Travel is such an enriching experience, and history helps us learn about ourselves and understand how past events made things the way they are today. Put them together and you have an irresistible combination.
‘Wright Brothers National Memorial’
The Wright Brothers National Memorial is dedicated to Wilbur and Orville’s world-changing first flights. In this book, readers see the historic sand dunes where the brothers did most of their gliding, and the place they lived while they were experimenting in the Outer Banks. Many details of that time are on display in the book, including old photographs.
Spreading wings decorate the memorial and depict a large bird taking flight. Etched on the memorial, viewers see, “In commemoration of the conquest of the air by the brothers of Wilbur and Orville Wright conceived by genius achieved by dauntless resolution and unconquerable faith.”
‘Freedom Trail Pop Up Book of Boston’
Boston is full of historical sights, and the best way to see them all is on the Freedom Trail. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick trail through Boston’s historic neighborhoods that tells the story of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. The brick footpath includes 16 national significant sites.
Pop-up books add a sensory element that can engage all ages. The book is completely accurate in duplicating significant sites. Historical tidbits are scattered throughout. At the back of the book, it says, “Explore Boston in an entirely new way.” What a joy!
‘Inside the Baseball Hall of Fame’
Baseball reflects the American spirit. Its simplicity and accessibility has made this game popular throughout American history. In the book, readers can learn about the bond that baseball has with American culture. The book features over than 200 color photographs, most rarely displayed to visitors.
Readers can go behind the scenes to see seldom- or never-displayed items at well as view the most popular items. Whether the reader is a fan of baseball or not, this is an enjoyable read.
‘The Liberty Bell’
Sometimes ordinary objects become special over time. The Liberty Bell is just such an object.
The Liberty Bell began its life as an ordinary bell, ordered from London to ring at the Pennsylvania State House. In the 18th century, citizens across the colonies depended on bells to communicate important news. The bell rang out after the first reading of the Declaration of Independence, for instance.
But the Liberty Bell didn’t always have that name. People who wanted liberty for enslaved people gave the bell its name in 1839. It has a message of freedom written on it: “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”
The bell cracked soon after it arrived in Philadelphia. Then, on George Washington’s birthday in 1846, after being rung many times that day, the crack widened halfway up the bell’s side. The bell has never rang loudly again.
The book is an excellent presentation of the facts and information about this great national symbol. At the back of the book are an excellent glossary and a guide to safe, fun pages to enjoy on the web.
‘Johnny Appleseed’
Johnny Appleseed, whose real name was John Chapman, traveled the American frontier on foot, planting apple trees and spreading the good word about treating animals and nature with respect. The book includes anecdotes about Chapman, from his childhood to his final days. Johnny’s modest final resting place can be found atop a natural mound.
At a park in Fort Wayne, Indiana, people can pay respect to this man who helped bring apple trees to the nation. The park has boating, sailing, fishing, camping, playgrounds, and a special section for dogs. Best of all there is a wonderful family festival in honor of Johnny Appleseed held during the third full weekend in September. Participants can step back in time to around 1842, Johnny’s era.
‘America’s Shrine of Democracy: A Pictorial History’
Mount Rushmore was designed to evoke national pride, and this book aims to do the same. It has rare historical and brilliant four-color photos of the Mount Rushmore area and the surrounding Black Hills. The natural beauty of this landmark is perfectly captured in this coffee table book.
‘Amazing Impossible Erie Canal (Aladdin Picture Books)’
The Erie Canal was built to be a direct water route from Albany, New York to the Great Lakes Region. The canal played an important role in the Westward Expansion of the United States and the growth of the American economy. New York City became a major economic center as a result.
This book is a beautifully illustrated book. It does a wonderful job talking about the construction of the Erie Canal, America’s first superhighway. The vocabulary is a bit challenging in places so younger children may need help reading.
‘Betsy Ross’
It’s almost time to go home, but let’s stop at another home: Betsy Ross’ home.The story is that George Washington supposedly asked Betsy Ross to stitch the first-ever American flag. In 1776, she did so and created the Stars and Stripes. Today, visitors can actually explore the 18th-century house where Betsy Ross was supposed to have lived and meet a costumed Betsy Ross impersonator.
