A free article on the website AmericasLivingHistory.com shines a spotlight on upcoming events that recall America's earliest years - the time when Native Peoples and European colonists were just getting to know one another. June and July offerings include lively festivals and celebrations, educational workshops and other activities, entertainment and living history performances, ceremonies and behind-the-scene tours.
A travel guide containing 500 color photos and details about 300 historical sites"Even if you're a frequent visitor to historical parks, it's time to take a closer look. Modern technology has made a substantial impact on what is known about America's past and how it is presented," notes Suzanne Sheumaker, co-author of 'America's Living History-The Early Years.' She knows first-hand. Suzanne and her husband Craig visited 500 historic sites and living history museums in the U.S. before settling on the top 300 to include in their award-winning guidebook.
George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, the Sheumakers report, provides an exceptional new look into the private world of our nation's first President. Along with Washington's home and outbuildings, a working farm, forest trail and gardens, this Virginia destination now has a large museum and orientation complex (65% hidden underground) offering immersion theatre experiences, interactive displays and numerous artifacts. Nearby, Washington's distillery and gristmill have been newly restored, with working machinery and equipment. Mount Vernon admission: adults $15, youths $7. Distillery/Grist Mill admission: adults $4, youths $2. Ages 5 and under free. Discounts with combination tickets.
Historic Jamestowne - America's birthplace more than 400 years ago - provides new insight into the first permanent English settlement on this continent. Archaeological finds have become so numerous that this Virginia park now has a 7,500 sq. ft. exhibition facility showcasing artifacts and forensic research. It even has facial reconstructions of three early settlers. In addition, visitors can wander around the archaeological digs, see the brick and cobblestone foundations of the 1639 church and walk into the brick tower of the 1690 church. Daily, a costumed interpreter portrays one of Jamestown's 17th-century residents and talks about life's challenges so long ago. Admission: adults $10; ages 15 and under free. Discounts with combination tickets to nearby historical parks, including Colonial Williamsburg.
Museum of the Fur Trade, the Nebraska site of an 1837 trading post, also has expanded its attractions. According to the Sheumakers, this specialized museum provides a uniquely comprehensive look into the lives of traders, trappers and buffalo hunters who opened the American West, as well as the Indians who played a key role in their success. Outside are a reconstructed trading post and heirloom Indian garden. Indoors, the 6,000-object collection includes rare personal items, trade goods and weaponry. Admission: adults $5; ages 17 and under free.
Cahokia Mounds, an Illinois State Historic Site and World Heritage Site, continues to increase understanding about the Mississippian Indian mound culture and the rich tapestry of life that existed in A.D. 700-1400. Visitors can walk among huge man-made earthen mounds and take stairs up a monumental earthwork. They can also explore a 33,000 sq. ft. museum center that is famous for its introductory movie, interpretive displays and life-like walk-through village diorama. Admission: free but donation appreciated. Special events, programs and workshops are held year-round; some require registration and a small fee.
"Fascinating historical parks like these are scattered throughout our nation. They provide great value for every travel dollar and offer a wide range of experiences," Craig Sheumaker notes.
For More About History Travel
The guidebook 'America's Living History-The Early Years' has 500 color photos plus regional maps and details about pre-1845 historic sites and living history museums. The attractions are grouped by chapters in history - America's Native Peoples, European Colonization, Religious & Secular Groups, Road to Independence, Our New Nation and Opening the West - and their histories tell the dramatic story of America's formative years. The book is intended to be a good read for armchair travelers and history buffs, as well as a useful planning tool for vacationers and road trippers. For details, visit the website www.AmericasLivingHistory.com ISBN: 978-0-9792598-0-7.
Contact:
Suzanne Sheumaker
Red Corral Publishing
209-295-5582
Author Information
Suzanne Sheumaker
Red Corral Publishing
