Tag Archives: museum

Tsunami Museum

My mom was just an infant when a deadly tsunami obliterated her hometown of Hilo, Hawaii back in 1946. The massive wave killed 159 people, but spared thousands of others, including my mother and my grandparents. In the decades following the incredible natural disaster, the city has been rebuilt and is prospering. However, the memory of what occurred in the early morning hours of April 1, 1946 will live in perpetuity thanks in part to the creation of the Pacific Tsunami Museum located in exact location where the tidal wave hit. The museum is one of the Big Island’s most … Continue reading →

Visiting Pearl Harbor’s Newest Attraction

Imagine taking flight with your son over the Hawaiian Islands on a peaceful Sunday morning. You’re piloting an Aeronca 65TC, sportstrainer airplane en route to Honolulu. The views are incredible, you’re enjoying your son’s company, and the ride is as smooth as silk. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, you encounter the first wave of Japanese Zero fighters on their way to attack Pearl Harbor. Next thing you know, your plane is being riddled with machine gun fire and you’re fighting to keep it in the air. Sounds like the stuff movies are made of (a version of the scene was … Continue reading →

Visit A Local Museum

Most cities across the country, even the smallest rural or suburban communities, will have a museum, historic house or some another special place set aside to pay tribute to the history and legacy of that particular location. Many folks think of historic house tours and museum visits as vacation-only activities, but you may be missing out on some amazing discoveries that lay in wait for you right around the corner! I used to all but ignore the local history that surrounds me, yet at the same time be fascinated by the special places and museums in other cities, states and … Continue reading →

Portland, OR: The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

One of our favorite Portland destinations is the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, more often known by its initials OMSI. OMSI is geared toward the 6-12 crowd, but children of all ages will enjoy it. There are tons of hands-on displays demonstrated different aspects of science. Chemistry, physics, and computer labs are manned by professionals who help children explore their interests. Upstairs is a paleontology lab and reptile room (yucch!). There are static and changing displays to challenge and ignite your child’s mind. My favorite permanent exhibit there is one on reproduction and fetal development. The babies are real. … Continue reading →

MOMA Winter Sale Up to 65% Off

Do your tastes run more to Picasso than Van Gogh? Do you know who Mondrian is, or what Contemporary style represents? If so, you might want to pick up a bargain at the Museum of Modern Art’s Winter Sale. This is higher-end stuff at a lower end price. Although our home is in more of a minimalist style (at least, I’m trying to get there!), some of the things on sale looked pretty interesting. Sure, I’d love to have the $2500 Lotus chair marked down to “only” $1300, but I’ll settle for some of the basement bargains for now! There … Continue reading →

ABBA Fans Finally Get A Place To Call Their Own

ABBA fans rejoice—you are finally getting a place that will allow you to properly worship your beloved musical group. According to news reports, an ABBA museum “dedicated to the music, clothing and history of the legendary Swedish pop group and its four members will open in Stockholm in 2008.” Loyal ABBA fans say it’s about time. From the sounds of it, I would say it’s worth the wait. According to event consultants, the interactive museum will feature original outfits and instruments used by the group, handwritten song lyrics, and a display of different awards. In addition, the museum will also … Continue reading →

Visiting the Madison Children’s Museum

Our family just returned from a trip to Madison, Wisconsin. It was the place I called home for four years while I attended UW-Madison. In the (gasp) decade (more like decade-and-a-half) that has passed since I graduated, I have returned to the city on several occasions. However, last week’s trip included my toddler daughter, who allowed me to see the city through a new set of eyes. Madison is undeniably a beautiful town surrounded by water (the city is actually situated on an isthmus of rock between Lakes Mendota and Monona) and steeped in history and culture, but it is … Continue reading →

Bill Cosby Issues A Challenge

Entertainment legend Bill Cosby is asking for your help to fund a major project he hopes will be around for you and your great-great-great grandchildren to appreciate. Cosby is launching a new campaign to raise $100 million toward a national slavery museum to be built among the battlefields of the Civil War. The price tag for the new museum: $200 million. That’s where you (we) come in. Cosby is calling on each American to contribute $8 to help with the museum fund. The actor has already committed $1 million of his own money to the project, and is rallying others … Continue reading →

Old Complaints Get New Exposure

Have you ever written a letter of complaint to a company, newspaper, magazine, or politician? Did you get a response? If your letter had anything to do with a problem you experienced in New York decades ago, you may now find it displayed in an unusual museum (of sorts). Several Big Apple newspapers are reporting that a local artist recently discovered letters from citizens documenting their concerns to New York’s mayor. Or, I should say mayors, since the letters span several centuries-from 1751 to 1973. Matthew Bakkom combed the city’s archives to unearth the letters and is now displaying them … Continue reading →

Maui’s Sugar Museum

Maui is known world wide as an unforgettable honeymoon destination complete with incredible beaches and fabulous golf courses. But, there is more to the island than its powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. Maui is also home to a unique cultural experience that the whole family can appreciate. The Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum is located just 10 miles from the Kahului Airport. It is the only place on the entire island where you can get a taste of what is was like to work on a real sugar plantation. You’ll also learn how the sugar industry helped shaped … Continue reading →