Now that it is (just about) officially summer, many teachers
and families will be headed for their summer vacations. While many will be
seeking relaxation at the beach, the lake or in the mountains, families should
take the time to visit the vast number of museums spread across America. Having
just returned from 2000-mile driving trip through a number of Southern states,
I would like to make a number of recommendations.
Tallahassee, Florida-
The State Museum. Here is an opportunity to learn about the history of Florid
dating back to the Spanish conquistadors and how Florida was and is a
multicultural state.
Pensacola, Florida-
National Naval Aviation Museum. This is probably one of the best museums I have
ever visited. Acres of planes, blimps, helicopters and other memorabilia are
there to explore. Sit in a cockpit. Opportunities to get into a flight
simulator or see an Imax film are also available. This is also the home of the
Blue Angels and visitors can attend practice flights several times a week.
Admission to the museum as well as parking is free. (Navalaviationmuseum.org)
New Orleans,
Louisiana- The National World War Two Museum is a must see. Originally
built to honor D- Day, visitors to this museum can trace the progression of WW
II I both the European and Pacific theatres. Artifacts and soldiers’ stories
abound. Don’t miss the café for lunch. Be sure to see the Tom’s Hank’s narrated
film “Beyond All Boundaries”(nationalww2museum.org)
Montgomery, Alabama-
Two new museums in Montgomery this past spring.
The National Memorial for Peace and Justice is a somber
tribute to those African- Americans who were the victims of lynching in the
South. Note that this memorial is outdoors and it gets quite hot in the summer
and sometimes rainy. Still find a way to see and learn abut tis tragic page in
American history.
The other museum is the Legacy Museum- From Enslavement to
Mass Incarceration is located in a warehouse that at one time housed slaves
waiting to be auctioned.
The museum traces the African- American experience in the
United States from Slavery to the civil rights movement to current issues of
race in America.(eji.org)
During your travels if you come to state capitol be sure to
stop in for a tour and learn how governments works!
Safe travels and have a great summer.
C.2018 J. Margolis
