HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS & MUSEUMS

from Bus Turs Magazine January / February 2020

REGIONAL ROUNDUP

The North Carolina Transportation Museum

HistoricalAttractions and Museums

The following attractions cover a wide breadth of interests and topics. To satisfy any group’s thirst for intriguing historical stops, check out these attractions and museums. There is sure to be something for everyone.

The North Carolina Transportation Museum Spencer, North Carolina The North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina is a state historic site, a museum of transportation and a place where big events happen. Besides train rides, groups explore exhibits featuring steam and diesel locomotives, rail cars, classic autos and titans of trucking and aviation, which fill the historic structures that once made up Spencer Shops. In the first half of the 20th century, steam locomotives were the fastest, safest means of travel. Steam locomotives moved the nation, and Southern Railway was one of the largest railroads in the Southeast. Spencer Shops was the largest of Southern’s maintenance facilities, at its peak, employing more than 3,000 workers to keep the company’s locomotives moving. Today, the historic structures of Spencer Shops make up the N.C. Transportation Museum. Four exhibit buildings are home to the state’s transportation history. The massive Back Shop stretches the length of two football fields and features aviation, auto, trucking and railroad exhibits, as well as the ongoing restoration of a Piedmont Airlines DC-3. The Bob Julian Roundhouse, with 37 stalls, is the largest remaining structure of its type in North America and features steam and diesel locomotives, rail cars and a fullsize replica Wright Flyer. Additional automotive exhibits are located in the Flue Shop, while traveling and temporary exhibits and the Gift Station are housed in the Master Mechanic’s Office. Visitors can even enjoy a narrated train ride, departing from the authentic 1898 Barber Junction depot. Special events are offered year-round. Large, licensed events like Day Out With Thomas™ and THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride bring thousands each year. The museum’s largest single day event is the annual Fire Truck Festival, with more than 6,000 attendees in 2019. Car and truck shows are held in the spring and summer. The Historic Spencer Shops Train Show features model train layouts, train rides and a special

caboose train. There are also holiday-themed events during Easter, July 4 and Halloween.

The N.C. Transportation Museum is truly “the museum that moves you.” For more information, visit nctrans.org or phone (704) 636-2889.

Laura Ingalls Wilder H istoric Homes De Smet, South Dakota Bring groups into the real-life setting from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books with a trip to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes. Wilder’s book By the Shores of Silver Lake stated, “The prairie is like an enormous meadow, stretching far away in every direction, to the very edge of the world.” This prairie is the site of the historic and original homes once built and inhabited by the Ingalls. By touring Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes in De Smet, South Dakota, visitors become immersed in a world that is singular, but due to the success of Wilder’s writings, so familiar.

Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote about her life as a young pioneer girl. Wilder saw through it all: riding in a covered wagon, the building of railroads and homesteading on the western frontier. For more than 60 years, Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society has worked diligently to preserve and share Wilder’s memories with visitors from around the world.

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Ingalls Surveyor House

Join staff for a Laura Ingalls Wilder adventure. Tour the original homes and school of the Ingalls family. Come experience: • Original home of the Ingalls family, The Surveyors’ House from By the Shores of Silver Lake • Original First School of De Smet attended by Laura and Carrie in 1880s • Original Ingalls Home built by Charles “Pa” Ingalls in 1887-1889 and the final home of Charles “Pa” and Caroline “Ma” Ingalls • The Discover Center for hands-on fun. • Original Ingalls-Wilder artifacts • Costumed guides • The gravesites of the Ingalls family Do not forget to stop by the first acre of Charles Ingalls’ homestead where the five original cottonwood trees stand that Charles planted for his family. In 2019, these five cottonwood trees won second place in the Great American Tree Competition. The gift shop, Surveyors’ House, First School and first floor of all Ingalls’ homes are wheelchair accessible. All are open yearround.Easy parking is found at the north side of the gift shop with room for large vehicles. For more information, phone (800) 880-3383 or visit discoverlaura.org.

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University West College Station, Texas The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University is a

Blooms and beauty every day of the year.

Open Daily 8 AM - 5 PM (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Days) 800.247.8420 / 251.973.2217 bellingrath.org

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premier attraction for researchers, students and groups alike. Included in the museum's exhibits are items ranging from a 1925 film of Bush's first steps in Kennebunkport, Maine to records and memorabilia from his tenure as the 41st president. See Bush’s Camp David office and White House Situation Room, and have photos made in the replica Oval Office. Research more than 44 million pages of documents, and view thousands of museum objects to learn about leadership and public service through the life and times of President George Bush. The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University is part of the National Archives and Records Administration’s Presidential Libraries system. Since opening on the campus of Texas A&M University in November 1997, millions of visitors have toured the museum, performed research in the archives, attended one of the events or participated in an education pro

gram to learn about government, history and the importance of public service and volunteerism. In each permanent display, George Bush, 41st President of the United States,

proves to be an excellent example by which to learn. The museum’s exhibits reveal the unique influ ences and challenges that shaped Bush’s

life and presidency. Through artifacts, film, pho tographs, documents, music, sound effects and interac tive videos, this special museum experience encompass es much of U.S. history since 1941. The rotating exhibits at the Bush Library and Museum help to show how other subjects of study tie in naturally with politics and history. From March 2020 to January 2021, rotating exhibit Louder Than Words: Rock, Power and Politics will highlight music’s influence and rallying power in different political issues such as war, Civil Rights and police brutality.

Group rates and comped tickets for operator and driver are available with advanced registration. The Bush Library and Museum contains a gift store for easy shopping and is positioned near several eateries. For more information about the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, visit bush41.org or phone (979) 691-4057.

U.S. Naval Academy Visitor Center & Tours Annapolis, Maryland The best way to truly experience the U.S. Naval Academy is to take a highly regarded historical USNA tour. Led by professional, passionate and certified guides, tours of the Academy, called the Yard, bring many important stories to life. This 338-acre campus is located along the banks of the Severn River and the Chesapeake Bay. This prestigious four-year academy has been training future officers since 1845. As the undergraduate college for America’s naval service, the Naval Academy prepares students to become professional officers of competence, character and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. To hit the highlights and get the inside scoop on admissions and the midshipmen experience, take a public or private guided walking tour covering:

▪ Bancroft Hall (one of the world’s largest dormitories) ▪ Memorial Hall ▪ Statue of Tecumseh ▪ Herndon Monument (famous for Herndon Climb) ▪ Main Chapel and Crypt of John Paul Jones ▪ Noon Meal Formation (Fall and Spring) ▪ Lejeune Hall (site of Division I Swimming and Diving)

Guided walking tours of the Yard are available daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Day. Visits to the Yard begin at the state-of-the-art Visitor Center that overlooks the Annapolis Harbor, features an Information Center, Quarterdeck exhibits, free film and much more. Tour passengers will want to include time to shop the finest selection of tax-free clothing, hats, gifts and souvenirs at the Naval Academy Gift Shop. Bus tour passengers may choose between two on-site dining options. The Drydock Restaurant, located in historic Dahlgren Hall, welcomes students and visitors and offers deli sandwiches, salads, pizza, snacks and

Learn about the woman who became a movement.

U.S. Naval Academy

beverages. E-mail drydock@usna.edu to make group reservations and to get group rates. The Naval Academy Club is also available for hungry groups. Make reservations by e-mailing clubreservations@usna.edu.

More than sixty years ago, Rosa Parks’ simple act of bravery became an important symbol of the Civil Rights Movement. Today, you can step back in time and experience the sights and sounds that forever changed our country. Troy University’s Rosa Parks Museum is an interactive facility that honors one of America’s most beloved women. Visit today and learn all about the life and legacy of Rosa Parks.

For ticket information and hours, visittroy.edu/rosaparks.

A variety of student and adult tour themes/packages are available. All pro

ceeds from tours, dining and shopping are donated to the midshipmen’s morale and

welfare fund. “Our goods do good!”

For more information visit usnabsd.com/for-visitors or phone (410)

293-8112.