Tip # 8...Visit one of the many museums devoted to history

Ok, so the Cardinals win and my beloved Packers lose. Such is fate. My money should have been on the Cardinals.

But, enough regrets over yesterday. Our Family History celebration tip for today is simple, sweet and satisfying. And, like the other tips, can be tailored to your timetable. It is a marvelous springboard to discuss your family history during each era. The fireside chat exhibit in the attached photo inspires discussion, where were your parents, grandparents on Dec. 7, 1941?

There are so many incredible museums available to us. The displays and artistry attract young and old to interact and discuss each exhibit. It's a marvelous way to see history come alive.

Museums permeate large and small cities and villages. The Arizona Historical Society has four museums across the state. Locations include Flagstaff, Yuma, Tucson and Tempe. For detailed information, visit their web site at http://arizonahistoricalsociety.org/.

When my family visited the Tempe location last week, we enjoyed all exhibits and were impressed to find a special exhibit commemorating the Wallace and Ladmo show.

Here is just a small sampling of Arizona museums and their corresponding Web sites.

· Pioneer Living History Museum, http://pioneer-arizona.com/
· Casa Grande Valley Historical Society & Museum, http://cgvhs.org/
· Jerome Historical Museum, http://jeromehistoricalsociety.org/
· Mesa Historical Museum, http://mesaaz.org/
· Apache County Historical Museum http://wmonline.com/attract/apmuseum.htm
· Wickenburg Desert Caballeros Western Museum, http://westernmuseum.org/
· Gilbert Historical Museum, http://www.gilbertmuseum.com/

I am certain you can uncover many more in Arizona or anywhere you may live. This list could go on and on, however, I could never cover all of the wonderful museums I have experienced. A brief list follows of some of my favorite museums across the country. Test drive one yourself. No matter which museum you choose, memories and family history will become a part of it.

Wisconsin Favorites

Milwaukee Public Museum, http://www.mpm.edu/

Stonefield Village, http://www.cassville.org/stonefield.html

Old World Wisconsin, http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/oww/

Green Bay Packer Football Museum and Hall of Fame, (especially helpful after a loss to the Bears) http://www.lambeaufield.com/hall_of_fame/visit_the_hall_of_fame/

Tennessee Favorites
Carnton Plantation, http://www.carnton.org/

The Carter House, http://www.carter-house.org/

The Hermitage, http://www.thehermitage.com/