TIPS FOR HISTORY TRAVELERS

From the authors of
America’s Living History-The Early Years

Make this summer super-satisfying with a trip into America’s past. Whether history is a life-long passion for you or a new-found pleasure, our nation’s heritage parks and living history museums will open your eyes to a wide variety of experiences. Walk into centuries-old Indian pueblos. Step aboard full-scale replicas of early sailing ships. Meet re-enactors in Colonial American villages, and see skilled artisans making old-time goods. Explore the melting pot of religious communities that helped define American culture. Walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary War soldiers. Learn about early tobacco plantations, iron furnaces, lumber mills, gunpowder manufacturers, textile mills, fur traders, the Lewis & Clark Expedition, canal boats, taverns, pharmacies, the first gold strike, the homes of our early Presidents. And that’s just the beginning! Here are a few important tips to help you gain the most from your “time travels.”

Choosing Your Travel Itinerary

1. Pick a few historic sites that you most want to visit. Then build your itinerary around them.

2. Add a scenic place and/or a modern attraction for variety. You will want to retain what you learned at the historic places by giving your mind a breather.

3. Never assume a destination’s website is up-to-date. Call for current hours and days of operation as well as festivals and re-enactments you might want to attend. Also ask about potential disruptions due to construction projects or school events.

Ideal Times to Visit

4. Most attractions are open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Many are open longer. National parks are usually open year-round.

5. Interpretive activities typically occur in the mornings and early afternoons during summer and less frequently at other times. Weekends tend to have the most programs. So if you want the widest range of living history or are traveling with children, you may prefer summer weekends.

6. While weekdays can be more relaxing, tour/school groups can be a distraction - especially in springtime. If this is a concern, check with the site in advance of your visit.

What to Expect and Do

7. Most historic sites offer a guided tour. Take it. If you limit yourself to what you can see on your own, you are likely to miss the best parts.

8. Ask the living history interpreters lots of questions. They generally are well trained and welcome the opportunity to share their specialized, hands-on knowledge.

9. Never fall into the trap of saying “Been there. Done that.” Change is inevitable, and the best sites typically get better and better. A second visit may be just as eye-opening.

10. Some sites have food and beverage concessions. A few have restaurants that are historyinspired. So check in advance if this is important to you, and plan accordingly.

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© 2007 Suzanne and Craig Sheumaker and Red Corral Publishing. All rights reserved.
 

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These materials are provided solely for editorial and promotional purposes relating to the book "America's Living History-The Early Years," the authors and Red Corral Publishing. Any other use is strictly forbidden unless permission is granted in writing.