your budget allows, call ahead to book a 30-minute flight in one of two war planes ($195 to go up in the N2S-4 Stearman bi-plane, or $275 to experience the AT-6 Texan, a training plane for WWII fighters).
Visitor Information Open Monday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm, Sunday 11 am – 5 pm
Admission: Under 5 free, Children $4, Seniors & Military $7, Adults $8
972-380-8800
cavanaughflightmuseum.com
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iStockphoto
Chicago History Museum
Chicago, Illinois
See for yourself the bed in which Abraham Lincoln spent his final hours, with his wife and son holding vigil until he died the morning after being shot. The Chicago History Museum’s exhibit Lincoln Treasures offers this and other less macabre pieces of Lincoln’s furniture, as well as a guided tour of his belongings both personal and political that will lead you through an understanding of the struggles Lincoln faced during his historic presidency. Also, check out the family-friendly interactive center where you can stand in Lincoln’s footprints, and gain a deeper respect for his contribution to the land of freedom.
Visitor Information
Open Monday – Saturday 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm
Admission: Free on Mondays, Under 12 free, Students & Seniors $12, Adults $14, Membership Available
312-642-4600
chicagohistory.org
Chicago, Illinois
See for yourself the bed in which Abraham Lincoln spent his final hours, with his wife and son holding vigil until he died the morning after being shot. The Chicago History Museum’s exhibit Lincoln Treasures offers this and other less macabre pieces of Lincoln’s furniture, as well as a guided tour of his belongings both personal and political that will lead you through an understanding of the struggles Lincoln faced during his historic presidency. Also, check out the family-friendly interactive center where you can stand in Lincoln’s footprints, and gain a deeper respect for his contribution to the land of freedom.
Visitor Information
Open Monday – Saturday 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm
Admission: Free on Mondays, Under 12 free, Students & Seniors $12, Adults $14, Membership Available
312-642-4600
chicagohistory.org
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TM & © Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. 1971 All rights reserved. Used by permission.
National Museum of Wildlife Art
Jackson, Wyoming
Don’t miss this extraordinary limited-time exhibit of The Lorax: Illustrations by Dr. Suess. See many sketches and drafts of the original illustrations, following the unique start-to-finish process of this remarkably timeless book. While you’re there, be sure to check out the museum’s extensive collection of paintings by Carl Rungius, who is “widely regarded as the preeminent painter of North American wildlife.”
Visitor Information Open 9 am – 5 pm daily
Admission: Under 5 free, Children $5, Students & Seniors $9, Adults $10, Family and Group Rates available
307-733-5771, 800-313-9553
Email: info@wildlifeart.org wildlifeart.org
Jackson, Wyoming
Don’t miss this extraordinary limited-time exhibit of The Lorax: Illustrations by Dr. Suess. See many sketches and drafts of the original illustrations, following the unique start-to-finish process of this remarkably timeless book. While you’re there, be sure to check out the museum’s extensive collection of paintings by Carl Rungius, who is “widely regarded as the preeminent painter of North American wildlife.”
Visitor Information Open 9 am – 5 pm daily
Admission: Under 5 free, Children $5, Students & Seniors $9, Adults $10, Family and Group Rates available
307-733-5771, 800-313-9553
Email: info@wildlifeart.org wildlifeart.org
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Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
Santa Fe, New Mexico
The famous American painter is best known for interpreting natural scenes across the continental US, but the museum’s newest must-see exhibit is Beyond Our Shores. One highlight: “White Birds of Paradise”, a recently resurfaced piece completed in Hawaii in 1939. This extraordinary show incorporates works from O’Keeffe’s many travels, including trips to Bermuda, Peru and Asia, and the diversity and inspiration she brings back to women in the art community across the country. Also, don’t miss the permanent collection of about 1,150 works along with commentary about O’Keeffe’s personal experiences and artistic innovations.
Visitor Information Open Saturday – Thursday 10 am – 5 pm, Friday 10 am-8 pm
Admission: Fridays 5 pm-8 pm free; Under 18 free, Students over 18 & NM residents $4, Seniors $7, Adults $8
505-946-1000
okeeffemuseum.org
Santa Fe, New Mexico
The famous American painter is best known for interpreting natural scenes across the continental US, but the museum’s newest must-see exhibit is Beyond Our Shores. One highlight: “White Birds of Paradise”, a recently resurfaced piece completed in Hawaii in 1939. This extraordinary show incorporates works from O’Keeffe’s many travels, including trips to Bermuda, Peru and Asia, and the diversity and inspiration she brings back to women in the art community across the country. Also, don’t miss the permanent collection of about 1,150 works along with commentary about O’Keeffe’s personal experiences and artistic innovations.
Visitor Information Open Saturday – Thursday 10 am – 5 pm, Friday 10 am-8 pm
Admission: Fridays 5 pm-8 pm free; Under 18 free, Students over 18 & NM residents $4, Seniors $7, Adults $8
505-946-1000
okeeffemuseum.org
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World Museum of Mining
The World Museum of Mining
Butte, Montana
Known for its outrageous production of over 75,00,000 ounces of silver, the The Orphan Girl Mine, carries the same name is its much-gloried mining rig. And the museum houses the largest collection of historical mining equipment, with 66 primary exhibits and numerous original mining machines. But the real draw are the workings underground in the tunnel exhibits where you get a true sense of the life of a miner in the mid 1800’s and feel the excitement of the mine’s 1864 Gold Strike. In addition, don’t miss the opportunity to take an underground tour allowing you to turn your imagination into reality as you experience first hand life in the mines.
Visitor Information Open 9 am – 6 pm daily
Admission: Under 5 free, Children $2, Students $5, Seniors $6, Adults $7 Admission for Underground Tour: Children (5-12) $5, Children (13-18) $11, Seniors $12, Adult $15
406-723-7211
miningmuseum.org
Butte, Montana
Known for its outrageous production of over 75,00,000 ounces of silver, the The Orphan Girl Mine, carries the same name is its much-gloried mining rig. And the museum houses the largest collection of historical mining equipment, with 66 primary exhibits and numerous original mining machines. But the real draw are the workings underground in the tunnel exhibits where you get a true sense of the life of a miner in the mid 1800’s and feel the excitement of the mine’s 1864 Gold Strike. In addition, don’t miss the opportunity to take an underground tour allowing you to turn your imagination into reality as you experience first hand life in the mines.
Visitor Information Open 9 am – 6 pm daily
Admission: Under 5 free, Children $2, Students $5, Seniors $6, Adults $7 Admission for Underground Tour: Children (5-12) $5, Children (13-18) $11, Seniors $12, Adult $15
406-723-7211
miningmuseum.org
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Courtesy of Liberace Museum
Liberace Museum
Las Vegas, Nevada
Which is a better representation of over-the-top American glitz, Las Vegas or Liberace? With this museum, there’s no need to choose. The Liberace Museum is home to a dazzling collection of the performer’s outlandish belongings, including pianos, cars and wardrobe items plus his iconic Candelabra ring decorated with platinum “candlesticks” and diamond “flames” that helped complete his signature sparkle.
Visitor Information Open Tuesday – Saturday 10 am- 5 pm, Sunday noon – 4 pm
Admission: Under 10 free, Seniors & Students $10, Adults $15
702-798-5595
Liberace.org
Las Vegas, Nevada
Which is a better representation of over-the-top American glitz, Las Vegas or Liberace? With this museum, there’s no need to choose. The Liberace Museum is home to a dazzling collection of the performer’s outlandish belongings, including pianos, cars and wardrobe items plus his iconic Candelabra ring decorated with platinum “candlesticks” and diamond “flames” that helped complete his signature sparkle.
Visitor Information Open Tuesday – Saturday 10 am- 5 pm, Sunday noon – 4 pm
Admission: Under 10 free, Seniors & Students $10, Adults $15
702-798-5595
Liberace.org
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New York World-Telegram and the Sun
The Hollywood History Museum
Los Angeles, California
Mae West’s brassy personality and unique style made her an unforgettable part of early Hollywood. To pay tribute, the extensive exhibit features her edgy collection of Diamond Lil Jewelry and boas plus her trademark hats along with photos and film clips from her outstanding career. The Hollywood History Museum also houses the widest variety of the entertainment industry’s artifacts. From Marilyn Monroe’s Million Dollar Honeymoon dress to a model of a Flash Gordon spaceship. Fans of the macabre will love the basement, featuring the entire cell block where Hannibal Lector was interred in Silence of the Lambs.
Visitor Information Open Wednesday – Sunday 10 am-5 pm; Closed Monday and Tuesday
Admission: 4 and under $5, Students & Seniors $12, Adults $15
323-464-7776
thehollywoodmuseum.com
Los Angeles, California
Mae West’s brassy personality and unique style made her an unforgettable part of early Hollywood. To pay tribute, the extensive exhibit features her edgy collection of Diamond Lil Jewelry and boas plus her trademark hats along with photos and film clips from her outstanding career. The Hollywood History Museum also houses the widest variety of the entertainment industry’s artifacts. From Marilyn Monroe’s Million Dollar Honeymoon dress to a model of a Flash Gordon spaceship. Fans of the macabre will love the basement, featuring the entire cell block where Hannibal Lector was interred in Silence of the Lambs.
Visitor Information Open Wednesday – Sunday 10 am-5 pm; Closed Monday and Tuesday
Admission: 4 and under $5, Students & Seniors $12, Adults $15
323-464-7776
thehollywoodmuseum.com
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