GROUP TOUR 2019-20 WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE CENTENNIAL - SUSAN B. ANTHONY - Group Tour Media
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GROUP TOUR 2019–20
WOMEN’S
SUFFRAGE
CENTENNIAL
SUSAN B. ANTHONY
From the editor
THE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
Anniversaries are meant to be celebrated — and we’re
doing just that in our seventh edition of Group Tour Heritage
& History. No, we’re not celebrating our own anniversary, but
historic milestones for some of the country’s most pivotal P: 800-767-3489
moments and events. Whether it’s 50, 85, 100 or even 400 F: 616-393-0085
GroupTour.com
years, we’ve featured anniversaries that deserve recognition
— and places you can take your groups to learn more. Publisher
Fifty years ago, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became Elly DeVries
President
the first human beings to walk on the moon — you might
remember watching your television in awe on that fateful day Editorial
Courtney Birchmeier
in 1969. That same year, riots at the Stonewall Inn in New Editor in Chief
York City sparked the LGBT civil rights movement. David Hoekman
Managing Editor
The year 2020 brings numerous anniversaries. In 1935, Elvis Presley was born in a two- Cortney Erndt
room house in Tupelo, Mississippi. Next year would be “the King’s” 85th birthday. Associate Editor
Kelsey Smith
In 1920, the ratification of the Associate Editor
19th Amendment gave women the
Art
right to vote. The centennial of that Mark Dryer
key moment will bring celebrations Art Director
Gabrielle Aleman-Gordon
across the nation. Next year also Graphic Designer
marks the 400th anniversary of the
Audience
1620 Mayflower voyage and the Development
founding of Plymouth Colony in Cindy Fish
Audience Development Director
Massachusetts. Bethany Vander Kolk
In addition to anniversaries, Circulation Coordinator
this issue highlights many history Marketing
and heritage sites throughout the Ben DeVries
Marketing Director
country, which we’ve organized RaDonna Laranja
by region. We hope our picks will Marketing & Sales Coordinator
spark ideas for your next itinerary. Bethany VanKempen
Content Creator & Designer
As always, thank you for reading.
Administration
Jim Bowser
Webmaster
Kim Kraker
Accounting
Courtney Birchmeier
Advertising
courtney@grouptour.com
Eric C. Lutey
Twitter: @courtneygtm Director of Sales | Eric@GroupTour.com
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2 Heritage & History 2019-20 Planning Guide
Contents
GROUP TOUR 2019–20
FEATURES REGIONS
4 Ratified 6 Great Lakes
WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE CENTENNIAL SHINES PAST MEETS PRESENT IN THE
SPOTLIGHT ON HISTORIC NEW YORK SITES GREAT LAKES REGION
14 Stonewall: 50 years later 16 Mid-Atlantic
NYC WALKING TOUR SPOTLIGHTS HISTORIC DISCOVER HISTORIC TREASURES
LGBT CIVIL RIGHTS SITES IN THE MID-ATLANTIC
22 Plymouth 400 24 New England
ENTER ONE OF AMERICA’S FOUNDING STORIES EXPLORE NEW ENGLAND’S RICH HISTORY
30 All shook up 32 Southeast
2020 MARKS THE KING’S 85TH BIRTHDAY UNCOVER THE SOUTHEAST’S STORIED PAST
40 Mankind’s greatest adventure
ASTRONOMY SITES REMINISCE PIVOTAL
42 West
MOON VOYAGE CULTURES AND CUSTOMS SHINE IN THE WEST
grouptourmagazine.com 3
Ratified
WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE CENTENNIAL SHINES
SPOTLIGHT ON HISTORIC NEW YORK SITES By Courtney
Birchmeier
The National Susan B.
Anthony Museum & House
Votes for women portrayers
Susan B. Anthony
Mt. Hope Cemetery
ug. 18, 1920, marked a pivotal of women’s equality. But, no place
moment in American history. On that knows the women’s suffrage move-
day, the 19th Amendment to the United ment quite like Rochester, New York. In July 1848, the Seneca Falls Con-
States Constitution was ratified, giving “Rochester was a central location of vention took place in Seneca Falls, New
American women the right to vote. De- one of the most important social move- York, about 50 miles from Rochester.
cades of activism by women the likes of ments in history,” said Rachel Laber “The movement began with a wom-
Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stan- Pulvino, director of communications en’s rights convention in nearby Seneca
ton, Ida B. Wells and so many others led and public relations at Visit Rochester. Falls in 1848, and from that point for-
to that key moment in history. “Today the city continues to be very ward grew into one of the largest social
The year 2020 marks the centennial proud of famous Rochesterians like Su- movements of its time,” Laber Pulvino
of that momentous event. Communi- san B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. said. “At the Seneca Falls Convention in
ties across the country will celebrate To experience this history in person is 1848, attendees signed the Declaration
the milestone with events and pro- inspiring for all ages and genders.” of Sentiments, declaring, ‘We hold these
grams honoring the past and present truths to be self-evident: that all men
Clockwise from top right: Courtesy of Visit Rochester (4); Mrs. L. Condon
4 Heritage & History 2019-20 Planning Guide
and women are created equal.’”
The Women’s Rights National Historical Park, which
comprises sites in Seneca Falls and Waterloo, tells the
story of the first women’s rights convention in the coun-
try. The park’s main draw is the Wesleyan Chapel in
Seneca Falls, the location of the convention. Only part
of the structure remains today, and group tours will
often begin at the site to get an orientation of the park.
Nearby, the visitor center showcases statues of the
convention organizers, exhibits and an orientation film: Let’s Have Tea
sculpture of Susan B.
Dreams of Equality. Anthony and Frederick
Douglass
The park also includes the Elizabeth Cady Stanton
House in Seneca Falls and the M’Clintock House in
Waterloo. The homes are small, so large groups are
encouraged to break into smaller groups when visiting.
“We hope visitors take with them the understand-
ing that women’s rights are human rights,” said Denise
DeLucia, education-training specialist and volunteer
coordinator at the park. “We hope they reflect on the
Declaration of Sentiments and how that was drafted
based on the Declaration of Independence — how alike
they are, and how different they are. It's up to each in-
dividual visitor to decide how far we've come, and how
far we have yet to go.”
Elizabeth Cady Stanton House
The red brick house at 17 Madison St. in Rochester
stands as a National Historic Landmark and an inspiration
for positive change. It was there that Susan B. Anthony
lived and worked until her death in 1906. The National Visit Rochester staff can create custom tours for groups wishing
Susan B. Anthony Museum & House preserves her legacy. to see women’s history-related sites in the area — during the cen-
“The women's suffrage centennial means a great deal tennial, and any time before or after.
to us at the Susan B. Anthony House,” said Linda Lopa- “Both the Susan B. Anthony Museum and the Greater
ta, director of interpretation & visitor services. “Not Rochester community will be holding events (in 2020),” Laber
only does the year 2020 commemorate the culmination Pulvino said. “The museum will be the main focal point for the
of Susan B. Anthony’s decades of work and sacrifice for year, but groups like the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and
woman’s suffrage, but it is also her 200th birthday!” Geva Theatre Center will hold events, programs and perfor-
On tours of the house, groups learn about the events mances that reflect the suffrage centennial and Rochester’s role
that happened there, like her arrest after voting in the in this historic event.”
1872 election. In the parlor, she strategized with famous Events also will take place at the Women’s Rights National His-
reformers like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott torical Park. Group visits can be arranged by contacting the park.
and Ida B. Wells. Other nearby sites include Mount Hope Cemetery, the final
“The adult tour asks people to reflect upon what resting place of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass; the
America was and is,” Lopata said. “What do the words Ontario County Courthouse, the site of Susan B. Anthony’s trial
etched on the Anthony family gravestone, ‘liberty, jus- after her arrest for illegally voting in the 1872 election; and the
tice, equality and humanity’ mean? How do sexism and National Women’s Hall of Fame. n
racism play a part as we strive for these ideals?”
The Visitor Center is located in the historic house Visit Rochester
next door, which was owned by Susan B. Anthony’s 585-279-8309
sister, Hannah. visitrochester.com
From top: Visit Rochester, NPS
grouptourmagazine.com 5
Great Lakes
PAST MEETS PRESENT IN THE GREAT LAKES REGION
Travel the Midwest’s highways and
byways and step outside the 21st centu-
ry at these points of interest.
Connect with famous people and
ordinary citizens of the past by visiting
historic homes. Get the scoop on early
flour milling, and car and motorcycle
manufacturing at top-notch museums.
See how skilled craftspeople build
old-fashioned washboards in the last
operating American washboard facto-
ry. Share the heritage of the Amish at
a historic 80-acre farm in the peaceful
Indiana countryside.
Hackley & Hume Historic Site
Muskegon, Michigan
Tour the unique living spaces show- Grand Rapids, Michigan, designed the homes are open from May through
casing how Muskegon lumber barons homes for Charles H. Hackley and his October, with special events around the
lived in their late 19th-century Victorian partner Thomas Hume. The homes were year-end holidays.
homes. Architect David S. Hopkins of built between 1887 and 1889. Restored 231-722-0278, lakeshoremuseum.org
GROUP TOURS
EXPERIENCE
MUSKEGON, MI
MOTOR COACH FRIENDLY HOTELS
CUSTOMIZED ITINERARIES
STEP-ON GUIDES
C ALL BERNADETTE AT
1. 8 0 0 . 2 5 0 . 9 2 8 3
VISITMUSKEGON.ORG
6 Heritage & History 2019-20 Planning Guide GTM
Great Lakes
Hands-On Fun
Get Your
Craft On!
Carillon Historical Park Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
“All the different hands-on activities
Dayton, Ohio Detroit, Michigan are a blast, no talent required!
The 65-acre open-air history muse- The Ford Motor Company’s first
You are treated like their guest and
everything is planned out for you.
um holds over 30 historic structures and purpose-built factory is known as the We loved it!”
is the main campus for Dayton History. birthplace of the Ford Model T car. In – Triumph Community Bank Travel Club,
Learn how Dayton changed the world. the three-story brick factory, modeled East Moline, IL
In addition to a Deeds Carillon, the park after New England textile mills, visitors
is home of the Wright Brother National
Museum and Carillon Brewing Co., the
nation’s only fully-operational produc-
see where the Model T was developed
and assembled. Introduced in 1908, the
Tin Lizzie was the first car most Ameri-
Request Your
tion brewery in a museum.
937-293-2841, ext. 127; daytonhistory.org
cans could afford.
313-872-8759, fordpiquetteplant.org
FREE Planner
Call 1-800-322-8198
or order it online at:
www.TOURSoutheastIndiana.com/planner
OHIO
Indianapolis
INDIANA 1
Cincinnati
KENTUCKY
Louisville Lexington
South of I-74 & west of I-275, 20 minutes west of Cincinnati
www.TOURSoutheastIndiana.com
800-322-8198
Ford Piquette Avenue Plant grouptourmagazine.com 7
Great Lakes
Harley-Davidson Museum
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Harley-Davidson Muse-
um is a place where history roars
to life. Examine Serial Number
One, the oldest known Har-
ley-Davidson motorcycle, and see
how the history of the company is
woven into the history of Ameri-
ca. Sit in the saddle of one of the
many legendary motorcycles in
the Experience Gallery. Group
visits can be customized with a
guided tour, unique merchandise
from The Shop and a genuine
Milwaukee dining experience in
MOTOR Bar & Restaurant.
414-287-2799, h-dmuseum.com
There’s something about the
Harley-Davidson Museum. Our
exhibits and curiosities are fueled
by more than motorcycles.
Give your group a custom-made
experience. Visit H-DMuseum.com
to start your tour build.
©
2019 H-D or its affiliates. HARLEY-DAVIDSON, HARLEY, H-D, and the Bar and Shield Logo are among the trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC.
8 Heritage & History 2019-20 Planning Guide
Great Lakes
Tour
SOUTHEAST INDIANA
RiveR Town
Spend a day along the Ohio River Scenic
Byway and explore historic Aurora.
Follow an urban arts trail with your
artist guide, tour landmark mansions,
enjoy a “Linens & Luxury” luncheon and
visit a small brewery with a big history.
“Wonderful experience,
Top-notch service!”
- CB&S Bank Shining Stars,
Russellville, AL
Amish Acres
Amish Acres
Nappanee, Indiana Where History is Fun!
This 80-acre restored Old Order “Windows of Aurora”
Amish farm is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places. Groups Hillforest Victorian
explore the farm and experience the House Museum
Historic
lifestyle of the Amish through guided
tours, musical theater, craft demonstra- White Pine
tions, farm animals, restaurants, shops
Vi age
®
and the surrounding countryside.
Meal options, overnight and day-trip
packages, hands-on activities and wine
tastings are available.
Autumn is a special time during
Amish Acres’ Fall Harvest Days. The
grounds are decorated with scarecrows OHIO
and pumpkins, and the fragrance of Indianapolis
apple butter fills the air. Take a tour, INDIANA 1
Cincinnati
then head to the kitchen for a hands-on
lesson to make shoofly pie. Afterward,
KENTUCKY
dine in the rustic Barn Restaurant.
800-800-4942, ext. 213; amishacres.com Louisville Lexington
South of I-74 & west of I-275, 20 minutes west of Cincinnati
MasonCountyHistoricalSociety.com
231-843-4808
www.TOURSoutheastIndiana.com
800-322-8198
Amish Acres grouptourmagazine.com 9
Great Lakes
First Ladies National Mill City Museum
Historic Site Minneapolis, Minnesota
Canton, Ohio
Discover the flour-milling industry,
The home of former first lady Ida which fueled the growth of Minne-
Saxton McKinley and the seven-story apolis. The museum is built within
1895 City Bank Building are preserved the ruins of a flour mill and a giant
at this site, which honors the lives and elevator or Flour Tower transports
accomplishments of the country’s first guests through eight levels of the
ladies. Guided tours of the house begin building and back through time. The
a block away at the former bank, now museum features hands-on exhibits,
the Education & Research Center. The breathtaking views of the Minneapolis
National First Ladies’ Library is the riverfront, 19th-century flour milling
managing and operating partner of the machines, vintage advertising and a
site for the National Park Service. Baking Lab.
330-452-0876, nps.gov/fila 651-259-3003, mnhs.org/millcity
A tradition since 1887
Enjoy the history and unique ambiance of Grand Hotel. Stay overnight and enjoy a
full breakfast and dinner daily or visit for the day and experience our legendary Grand
Luncheon Buffet, a multi-year winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
Call Julia Luckey at 906-847-3331 or grouptours@grandhotel.com
1-800-33GRA ND • gr a ndhotel.com
10 Heritage & History 2019-20 Planning Guide From top: Charlie Vaughn/Minnesota Historical Society, Dustin M. RamseyGreat Lakes
Columbus Washboard Company factory in the Hocking Hills. While work-
ers use vintage machinery to cut and fash-
Logan, Ohio ion material, washboards are assembled
Take a guided tour of the last operating by hand one at a time. Today’s washboards
American washboard factory. The com- are used for laundry, as decorative pieces
pany, established in 1895 near Columbus, and as musical instruments.
740-380-3828, columbuswashboard.com
Ohio, relocated in 1999 to a former shoe
Pewabic
Detroit, Michigan
A working historic pottery, built in
1907, Pewabic offers groups a one-
hour guided tour through its National
Historic Landmark pottery building.
See where the clay is processed, tiles
are pressed and glazed and the kilns
where pieces are fired. Add a hands-
on workshop to learn the basics of
tile-making.
313-626-2062, pewabic.org
INDIANA’S Unforgettable Group Experience!
Visit French Lick West Baden is a favorite destination
for groups large and small. Nestled in the heart of Southern
Indiana and surrounded by the Hoosier National Forest, this resort
community has welcomed guests who have enjoyed awe inspiring
getaways for over 100 years. We invite you to relive the fabulous history
and vibrant lifestyles of this breathtaking destination that offers gracious hospitality,
ultimate luxury, and a multitude of opportunities at any pace.
For itinerary recommendations contact Shelby Rice at shelby@visitfrenchlickwestbaden.com
812-936-3418 • vflwb.com/groups •
GTM/David Hoekman grouptourmagazine.com 11Great Lakes
Old World Wisconsin
Eagle, Wisconsin
The 600-acre regional history attrac- grant farm and rural life. The museum breeds and try historic crafts and skills.
tion, one of 12 Wisconsin Historical offers groups hands-on activities, led Group add-ons include a guided tram
Society sites, features interactive environ- by period-clad staff members, as they experience and lunch options.
ments and immersive stories of 19th- and visit 10 working farmsteads, explore 12 262-594-6313,
early 20th-century Midwestern immi- heirloom gardens, meet heritage animal oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org
visitmarionohio.com
800-371-6688
Opening Spring, 2020
Newly restored Home of
President Warren G. Harding
Multi-day Ohio Presidents itineraries -
four presidential sites in as little as five days.
12 Heritage & History 2019-20 Planning Guide Old World WisconsinGreat Lakes
3 PLACES FOR AUTOMOTIVE HERITAGE
Gilmore Car Museum Studebaker National Museum Auburn Cord Duesenberg
Hickory Corners, Michigan South Bend, Indiana Automobile Museum
Spend the day at North America’s For information on one of the famed
Auburn, Indiana
largest auto museum, located on 90 auto manufacturers of the past and to The museum is located in the original
acres about 20 minutes northeast of see its vehicles, head to the Studebaker 1930s national headquarters of the Au-
Kalamazoo, Michigan. Besides nearly National Museum. The three-level mu- burn Automobile Company and is a Na-
400 vehicles, many of them housed in seum displays the first and last vehicles tional Historic Landmark. More than 120
historic barns and re-created automo- the corporation made and boasts the classic, antique, vintage and special-in-
bile dealerships, the campus includes largest U.S. Presidential Carriage Collec- terest cars — including Auburns, Cords
a 1930s Shell gasoline station. Eat tion in the world. Plus, there’s a military and Duesenbergs — are displayed with
lunch in the authentic 1941 Blue Moon collection and temporary exhibitions. other automotive-related exhibits on
Diner (April to November) or The Heri- 574-235-9714 three floors. Docent-led tours are avail-
tage Cafe (December to March). studebakermuseum.org able with advance notice.
269-671-5089, ext. 12 260-925-1444, ext. 33
gilmorecarmuseum.org automobilemuseum.org
D I S C OV E R T H E S TO RY O F F R E E D O M ’ S H E RO E S .
B O O K YO U R G RO U P TO U R TO DAY.
50 East Freedom Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
freedomcenter.org
(513) 333-7578 | groupsales@nurfc.org
grouptourmagazine.com 13Stonewall: 50 years later
NYC walking tour spotlights
historic LGBT civil rights sites By David Hoekman
f ifty years ago, events in a New York
City neighborhood proved to be a
turning point in the lesbian, gay, bisex-
ual and transgender civil rights move-
ment in the United States.
The Stonewall riots, also called
Stonewall uprising, inspired LGBT peo-
ple around the country to assert their
rights on a broader scale.
The Stonewall Inn became a rallying
point for gay rights on June 28, 1969,
when a police raid on the bar led to re-
sistance from patrons and neighborhood
residents, which resulted in six days of
demonstrations.
The Stonewall Inn
In June 2016, President Barack
Obama designated the area surrounding
The Stonewall Inn and Christopher Park
as Stonewall National Monument.
“Stonewall isn’t just a building,”
said Cortney Worrall, Northeast senior
regional director for National Parks
Conservation Association. “It is a place
that catalyzed great change in our coun-
try in 1969. The events that took place
in June of that year at Stonewall are a
part of United States’ civil rights history,
marking a turning point for the modern
LGBT civil rights movement.”
Walking tour
Christopher Park
NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project “In 2017, NPCA and its partners experience of discovering a rich history.
and the National Parks Conservation launched the first walking tour of 20 The importance of LGBT life in New
Association have collaborated on a historic sites historically significant to York City’s Greenwich Village, long be-
45-minute LGBT self-guided walking the LGBT community in and around the fore and after the uprising, can only fully
tour of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village monument,” Worrall said. “Nearly two be understood by visiting the sites and
that includes sites associated with the years later, the walking tour continues to walking the streets — streets so compact
events of Stonewall and LGBT history. give visitors from around the world the their physical layout played a role in pre-
14 Heritage & History 2019-20 Planning Guide From top: Brittany Petronella, Tagger Yancey IVventing the police in 1969 from stopping
the uprising.” Celebrate the
Maps are available at the national
monument and can be downloaded Year of Pride
from nyclgbtsites.org and npca.org.
“Stonewall National Monument,
NYC & Company, New York
the first national park site dedicated to
City’s official destination mar-
LGBT history, recognizes the key role
keting organization, has de-
the surrounding neighborhood played in
clared 2019 as the Year of Pride.
the movement,” Worrall said. “Immers-
NYC is the leading LGBTQ des-
ing ourselves in this powerful national
park — and our more than 400 park tination in the U.S. year after
sites across the country — is how we as year and welcomes visitors of
a nation remember our painful past and all genders, all ages and from all
ensure we don’t repeat our mistakes.” parts of the U.S. and the world.
Among the sites on the tour are NYC is offering a collection
Christopher Park
Christopher Park, The Stonewall Inn, of Pride activities and events to
Ridiculous Theatrical Co. (currently the enjoy before, after and during
Axis Theatre Company), the Mattachine WorldPride and the 50th anniver-
Society (currently Kettle of Fish), the sary of the Stonewall riots in June.
site of the start of New York’s first Pride “We have declared 2019 the
March, Stewart’s Cafeteria (currently Year of Pride, to not only cele-
Bank of America) and Julius’ Bar. Julius’ brate WorldPride and Stonewall
was the site of the 1966 “Sip-In” by the 50 but to acknowledge the per-
Mattachine Society, an early LGBT petual spirit of New York City’s
rights group, challenging the New York vibrant LGBTQ community,” said
State Liquor Authority’s discriminatory Fred Dixon, president and CEO
policy of revoking the license of bars of NYC & Company. “In addition
that served gay men and lesbians. to the iconic events in June, the
Inside Christopher Park, travelers can city is brimming with a yearlong
see George Segal’s Gay Liberation monu- roster of cultural activity.”
ment; the statues were added in 1992.
WorldPride will take place in
“Our mission is to make the invis-
New York City — the first time
ible history of New York City’s LGBT
the global event will be held
community, which can be felt through- First Gay Pride Parade
in the U.S. — from June 25–30,
out the city but particularly here in
with an anticipated 4 million
Greenwich Village, a visible and better
understood facet of our city’s historical visitors.
fabric,” said Jay Shockley, co-director of nycgo.com/maps-guides/gay
the NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project, stonewall50consortium.org
the nonprofit group responsible for the
historical research to inform the tour.
“The public’s response to the tour has
been very, very gratifying,” he added.
“Everyone who has taken it has learned
something new.” n
National Parks Conservation
Association, npca.org
NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project
nyclgbtsites.org
Stonewall National Monument
From top: Brittany Petronella, © Estate of Fred W. McDarrah, NPS grouptourmagazine.com 15Mid-Atlantic
DISCOVER HISTORIC TREASURES IN THE MID-ATLANTIC
Historic sites in the Mid-Atlantic region who passed through Ellis Island and flocked Battleship
of the United States are as varied as its ge- to industrial areas that grew into some of the
New Jersey
ography. The region was the setting of many nation’s largest cities. And, let’s not forget
Revolutionary War and Civil War battles the nation’s capital, which is home to some Camden, New Jersey
and where the Declaration of Independence of the world’s most famous monuments and
Berthed on the Camden
was signed in 1776. The Mid-Atlantic was a memorials. Groups visiting this area of the
Waterfront, the Battleship
welcoming place for European immigrants country won’t have trouble finding heritage
New Jersey Museum and
in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, and history sites.
Memorial offers interactive
group tours of the “Big J.”
On tours, visitors see living
spaces, command and
control centers, weapon
systems and on-board
exhibits in the museum.
Added group options in-
clude live USO-style shows,
discounted combination
tickets to nearby attrac-
tions, catered lunches and
professional photography.
866-877-6262, ext. 144;
battleshipnewjersey.org
16 Heritage & History 2019-20 Planning Guide Battleship New JerseyMid-Atlantic
Nemours Estate
Wilmington, Delaware
Taking inspiration from the Palace
of Versailles in France, the late Alfred
I. duPont developed his estate like a
European oasis. The property includes
a 77-room mansion; the largest formal
French gardens in North America; a
Chauffeur’s Garage, housing a collec-
tion of vintage automobiles used on the
estate; and nearly 200 acres of scenic
woodlands, meadows and lawns. Visits
to the estate are typically self-paced and
self-guided, with interpreters stationed
at key locations. Guided tours are
available by request. The estate is open
May–December.
302-651-6912, nemoursestate.org
Ford’s Theatre
Washington, D.C.
Celebrate President Abraham
Lincoln’s legacy and his love for the
performing arts at Ford’s Theatre, the
site where he was assassinated in 1865.
More than 650,000 people visit the the-
ater each year. At the on-site museum,
groups can explore exhibits on Lin-
coln’s presidency, Civil War milestones
and the assassination conspiracy led by
John Wilkes Booth. The historic theater
offers a season of plays and musicals
throughout the year. Intimate guided
tours of the theater and Washington,
D.C., are available on select days.
800-899-2367, fords.org
Left to right: Moonloop Photography LLC, Maxwell MacKenzie grouptourmagazine.com 17Mid-Atlantic
Museum of the American Revolution the nation’s founding. Revolution- diverse array of people who created a new
ary-era weapons, personal items, nation against incredible odds. One of the
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania documents and works of art are museum’s must-sees is Gen. Washington’s
Located just steps from Independence all part of its vast collection. Immersive War Tent, which served as his office and
Hall, Museum of the American Revolution galleries, powerful theater experiences sleeping quarters throughout the Revolu-
offers groups a deeper understanding of and digital touchscreens bring to life the tionary War. Guided tours are available.
267-579-3623, amrevmuseum.org
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Felton Bequest, 1922
S E P T E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 – F E B R U A R Y 1 7, 2 0 2 0
What can a life tell us about an era?
Follow the untold story of Richard St. George,
an Irish soldier and artist whose personal trauma
and untimely death provide a window into the
entangled histories of the American Revolution
and the ensuing bloody Irish Revolution of 1798.
Experience
Garrett Co. Maryland
SM
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A u
U
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O
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B O O K Y O U R G R O U P V I S I T T O D AY !
i c
groups@amrevmuseum.org www.amrevmuseum.org
3RD & CHESTNUT STREETS, PHIL ADELPHIA
18 Heritage & History 2019-20 Planning Guide Museum of the American RevolutionMid-Atlantic
9/11 Memorial & Museum
New York City
Located on eight of the World Trade
Center site’s 16 acres, the 9/11 Memorial
& Museum is a place to remember and
honor the 2,983 people killed in the hor-
rific attacks of September 11, 2001, and
February 26, 1993. The 9/11 Memorial
consists of two reflecting pools formed
in the footprints of the original Twin
Towers. The 9/11 Memorial Museum
tells the story of the events through
artifacts, first-person accounts and mul-
timedia displays. Its 110,000 square feet
of exhibition space displays more than
900 personal and monumental objects.
Guided tours are available.
212-266-5200, 911memorial.org
BOOK P
ROU
YOUR G Y!
Independence National
TODA
Historical Park
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Known as the birthplace of Ameri-
can democracy, Independence National
THE ONLY MUSEUM
Historical Park is the site of events that
helped form a nation. The main draw,
of the U.S. CONSTITUTION
Independence Hall is the site where
both the Declaration of Independence
and U.S. Constitution were debated Contact Gina Romanelli at
and signed. Nearby sits the Liberty Bell gina@constitutioncenter.org or 215.409.6695
Center, Congress Hall and the Benjamin
Franklin Museum. Ranger-led tours are
available in many of the buildings. Independence Mall ê Philadelphia, PA
215-965-2305, nps.gov/inde
Clockwise from top left: Jim Lee, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Robin Miller for PHLCVB grouptourmagazine.com 19Mid-Atlantic
Statue of Liberty Museum seum features three gallery spaces, each museum’s roof offers visitors sweeping,
one meant to inspire visitors and edu- panoramic views of Lady Liberty, lower
Ellis Island, New York cate them about the Statue of Liberty in Manhattan and all of New York Harbor.
Opened in May, the new Statue of interactive and thought-provoking ways. Access to the museum is free with the
Liberty Museum celebrates the Statue of The Inspiration Gallery includes Liberty’s purchase of a ferry ticket to Liberty and
Liberty’s history, influence and legacy in most iconic symbol — her original torch Ellis Islands.
the world. The 26,000-square-foot mu- — held high for nearly 100 years. The statueoflibertymuseum.org
WAKE UP IN HISTORY Capitol Visitor Center
Lesson plans, sample itineraries and travel tips on a new online education portal.
Washington, D.C.
The Capitol Visitor Center is the
Gettysburg Battlefield starting point for a visit to the U.S.
Stay in affordable, group-friendly Hagerstown
Westminster Capitol. Comprising three levels under-
lodgings close to Washington, D.C. Antietam Battlefield Frederick ground, the visitor center educates the
Baltimore
in Maryland’s Heart of the Harpers Ferry
public about the legislative process, as
Civil War Heritage Area. Washington, D.C.
well as the history, architecture and art
of the U.S. Capitol. The center includes
REQUEST MORE INFO AT exhibitions, dining options, two orien-
heartofthecivilwar.org/education tation theaters, an auditorium and a gift
shop. Guided Capitol tours take groups
to the Crypt, the Rotunda and National
Statuary Hall. Booking information
for groups can be found on the Capitol
Visitor Center website.
tours.visitthecapitol.gov
20 Heritage & History 2019-20 Planning Guide From left: FXCollaboraive, Architect of the CapitolMid-Atlantic
3 CIVIL WAR-RELATED SITES
National Museum of Civil Gettysburg National Antietam National Battlefield
War Medicine Military Park Sharpsburg, Maryland
Frederick, Maryland Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Considered one of the best-pre-
Groups can follow in the footsteps As the Civil War’s bloodiest battle, served battlefields in the country, An-
of Civil War soldiers and surgeons the Battle of Gettysburg was a turning tietam gives groups a place to reflect
at the National Museum of Civil War point in the war and the inspiration for on the sacrifices made during one of
Medicine. Nearly 10,000 square feet President Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Ad- America’s greatest struggles. Known as
of exhibit space, spread throughout dress.” Groups should begin their park “the bloodiest day in American history,”
two floors, sheds light on the war’s visit with a stop at the Gettysburg Na- the battle on Sept. 17, 1862, ended the
harsh conditions, personal sacrifices tional Military Park Museum and Vis- Confederate Army of Northern Virgin-
and brilliant innovations of Civil War itor Center, where they can watch an ia’s first invasion into the North and led
medicine. A variety of tour options are orientation film and view the Battle of President Abraham Lincoln to issue the
available for groups. Gettysburg cyclorama painting. Tours preliminary Emancipation Proclama-
can be arranged with the park’s battle- tion. Guided battlefield walks and talks
301-378-9726, civilwarmed.org
field guides. are available.
717-334-1124, nps.gov/gett 301-432-5124, nps.gov/anti
HAGERSTOWN Arts.
HAS IT! Culture.
History.
Call Today! 301-791-3246 • VISITHAGERSTOWN.COM
grouptourmagazine.com 21Plymouth 400
Enter one of America’s
founding stories By David Hoekman
t he countdown is underway to com-
memorate the 400th anniversary
of the 1620 Mayflower voyage and the
founding of Plymouth Colony.
A year-long commemoration is set
for 2020 in Plymouth, Massachusetts,
and throughout the state.
Plymouth 400, Inc., a nonprofit orga-
nization, was founded in 2009 to lead the
planning and execution of the programs
and events commemorating the mile-
stone. The commemoration will highlight
the cultural contributions and American
traditions that began with the interaction
Wampanoag Homesite
of the Wampanoag and English peoples.
“The story of 1620 is complex with
multiple perspectives, but is one which
is relevant now more than ever,” said
Michele Pecoraro, executive director of
Plymouth 400, Inc. “The way the story is
being told is different than past com-
memorations because each of the four
nations involved are at the table together
for the first time.
“The cultural contributions and
traditions that began with the interaction
Plimoth Plantation
of the Wampanoag and English peoples
have significantly shaped the building of
America but until now, this complex sto- The Wampanoag tribes of Massa-
ry was told from a narrow perspective,” chusetts will lead the walk. Participants
she said. “For the first time, the Native will pay homage to Massasoit and King
voice is included and the fact that the Phillip and stop at designated sites to bless
story begins with the indigenous people the spots where Wampanoag ancestors
who had lived on this continent for thou- walked.
sands of years and are still here today.”
One of Plymouth 400’s Signature Plymouth 400, Inc.
Events, the Wampanoag Ancestors Walk, is 508-812-2020
National Monument to the Forefathers
scheduled for Aug. 1, 2020, in Plymouth. plymouth400inc.org
22 Heritage & History 2019-20 Planning Guide Clockwise from top: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, Hawk Visuals/Plymouth 400, Inc., Plymouth 400, Inc.Plimoth Plantation
One of Plymouth’s can’t-miss attrac- flame of this part of our nation’s history.” due to maritime and other conditions.
tions is Plimoth Plantation. The living The Pilgrims landed in Provincetown Beyond Mayflower II, groups visiting
history museum tells the interwoven Harbor, where they signed the Mayflower the plantation can explore Plimoth
stories of two distinct cultures — En- Compact, before sailing on to Plymouth. Grist Mill, Wampanoag Homesite and
glish and Wampanoag. Mayflower II, Plimoth Plantation’s 17th-Century English Village and Craft
“Plimoth Plantation is proud to be a full-scale reproduction of the ship that Center exhibits. Groups with a specific
part of the commemorations and cele- carried the Pilgrims to Massachusetts, interest, such as period cookery, Native
brations across the commonwealth and will serve as the centerpiece of the 400th culture or timber-frame construction,
the nation in 2020,” said Ellie Donovan, anniversary programs. The vessel is may book a specialized speaker or
executive director at Plimoth Plantation. currently being restored. reserve a guided tour. Historical-themed
“Massachusetts is the birthplace of the Visitors can look forward to board- dining experiences are available. n
United States, and Mayflower represents ing the ship once again in Plymouth, lantati
our ongoing American experiment in and plans are underway for sails to Plimoth Plantation
self-government. Everyone involved Boston and Provincetown in 2020. May- 508-746-1622, ext. 8358
feels honored to be the keepers of the flower II’s schedule is subject to change plymouth400inc.org
Mayflower II before restoration 17th-Century English Village Plymouth Harbor
THE OFFICIAL PLYMOUTH 400TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
PLYMOUTH 400, INC., HAS COORDINATED AN OFFICIAL GROUP TOUR ITINERARY WITH TOUR TRENDS
LTD., THE OFFICIAL TOUR OPERATOR OF PLYMOUTH 400.
Highlights include:
• An orientation tour of Boston • Pilgrim Hall Museum
• Present-day Plymouth and Leyden Street • Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Museum
• Plimoth Plantation Tour Trends Ltd., 800-918-8687
From left: Nicole Meighan/Plymouth 400, Inc.; Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism; Hawk Visuals, Plymouth 400, Inc. grouptourmagazine.com 23new england
EXPLORE NEW ENGLAND’S RICH HISTORY
New England is all about heritage and support independence from the British gov- Lowell National
history. The region drew some of the earliest ernment. One of the most notable demon- Historical Park
English settlements in the “New World” strations was the Boston Tea Party of 1773.
after the arrival of the Pilgrims in 1620 (see New England’s rivers fueled the Industri- Lowell,
feature on page 22). al Revolution, and groups can see the mills Massachusetts
By the late 18th century, the British colo- where the United States made the first leap
nies of New England were among the first to from farm to factories. Lowell National Historical
Park in the middle of down-
town Lowell tells the story of
America’s first planned city for
large-scale textile production
and the Industrial Revolution.
Included are historic cotton
textile mills, 5.6 miles of ca-
nals, operating gatehouses and
worker housing. Stop at the
visitor center, the Boott Cotton
Mills Museum, and the Mill
Girls and Immigrants Exhibit.
Available in warm-weather
months are canal boat tours,
and mill and trolley tours.
978-970-5000, nps.gov/lowe
The Greater Merrimack Valley is Great for Groups!
Just 30 minutes northwest of Boston, Massachusetts!
Visit the region where Liberty Ride Lowell National The UMass Lowell
freedom began – Let us customize your visit Historical Park Inn & Conference Center
along the historic Battle Road Discover the continuing revolu- The only hotel in the heart of
scenic guided tours of through Lexington and Concord tion. Lowell’s water-powered downtown Lowell. Lodging
historic Lexington and as costumed guides recount the textile mills catapulted the features 31 year-round rooms
events of April 19, 1775 and nation – including immigrant and 150+ seasonal summer
Concord MA, guided the literary legacy that defined families and early female factory rooms located close to historical
boat tours through American identity and culture. workers – into an uncertain new landmarks, major event venues,
Lowell’s hand-dug Rich in cultural activities from industrial era. Nearly 200 years museums and a bustling
concerts to historic reenact- later, the changes that began in downtown. Easy travel to Boston
canals that powered ments, today’s Lexington offers Lowell make it a living monu- and New Hampshire makes us
the mills in the 19th something for everyone. Trolley ment to the dynamic human ideal for tours of any size or
and step-on guide service story of the Industrial Revolution. season. Complementary Wi-Fi
century, art exhibits available year-round. Departs Call us today to customize your and continental breakfast
and galleries, cultural from 1875 Massachusetts Ave, hands-on, educational group included.
cuisine, ethnic festivals, Lexington, MA. tour to bring the park to life. 50 Warren Street Lowell, MA 01852
339.223.5623 www.libertyride.us 978.970.5000 www.nps.gov/lowe 978.934.6920 www.uml.edu/icc
live entertainment and
New England charm
await you in the Greater For the latest itineraries and educational
group packages call 978.459.6150 or visit
Merrimack Valley!
www.merrimackvalley.org.
24 Heritage
Group&Tour
History 2019-201Planning Guide
2017.indd NPS 2/16/17 3:21 PMnew england
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Boston, Massachusetts
Actors, tea-throwing reenactments, high-tech interactive exhibits, authentic replica
ships the Beaver and the Eleanor, and an award-winning multisensory film,
Let It Begin Here, help group tours understand what happened on the night of Dec. 16,
1773. The attraction, owned and operated by Historic Tours of America, is dedicated to
accurately reliving and representing a key time in history.
617-531-6241, bostonteapartyship.com
Museum of Printing
Haverhill, Massachusetts
Using one of the world’s largest collections of printing and typesetting hardware
and ephemera, the museum shows how printing changed in the last 200 years. Print-
ing presses of all kinds are in the main gallery. Exhibits explain the transition from
hand-setting individual sorts of foundry type to mechanized hot-metal typesetting.
There are collections of phototypesetting machines, mimeographs, addressographs and
typewriters. The museum is open every Saturday, year-round. Special tours are available.
museumofprinting.org
From top: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum/Michael Blanchard Photography, iStock grouptourmagazine.com 25new england
Mashantucket Pequot Museum Old Sturbridge Village
& Research Center Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Mashantucket, Connecticut
Old Sturbridge Village, the largest
The Mashantucket Pequot Museum outdoor history museum in the North-
& Research Center works to further the east, depicts a rural New England town
knowledge and understanding of the of the 1830s. Authentically costumed
richness and diversity of the indigenous historians and interpreters demonstrate
cultures and societies of the United early 19th-century life in more than
States and Canada. Exhibits and galleries 40 buildings, gardens and working
showcase tribal cultures, science, the farms. Groups are welcome. Special
arts and the abundance of local natural motorcoach parking is available with
resources from the ice age to the present. easy drop-off and pick-up spots near the
Options for groups include self-touring, village entrance.
guided tours, enrichment programs, 508-347-0290, osv.org
express lunch, VIP experiences/tours
and expert speaker presentations.
860-396-6839, pequotmuseum.org
Mystic Seaport Museum historic vessels, including four National
Historic Landmark vessels. The most
Mystic, Connecticut notable vessel is the 1841 whaleship
Walk through a re-created New Charles W. Morgan, America’s oldest
England coastal village to experience commercial ship still in existence. The
firsthand from staff historians, story- maritime museum offers a variety of
tellers, musicians and craftspeople what on-grounds group dining options, from
it was like to earn one’s living from the a New England-style clambake to box
sea. A collection of more than 2 mil- lunches.
860-572-5309, mysticseaport.org
lion artifacts includes more than 500
26 Heritage & History 2019-20 Planning Guide Clockwise from top: Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, Old Sturbridge Village, Mystic Seaport Museumnew england
WASHINGTO
NT
U
N
MO
OG
AY
C
R AILW
Mount Washington Cog Railway
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
A NATIONAL
Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2019, the Mount Washington Cog Railway HISTORIC
ENGINEERING
provides a narrated train ride to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak LANDMARK
in the northeastern United States. The train ride averages about an hour each way,
and passengers have 60 minutes to explore and take in the summit of Mount Wash- an AMAZING ADVENTURE
to the top of NEW ENGLAND’S
ington. See the White Mountains, up to five states, Canada and the Atlantic Ocean.
HIGHEST PEAK!
The railway’s season typically begins in May and runs through November.
• 3-hr. round trip on eco-friendly
603-278-2256, thecog.com biodiesel or historic steam trains.
• Courier’s Favorite Scenic Railroad
• Cog Railway Museum at the Base
• 150 years of operation in 2019!
The World’s First mountain-climbing
Cog Railway and the Only One
east of the Rockies!
Group Sales 603-278-2256
OPEN MAY- NOVEMBER • THECOG.COM
Base Station Rd, Marshfield Station, NH
(6 mi. from Rt. 302 & Bretton Woods, NH)
T h e L o c k w o o d - M aT h e w s M a n s i o n M u s e u M
A Registered National Historic Landmark
~ New Exhibit ~
FROM CORSETS TO SUFFRAGE:
VICTORIAN WOMEN TRAILBLAZERS
May 16 - Nov. 3, 2019
Head of Suffrage Parade, Washington D.C., 1913, LMMM Permanent Collection
Strawbery Banke Museum Celebrating the Centennial of the
Portsmouth, New Hampshire 19th Amendment to the Constitution
and Women’s Right to Vote
The 10-acre living history museum preserves the lifestyles and traditions of four Exhibition sponsored in part by:
centuries of New Englanders. Groups see 40 buildings — most on their original sites Purchase Tour Tickets: LockwoodMathewsMansion.com
— from the late 1600s to the mid-1950s. There also are heirloom gardens, traditional
crafts and costumed role-players who portray the families who lived in the Puddle 2019 SEASON
DISTINGUISHED
Dock neighborhood over the years. Tours can be customized for groups.
BENEFACTORS:
295 West Avenue . Norwalk, CT 06850 . (203)838-9799
603-433-1110, strawberybanke.org
From top: Mount Washington Cog Railway, Strawbery Bank Museum grouptourmagazine.com 27new england
Old Slater Mill National
Historic Landmark
Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Old Slater Mill National Historic
Landmark is recognized internation-
ally as the birthplace of the American
Industrial Revolution. The 1793 Old
Slater Mill was the first successful cotton
spinning factory in America, founded by
British immigrant Samuel Slater, Moses
Brown and partners. The Old Slater Mill,
the 1810 Wilkinson Mill and the 1758
Sylvanus Brown House are located on
the banks of the lower Blackstone River.
Guided tours are available.
401-725-8638,
facebook.com/slater.mill
Shelburne Museum Historic Deerfield other decorative arts on display in the
authentic period houses and in the Flynt
Shelburne, Vermont Deerfield, Massachusetts Center of Early New England Life. Visits
Founded in 1947 by sugar heiress This outdoor museum interprets the can last from two hours to several days,
and pioneering folk-art collector Electra history and culture of early New En- and Historic Deerfield’s tour coordinator
Havemeyer Webb (1888–1960), Shel- gland and the Connecticut River Valley. individually designs all itineraries. Din-
burne Museum is the largest art and Groups can tour 12 carefully preserved ing is available at the Deerfield Lunch
history museum in northern New En- antique houses dating from 1730 to 1850 Box and 1884 Deerfield Inn. Groups
gland. The museum is open year-round, and explore world-class collections of can shop at the Museum Gift Shop &
with the Pizzagalli Center for Art and regional furniture, silver, textiles and Bookstore.
413-775-7132, historic-deerfield.org/tours
Education and Webb Gallery featuring
important American paintings by An-
drew Wyeth, Winslow Homer, Grand-
ma Moses and John Singleton Copley.
Check out the steamboat Ticonderoga,
hands-on activities and demonstrations.
802-985-3346, ext. 3142
shelburnemuseum.org
28 Heritage & History 2019-20 Planning Guide Clockwise from top: Valeria Zelaya, John Phelan, Shelburne Museumnew england
3 PLACES TO TAKE A CRUISE
Mount Washington Cruises
Laconia, New Hampshire
Mount Washington Cruises, which dates to 1872, offers scenic cruises and
sunset dinner dance cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire’s larg-
est lake. The company’s fleet consists of the 230-foot M/S Mount Washington
and two smaller vessels, the US Mail Boat Sophie C. and M/V Doris E.
888-843-6686, cruisenh.com
Katahdin Cruises
Greenville, Maine
The primary exhibit of the Moosehead Marine Museum is the steamboat
Katahdin. Affectionately called the Kate, the vessel, built in 1914, cruises daily
on Moosehead Lake from late June through mid-October.
207-695-2716, katahdincruises.com
Argia Mystic Cruises
Mystic, Connecticut
Book a cruise on Argia, the last commercial sailing ship in Mystic, Con-
necticut. The two-masted gaff topsail schooner sails out of downtown Mystic
from May 1 to mid-October. While groups can purchase tickets for public sail-
ings, it’s usually cheaper to schedule a two-hour private charter at a flat rate.
860-536-0416, argiamystic.com
Argia Mystic Cruises grouptourmagazine.com 29All shook up
2020 marks the King’s
85th birthday By Kelsey Smith
Living room, Graceland
H e may have left the building, but not
without leaving behind a legacy. El-
vis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll,”
• Elvis made his
performance debut at
Shreveport Municipal
or more simply, “the King,” is regarded Auditorium in Shreve-
as one of the most significant cultural port, Louisiana, in
icons of the 20th century. October of 1954.
Elvis was a pioneer of rockabilly,
an upbeat fusion of country music and • Known worldwide
rhythm and blues. He landed on top of as “The Birthplace of
the charts, making him a leading figure Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Sun
of rock and roll. Forty-two years after Studio in Memphis,
his death, Elvis is still almost as relevant Tennessee, is where
as he was during his prime, influencing Elvis first recorded.
today’s music fans and artists.
The year 2020 commemorates what
would have been the King’s 85th birth-
day, and attractions across the Southeast
are celebrating him in a special way. Johnnie’s Drive In
From top: Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.,
30 Heritage & History 2019-20 Planning Guide Tupelo CVBexhibit and entertainment complex
Graceland as they experience his roots, influ-
Memphis, Tennessee ences and artistry through hun-
There’s no better place to explore dreds of artifacts, including gold
and celebrate Elvis’ life, legacy and and platinum records, jumpsuits
career than at his estate. and memorabilia.
“Each year, Graceland honors “Also, fans visiting Graceland in
the birthday of Elvis Presley with a 2019 and beyond can look forward
multiday celebration,” said Christian to experiencing live shows and
Ross, public relations and marketing concerts as part of Graceland Live, a
specialist at Graceland. “Our annual partnership between Graceland and
birthday celebration is always an Live Nation,” Ross said. “Our state-
unforgettable experience that attracts of-the-art Graceland Soundstage and
guests from all over world. the Graceland Guest House Theatre
“While plans for the King of will host an amazing array of artists
Rock and Roll’s 85th birthday are guaranteed to excite music lovers.”
still underway, visitors can expect to Visitors can extend their stay
see more special guests and friends in Memphis by checking in at The
Graceland
of Elvis, fan club celebrations, an Guest House at Graceland, a 450-
exciting birthday bash, and the room AAA Four Diamond room
annual Elvis Birthday Proclamation resort hotel.
Ceremony from city leaders.” “Even though Elvis passed away
Inside the mansion, which 42 years ago, fans — young and old
doubles as a National Historic — say they can still feel his presence
Landmark, groups can see the living whenever they visit,” Ross said.
room, Elvis’ parents’ bedroom, TV “That’s what we’re trying to do with
room, pool room, the kitchen, the Graceland and Elvis Presley’s Mem-
famous Jungle Room, his father’s phis — preserve the King’s legacy
office, the Trophy Building and the for future generations.”
Meditation Garden.
Groups can fully immerse Graceland
901-332-3322
themselves in Elvis’ life and career
graceland.com
at the new Elvis Presley’s Memphis
Elvis Presley Birthplace
sales director at the Tupelo Convention age in Tupelo.
Tupelo, and Visitors Bureau. “Tupelo loves to Major stops include Tupelo Hard-
Mississippi celebrate its favorite native son.” ware Company, where Elvis purchased
The commemoration of what would his first guitar; and Johnnie’s Drive In,
It all began in the small, charming
have been Elvis’ 85th birthday will kick Tupelo’s oldest restaurant where Elvis
town of Tupelo, Mississippi, on Jan. 8,
off with a New Year’s Eve celebration loved to eat.
1935. Elvis Presley was born in a two-
featuring an Elvis-centric giveaway. “Elvis continues to impact Tupelo
room house built by his father, grandfa-
Events will continue throughout the as fans from around the world travel to
ther and uncle, and grew up in Tupelo
week leading up to Elvis’ birthday, this small, Southern town to experience
before moving to Memphis at age 13.
including arts activities, an unveiling his birthplace,” Bradford Curlee said.
“At the Elvis Presley Birthplace,
and a birthday party at the Elvis Presley “Just like Elvis dreamed and rose to
groups can experience the beginning of
Birthplace. fame, in Tupelo, people still believe that
Elvis’ story by visiting the humble home
Groups can dig even deeper into anything is possible.” n
where he was born, a museum dedicated
Elvis’ life in Tupelo on the Elvis’ Tupelo
to his life and the original Assembly of
Driving Tour or Elvis’ Tupelo Self-Guid- Tupelo CVB
God Church where he was deeply influ-
ed Bicycle Tour that explores 13 places 662-841-6521
enced by gospel music,” said Jennie Brad-
that influenced a young Elvis coming of tupelo.net
ford Curlee, public relations/international
From top: Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., Tupelo CVB grouptourmagazine.com 31Southeast
UNCOVER THE SOUTHEAST’S STORIED PAST
Known for its diverse cuisine, rich Nashville, Tenn.
history and unique musical styles, the
Southeast is a cultural hotbed.
The Southeast’s historical and cul-
tural development was heavily influ-
enced by slave labor on plantations and
the legacy of racial tension magnified
by the Civil War and Reconstruction
era. Because of this, the region became
the home of many notable civil rights
leaders during the American civil
rights movement in the 1950s and ‘60s.
Civil War sites, historic planta-
tions, birth homes of famous names
and musical hot spots are just a few
of the attractions groups encounter
when exploring the Southeast. From
Nashville’s famous hot chicken and
world-renowned music scene to Loui-
siana’s Cajun and Creole heritage, the
Southeast has it all.
Group Tour_StCharles_HErt&Hist _19.pdf 1 4/15/19 12:21 PM
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32 Heritage & History 2019-20 Planning GuideYou can also read
