“Leisure travel” has changed!

What many of us have viewed as a get-away from the daily grind has been evolving into an opportunity for fulfilling individual goals and objectives. Travelers want to be excited, challenged, educated, stimulated. And after the trip is over, they want to feel as though they've gained something of lasting value - such as increased knowledge and personal growth - along with great photos and happy memories.

Interestingly, history-oriented tourism - defined as travel to places that celebrate a people's heritage or historic identity - is one of the fastest growing forms of leisure travel in the U.S., according to a report published by the National Recreation and Park Association. Whereas history was once considered 'boring,' America's past now offers a dynamic, real-world opportunity to come in touch with our roots, as a people and as a nation.

This enthusiasm is not limited to adults. In fact, the childhood fascination with historical role-playing is the reason many of America's historical destinations exist today. (See History travel is not an intellectual pursuit and Travelers are looking for more than “good times”.) Classroom fieldtrips occupy much of the interpreters' time, especially during the spring.

What do others say?

Here's a sampling of what reviewers have said recently that is relevant to educators and librarians:

“...much more than just a travel guide for the historically inclined, it also lays out a fascinating survey of the history of the founding and settling of an infant nation as illustrated by the histories of these recommended tourist sites...taken as a whole, tells the remarkable story of our country’s most formative years. Profusely illustrated with some five hundred color photographs, regional maps and tourist details...‘America’s Living History’ is a very highly recommended addition to school and community library American History reference collections, and a valued guidebook for parents wanting to instill a love of history and a respect for America’s past in their children...” Midwest Book Review

“Suzanne and Craig Sheumaker bring a rare kind of passion and love for America and its history to the pages that make this dense and lively volume both an exciting travelogue and a book of colorful history. The idea is to see more of America than the usual tourist sees, to see deeper and to see with eyes informed by the grand progression of past events and the pageantry of a great people and their myriad cultures.” Dennis Littrell, reviewer, Amazon.com

“The Sheumakers provide excellent cross-references to aid people planning a living history vacation. However, this book is more than just a guide for people looking for an excellent place to vacation; this book is also a wonderful history book with factual tidbits sprinkled throughout...This book is a phenomenal resource for people planning a vacation or seeking a starting point for a history paper.” Lonnie E. Holder, reviewer, Amazon.com

“...a different kind of traveler’s guide. Here are the stories behind America’s national parks, the monuments, World Heritage sites and historic buildings. Text and photographs focus on U.S. events before the 1840s westward expansion, organizing destinations by chapters in history.” Honolulu Advertiser, Honolulu, HI

“The photographs in this work are rather stunning, not only in their clarity, but composition as well. They truly give you a feel for the place...With each location we are provided with a mini-history lesson, and given a surprisingly accurate and in depth overview of the site, considering the space allowed. The text of the book is simple, easy to understand and, most importantly, informative and accurate!” D. Blankenship, reviewer, Amazon.com

“...one of the most-comprehensive and well-appointed large-format travel books on the subject.” Bill Thompson, The Post and Courier, Charleston, SC

Using a travel guide as a teaching tool?
As teachers have enthusiastically pointed out to us, America’s Living History-The Early Years is a valuable resource for them, both as travelers and as teachers. The 500 color photographs, historical overviews and 300 featured historical sites provide a comprehensive and visually stimulating walk through early U.S. history - from America’s Native Peoples to the beginnings of the westward movement.

Our purpose is not to teach U.S. history but to excite people of all ages - from school kids to retired baby boomers - and encourage them to discover America’s past. We provide “just enough” tantalizing information and beautiful pictures to prove for all to see: America’s history is captivating.

When your students have difficulty appreciating the past, an exploration of Living History can be the tipping point. We hope you can use our book to open their eyes and help them to see how the past has application in today's world.

Importantly, 500 color destination photographs are spread throughout the book. They enable readers to take a “virtual tour” through America’s past. For students who have difficulty appreciating classroom history and for those with a language barrier, such photographs may prove to be invaluable teaching tools.

We offer a 50% teacher discount with FREE shipping in the U.S. (your price: $14.98). You can order by clicking here, or by calling toll-free: 1-888-733-7370.

Putting a travel guide on library history shelves? History buffs know that much can be gained from history travel. They also know that identifying interesting destinations is easier to do with books from the history shelves rather than the travel shelves. That’s because those of us who love exploring the past tend to look for a good story and favor specific time periods.

Conventional guidebooks are organized by cities/states/regions. As such, they lose the thread of historical continuity. America’s Living History-The Early Years seeks to solve that problem - both for history students and avid travelers. We believe no other guidebook provides as comprehensive a look at our nation’s early heritage and what remains to be enjoyed today at historic landmarks, national and state historical parks, World Heritage Sites and living history museums nationwide.

Who is interested in history travel?

• A sizable percentage of history travelers are also armchair travelers, who prefer taking “virtual trips” - reading about exciting places and looking at beautiful photographs from the comfort of an easy chair.

• Those who actually get out and travel want more than “a good time” while touring. They seek an informed visitor experience and choose exploratory trips over pure relaxation when vacation time roles around. Many do their homework, researching destinations in advance to help ensure that their valuable travel time is spent wisely.

• American history travelers tend to be middle-aged or older, although this may be simply because older adults have more time to travel. Many of them bring their children and grandchildren with them.

Who is interested in cultural heritage?

• While this group may be classified as history travelers too, they take a more personal view of history and are more interested in people than places and events. Many specifically focus on areas relevant to their own family heritage.

• They view historical sites as real-world classrooms where they can learn not only about the people and events that defined America but also about the things that molded their own family traditions, lifestyles and attitudes - directly and indirectly.

• Young and old alike want to witness through interpretive programs how their ancestors lived, worked and enjoyed life without any of our modern necessities. They participate in hands-on activities. They also enroll in programs to learn traditional crafts such as basket weaving, blacksmithing, heirloom gardening and furniture making.

• In the end, these cultural tourists see both America's past and present through very different eyes. They could be described as “thoughtful consumers,” who have an above-average understanding of our nation's heritage and its impact on today’s world.

• The Historic/Cultural Traveler study sponsored by the Travel Industry Association and Smithsonian Magazine showed that 118 million U.S. adults - 81% of those who took a trip of 50 miles or more - were cultural tourists in 2002. This finding was based on participation in at least one of 15 arts, humanities, historic/heritage events or activities.