Leisure Group Travel Museum Guide

BUCKET LIST MUSEUMS

For more information about the museums listed in this guide, scan this QR code!

Whether your group wants to be wowed by historic art, learn about major historical events or be amazed by a living historical destination, these museums have something that will appeal to all ages. They may also be the star attraction of your itinerary.

NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM

Cooperstown, NY

Baseball is more than just a game. It’s a family experience that connects generations. It’s an American tradition that holds a special place in the hearts and minds of fans, young and old. It’s the feelings and emotion behind the memories. It’s everyone who has made the pilgrimage to New York’s Cooperstown to honor the All-Time Greats who are enshrined in the Hall of Fame. It’s the relationships forged, stories shared, cherished memories created – the game connects us all. That’s baseball – and that’s what the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is all about. Once inside

the Museum, your cherished memories and moments will come flooding back –whether you are 10 years old or 70 years old, a casual fan or a fanatic.

Opened in 1939, the Hall of Fame’s collections contain more than 40,000 3D artifacts — think bats, balls, gloves and uniforms — donated by players and fans who want to see history preserved. The Museum itself encompasses five buildings connected via several renovation and expansion programs. Today, the Museum can easily accommodate more than 3,000 baseball fans a day. (baseballhall.org)

The National Baseball Hall of Fame’s collections contain more than 40,000 artifacts donated by players and fans who want to see history preserved.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM

2024 GROUP-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS GUIDE

HEROES OF BASEBALL WAX MUSEUM

Cooperstown, NY

As the world’s only baseball wax museum, this attraction offers an opportunity to get up close and personal with the larger-than-life personalities who shaped America’s favorite pastime. Nestled in the heart of historic Cooperstown, New York, this one-of-akind museum offers visitors an immersive experience where baseball’s rich history comes to life. Step into historic scenes featuring legendary sports moments with some of baseball’s most iconic figures. As the world’s only baseball wax museum, this attraction offers an opportunity to get up close and personal with the larger-than-life personalities who shaped America’s favorite pastime – something you won’t find anywhere else in the world. (baseballwaxmuseum.com)

NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER

Philadelphia, PA

The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. At the National Constitution Center, explore historic milestones in American history and discover how the U.S. Constitution is as important today as it was

in 1787. The Center’s must-see exhibits and live performances bring the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages. Experience Freedom Rising, a stirring, multimedia theatrical performance; The Story of We the People, an interactive exhibit that celebrates the Constitution’s legacy of freedom; and Signers’ Hall, featuring 42 life-size, bronze statues of the Founding Fathers. (constitutioncenter.org)

INDEPENDENCE SEAPORT MUSEUM

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Located along the Delaware River, the Independence Seaport Museum welcomes students of all ages daily. Water is the unifying theme at the museum, connecting our waterways to our city, our historic ships to our award-winning exhibitions. By visiting, your group can discover the history, science, and cultural communities surrounding the city and region.

Programs highlight the importance of our collective history, whether aboard one of our two ships, Olympia and Becuna or by exploring award-winning exhibitions. From STEM to history, the Independence Seaport Museum has something for everyone. It also includes customizable options, such as guided tours on either ship and the possibility of adding an education program. Book your visit today, and sea what you will discover! (www.phillyseaport.org)

MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Philadelphia, PA

The American Revolution was dramatic, gritty and full of uncertainty- an era of unparalleled political and social upheaval, even by today’s standards. Museum visitors are invited to explore this rich and complicated era and its connections to our world today. Through its unmatched collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, documents, and works of art, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for

how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in the ongoing promise of the American Revolution.

The Museum is located in the heart of Historic Philadelphia, just steps from Independence Hall, The National Constitution Center, the Betsy Ross House, and many more historic sites. Contact Groups@AmRevMuseum.org or 267-579-3623 to book your visit. (www.amrevmuseum.org)

2024 GROUP-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS GUIDE

THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

New York City, NY

The Museum of Modern Art in New York City is the perfect place to add some art to your itinerary.

Visitors can enjoy beloved paintings like Vincent van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” and Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies,” alongside classics by Pablo

Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Georgia O’Keeffe, and many more. In fact, MoMA’s collection has grown to approximately 200,000 works of art since it opened in 1929.

Following a recent major renovation, visitors can enjoy expanded galleries and

even more of MoMA’s exciting collection seven days a week.

Groups receive discounted admission and a dedicated entry time. All six floors of the museum are accessible with a general admission ticket, and there are no extra fees for new exhibitions or audio programs. Customized guided tours with MoMA’s art professionals are a great option, and VIP access is available before the museum opens or after it closes.

Located in midtown Manhattan, The Museum of Modern Art is a perfect addition to any itinerary that includes Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, or a Broadway show—all are within walking distance. With its incredible collection and convenient location, MoMA is a must-see when groups visit New York City. (www.moma.org/groups)

STRAWBERY BANKE MUSEUM

Portsmouth, NH

Welcome to Strawbery Banke Museum, where history comes to life in the historic waterfront neighborhood of Puddle Dock in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Nestled along the Piscataqua River, this living history museum allows visitors to explore the evolution of community, commerce, and culture over centuries.

Strawbery Banke is designated on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the Museum is recognized by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice as the Number 6 Best Open Air Museum in the U.S., hailed by Yankee Magazine ’s Best of New England, and continues to win TripAdvisor’s Award of Excellence ranking Strawbery Banke as the top museum in New Hampshire.

Group rates and discounts are available for parties of 15 or more, making it easy to plan an unforgettable outing for your organization. (www.strawberybanke.org)

SALEM WITCH MUSEUM

Salem, MA

The coastal city of Salem, Massachusetts has many stories to share; colonial, maritime, literary, and architectural, but what sets Salem apart is the tragic story of the witch trials of 1692, which makes a visit to the Salem Witch Museum a must.

The mission of the Museum is to be the voice of the innocent victims of the witchhunt of 1692 while also bringing awareness to the root cause of witch-hunts and how

they continue to impact our society today. Two presentations help illuminate these points, focusing on the events of 1692, and on European witch trials and how the image of the witch has evolved throughout history. Spend a day in Salem. The memories of your visit will resonate for many years to come.

Visit www.SalemWitchMuseum.com for more information.

2024 GROUP-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS GUIDE

FORD’S THEATRE

Washington, D.C

Ford’s Theatre has been an unforgettable piece of America’s history since April 14, 1865, when actor John Wilkes Booth fatally shot President Abraham Lincoln as he watched a performance of Our American Cousin from the theater’s presidential box.

Fast forward 158 years and the theater is still a thriving, working theater, historical monument, world-class museum and education center. Featuring historical programming year-round, Ford’s Theatre is the premier destination to explore Lincoln’s legacy. Open daily, the self-guided tour of the historic site explores the events surrounding that fateful night and the lasting impact of Lincoln’s assassination.

Experience history like never before on the interactive walking tour Investigation: Detective McDevitt. This engaging, 1.5-mile History on Foot walking tour of downtown D.C. revisits sites and reexamines clues from the Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy, allowing you to be a part of the investigation. For a more intimate experience, join the after-hours Ford’s@5 guided tour. Explore original artifacts from the assassination plot and hear testimonies from those who witnessed important moments on April 14, 1865. The tour concludes with a 30-minute discussion over wine and cheese with the guide.

For groups of 10 or more, please email groups@fords.org for availability. (fords.org)

TEXAS RANGER HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM

Waco, TX

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, Texas invites visitors to experience Texas Ranger heritage and their Western history. Celebrating their 200th Anniversary in 2023, Ranger service began under the government of Mexico. Browse a selection of the 20,000 artifacts, artwork, photographs and documents preserved for future generations.

See the iconic circle-star badges. Soak up some pop culture in the Lone Ranger exhibit, highlighting the former radio and television shows and movies depicting the life of a Texas Ranger. Explore sculptures and fine art portraying the often unforgiving and inhospitable Western landscape.

Discover antique revolvers and tools used early on by the frontier forces to thwart would-be train and bank robbers. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more paid admissions. (texasranger.org)

ST. CATHARINES MUSEUM AND WELLAND CANALS CENTRE

St. Catharines, ON

You won’t get closer to a Great Lakes Ship unless you’re a sailor yourself! Marvel as ships work their way through the amazing Welland Ship Canal and connect with the history that grew up around the canal.

The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre offers a wide variety of local history exhibitions on topics including the Underground Railroad, the Welland Canals, women’s history, the manufacturing

industry, and much more. We offer learning opportunities for all ages and group sizes as our friendly and engaging tour guides can accommodate and incorporate your learning objectives into our fun, interactive, and fastpaced style of programming.

To book call the Museum at 905-9848880 or toll free at 1-800-305-5134 or via email at museum@stcatharines.ca. (www.stcatharinesmuseum.ca)

2024 GROUP-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS GUIDE

STAFFORD AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM

Weatherford, OK

The Stafford Air and Space Museum is named in honor of the legendary test pilot and astronaut, Lt. Gen. Thomas Stafford. Located in his hometown of Weatherford, Oklahoma, the museum houses one of the finest aerospace and space flight collections in the central United States. The museum not only highlights Stafford’s illustrious career, but also the many daring explorers that made a profound Impact in the advancement of aerospace technology and research.

Smithsonian Affiliate since 2011, the museum showcases thousands of items representing the evolution of aviation and spaceflight. Exhibits include a ten story Titan-II rocket, the actual flown Gemini 6 spacecraft, Stafford’s Gemini 6 and Apollo 10 space suits, a full-scale replica of the Apollo Command and Service Module, and replica of the Lunar Module. Our aircraft collection includes full-scale replicas of the Wright Glider and Flyer, Spirit of St. Louis along with actual aircraft including an A-10, F-16, Russian Mig-21, F-4, F-86, T-38, F-15 and F-16. The museum also has one of the largest collections of rocket engines including an actual F-1 engine, from a Saturn V, and an actual NK-33 Russian rocket engine.

At the museum’s entrance is the iconic Lockheed F-104 “Starfighter” that points majestically six stories up into the sky. (www.staffordmuseum.org)

RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY

Simi Valley, CA

Perched atop a hill with sweeping views of the southland, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is one of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations. This iconic landmark is more than just a museum - it is a journey through history. Where else in California can visitors walk onboard an actual Air Force One aircraft that flew seven U.S. presidents, touch an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall, or lay a hand on a real steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center after 9-11?

The Reagan Museum boasts a stunning collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and even a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. Visitors step aboard and tour through Air Force One 27000 and Marine One to learn how President Reagan changed the face of global diplomacy. Beyond the extraordinary displays, the Reagan Museum offers an opportunity for visitors to truly understand the impact that President Reagan had on our nation and the world.

Visitors may also enjoy the Museum’s outdoor grounds, where you can stroll through replicas of the White House Rose Garden and West Lawn, and reflect at President and Mrs. Reagan’s memorial site.

World class special exhibits rotate through the Library a few times per year. For the latest exhibit updates, please visit www.reaganlibrary.com

2024 GROUP-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS GUIDE

MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART

Jackson, MS

The Mississippi Museum of Art is excited to announce the upcoming exhibition, Of Salt and Spirit: Black Quilters in the American South on view from November 16, 2024 – April 13, 2025. Over the past 20 years, MMA has amassed one of the largest quilt collections in the American South. Of Salt and Spirit will feature over 40 handmade quilts by Black southern artists, quilters’ portraits, and related objects to emphasize the importance of Mississippi and the broader South as foundational sites of knowledge production and artistic development.

Of Salt and Spirit features quilts from the MMA collection and several collected by American photographer Roland L. Freeman on his travels, recently acquired by MMA in 2022. Curator Dr. Sharbreon Plummer, combines thorough research, innovative interpretation, and community engagement to form a cohesive, experiential study of American Art. The exhibition provides new scholarship on the cultural impact of quilts, not only highlighting the craft and its intergenerational impact but dispelling harmful narratives that have been associated with Black southern quilters for decades. This exhibition is made possible through the support of Henry Luce Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Art Dealers Association Foundation of America, and Visit Jackson. (www.msmuseumart.org)

View Mississippi Differently

What Became of Dr. Smith On view through 9/22/24

Of Salt and Spirit: Black Quilters in the American South 11/16/24 – 4/13/25

L.V. Hull: Love is a Sensation 12/7/24 – 4/13/25

New Symphony of Time MMA’s Permanent Collection Exhibition – Ongoing

msmuseumart.org DOWNTOWN JACKSON

Roland Freeman (1936–2023) Catherine Gill, Classy Blaylock, Decatur, MS, 1993. color print. Gift of the Kohler Foundation, Inc., 2022.9.162.