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Author Archives: Angie Velasquez

NASA Glenn Research Center

When your adult group is planning a trip to Cleveland, you should visit the NASA Glenn Research Center as part of your experience. The location is where NASA tests and develops cutting-edge technologies in the areas of aeronautics, aerospace, and space. Your group can take a tour of the Research Facilities and learn how things are done. Your group tour will be 45 minutes in length. During the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to explore several areas of the Research Center. You will see areas such as the Electric Propulsion Laboratory, the Supersonic Wind Tunnel, the Large Hanger with the NASA Logo, the Dome of Silence and Glenn’s Portal to the Space Station. Your group will also learn about communicating in deep space as part of the experience. Specifically, you will learn about the fascinating ways NASA scientists are developing systems and devices which allow us to be able to communicate to and from deep space quickly.
The NASA Glenn Research Center was established in 1941. The location was originally known as the Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. In 1999, the name was changed to honor John H. Glenn who was the first American to orbit earth. During the early 1960s, John Glenn pioneered the use of liquid hydrogen for rocket aircraft propulsion which allowed the United States to win the race to the moon. The altitude Wind Tunnel was constructed in 1944. NASA engineers and scientists have made major technology contributions which have expanded horizons and opened frontiers in aviation and space exploration for over 60 years.

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U.S.S. Cod

While your group is in Cleveland, you should visit the U.S.S. Cod Submarine. There are a few exhibits that are on display for visitors to view. The submarine was launched on March 21, 1943. The vessel saw five tours of duty during World War II and was credited for sinking 12 enemy ships. It is now a memorial to 4,000 U.S. marines. On the shore beside the submarine are some interesting exhibits on display for your group to examine. You will find things such as a Mark 14 steam driven torpedo, a 2,080lb five-bladed propeller, and a vintage 1950s periscope. The torpedo is the same kind that was used during World War II. The five-bladed propeller is the same kind that was used on the U.S.S. Cod. The periscope is aimed at the port of Cleveland. The group can climb aboard the submarine and explore several areas within the ship. During the tour, you will see areas such as the Pump Room, the Conning Tower, the Control Room, the Galley Deck, the Maneuvering Room, and the Engine Room. The Pump Room is located below the deck in the Control Room. It contains the pumps and motors responsible for shifting water in the submarine or pumping it overboard. You will also have the opportunity to see the Deck Guns on the tour. They were primarily used for protection against aircraft but were also used against small surface targets. The Conning Tower houses both search and attack periscopes, the firing buttons for the 10 torpedo tubes, and the helm.

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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-and-museum-lightsAre you a fan of rock and roll music? If so, during the visit to Cleveland, your adult group should explore the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum. There are a variety of exhibits and archives for visitors to explore. The museum also has fascinating educational programs to offer the group as part of the experience. It is the world’s only museum that is devoted to the celebration and preservation of rock and roll music. The museum has seven floors of interesting exhibits to observe. The exhibits use film, video, music, and interactive kiosks to educate visitors. One of the exhibits is known as Cities and Sounds which is a collection of artifacts and historic videos dealing with specific time periods in various cities and explores rock and roll’s early years. You will find information on cities such as Memphis, Detroit, London, and San Francisco. Another exhibit is called The Roots of Rock and Roll: Blues, Gospel, Country/Folk/Bluegrass/R&B, which consists of a variety of artifacts and brief bios of key artists. Your group can also participate in educational programs. One of the options is known as Song Writers to Soundmen. During the program, you will get an inside look at aspects of the music business that are often concealed from view. Another option is known as the Legends Series which brings in some of rock and roll’s biggest names for an intimate interview session and occasionally, even impromptu performances. During the experience, the group will have the opportunity to ask questions. You will learn about the history and the influence of rock and roll from those individuals who have created this amazing music.

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Cleveland Indians

While you are in Cleveland with your group, you may want to visit Progressive Field which is the home field of the Cleveland Indians Baseball Team. There is a tour that is offered as part of the experience for your adult group to enjoy. Visitors can also examine memorabilia at the Heritage Park Indians Hall of Fame Museum. The tour of the field offers your group a behind-the-scenes look at various areas of the park. The group will see places such as the Batting Cages, the Fan Cave, the Club Lounge, the Indians Hall of Fame Museum, and the Party Suite. The tour is one hour in length. You will also have the opportunity to see the dugout during the tour. You will depart from the Progressive Field Team Shop. Tours are available from May 1st to September 6th and are hosted rain or shine. Heritage Park is part of Progressive Field and was opened in 2007. It honors the rich history of the Indians Franchise. This location has the Indians Hall of Fame Museum and other fascinating exhibits for the group to examine. The Hall of Fame has two levels of memorabilia. The first level is dedicated to players that are inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. The other floor is dedicated to other Indians icons and exhibits. There are several players who have been inducted into the hall of fame throughout the years. You will learn about players such as Sandy Alomar Jr., Carlos Baerga, Lou Bourdreau, Larry Doby, and Bob Feller.

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Chicago Academy of Sciences

The Chicago Academy of Sciences is nearly one hundred twenty years old, almost the age of Chicago itself. When it was founded in 1857, it was the first scientific institution on the scene and it was one of the first museums in the West. Early sites of the Academy were destroyed by fire twice, the second time by the Great Chicago Fire. The building that currently stands was built in 1893 and cost one hundred thousand dollars. It has a classic and professional look to it and is in great condition considering its age and weathering. It was first founded for the “increase and diffusion of scientific knowledge” and has faithfully pursued that goal. The academy’s first attempt at achieving that goal through museum failed miserably, but it did however, do fantastic as a research institute! By the 1990’s the academy was serving over a fourth of Chicago public schools with educational programs and teacher preparation. If you want to see classic architecture and learn the fascinating story of the Chicago Academy of Sciences and how it evolved and changed over the years to become what it is today you need to visit the Chicago Academy of Sciences. Your educational travel group will love seeing the incredible detail and thought put into the impressive building that still stands today. If you find yourself in the Chicago area, don’t forget to swing by and take a look at this amazing and historic building that is sure to impress any young child!

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Museum of Science and Industry

Museum of Science and Industry Exterior

Credit City of Chicago

The Museum of Science and Industry is a fun filled museum full of interactive exhibits, tours, and demos that should be visited by anyone traveling to the Chicago area. Your educational travel group will get the amazing opportunity to see through first hand experimentation how tornados are made, and they will love the experience! Any educational travel group will learn the skills it takes to manufacture, and discover what happens when chemicals react. The archives include many things to peak a student’s interest. Nine decades of The Walt Disney Company’s history and nearly 300 artifacts that have not been widely seen by the public. Drawings, props, costumes, artwork, theme park attractions, and even live action films! The Future Energy of Chicago is a fast paced simulation game with the goal of creating a more sustainable city. There is always something new to look into when you visit the Museum of Science and Industry! Your educational travel group will love the game simulations and learning the history of something so popular as Walt Disney will surely get them excited! Physics, Chemistry, History, and reasoning all come into play to create a wonderful buffet of exhibits to choose from! See just how far science has come and exactly how it has influenced our day-to-day lives. Your educational travel group will never learn more than they will while you visit this wonderful and influential Museum of Science and Industry! Don’t miss your chance to enlighten the lives and minds of everyone in your educational travel group.

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Chicago Shoreline Sightseeing

The Chicago shoreline has got to be one of the most beautiful in the United States! Shoreline sightseeing is a family owned third generation company that has been in business since 1939, offering a number of different tours. Some of the awe-inspiring tours offered are Architecture Cruises, Skyline Tours, and fantastic evening firework displays! Your travel group will get many awe-inspiring views of the fantastic city we call Chicago. There are no age restrictions and you are offered views that can only be seen from the water. This experienced company knows just where to take you to give you the best sights that can be offered of the city of Chicago. Seeing the magnificence of the city skyline is a beauty that is often taken for granted by people who get the opportunity to see if every day. You will fall in love with the city at the first glance of this beautiful horizon! Be sure to bring your camera so you can capture your view of the ever-changing Chicago shoreline. Your travel group will love the chance to see so many beautiful sights of this city, and what a perfect background to take portrait style photos of every member of your group! This is your chance to capture a moment in time as perfect as a post-card, and you need to take advantage of it. Bring your group to see one of the most amazing sights Chicago has to offer! This will be a boat ride you won’t soon forget.

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ComedySportz of Chicago, Inc.

ComedySportz Teams

Credit ComedySportz

No rehearsals, no scripts, no memorized lines, that’s how Comedy Sportz performs. When you visit this performance, you will get the chance to provide the actors with the topic on which they create their comedy show! Comedy Sportz is an interesting improv show in which two teams battle for your laughter! Each show is driven by audience suggestion and interaction, which means each and every show is different! The best part, you decide who wins! Every night brings a different show, so there’s no reason to miss a chance to see Comedy Sportz in action! Don’t miss your exciting opportunity to see a show USA Today called “Innovative and hilarious”. This is a family friendly show that anyone would love to see! Comedy Sportz is a performance that is sure to make anyone crack a smile! This is a wonderful performance you can only truly enjoy if you see it live, so make no excuse to miss seeing the Comedy Sportz improv group perform right before your very eyes. Suggest anything you would like to see turned into a comedy skit and you will not be disappointed! This experienced and hilarious group will be a favorite in your visit to the Chicago city. Never before and never again will you see a group of people that work harder to make you laugh! Watch the way these talented comedians play off each other in a way that can only be described as experience and talent. This will be a refreshing addition to your travel experience.

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Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Onstage

Credit Chicago Symphony Orchestra

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1891 and is consistently titled as one of the greatest orchestras in the world. They perform over one hundred concerts each year and delight music lovers all around the globe. The beauty and professionalism displayed by this orchestra is beyond belief and their love of music shows in every performance! Any educational group would be thrilled at the opportunity to see a performance as memorable and unforgettable as this! Your educational travel group will see one hundred nine dedicated musicians striving towards a common goal and succeeding with every attempt in somehow managing to sound more and more magnificent with every appearance. The musicians display their passion for musical excellence and have received more Grammy awards than any other ensemble in the world! Conductors provide artistic vision and leadership to the organization that awe audiences around the world. Whoever it is that makes this orchestra so amazing, we thank you! This orchestra has a flawless appearance that can only come from years of self-discipline and practice that is sure to wow you! This is a truly unforgettable experience that will allow your group a time to think, ponder, and fall in love with live music, the way it was originally meant to be heard. Chicago is a great city full of art and opportunity, whatever the reason for visiting Chicago, your group should never miss out on the opportunity to see such an amazing orchestra performing at their best, as they do every night.

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Chicago Historical Museum

The Chicago Historical Museum is the place to go if you want to know about some of Chicago’s great history! An exhibit called Sensing Chicago allows children of all ages to discover the sights, smells, and sounds of the city of Chicago. Kids can ride a high-wheel bicycle down a wood-paved street, explore history through their nose with a smell map, be a Chicago-Style hotdog, and even catch a fly ball at Comiskey Park! There is something for everyone to do at this creative and fun filled museum! Learn about the Great Chicago Fire by using an oversized map, icons, and first-hand accounts to trace the path the devastating fire took and hear the sounds it made as it devoured building after building after building. This museum makes for a fun place for anyone to visit! A permanent exhibit called “Chicago: Crossroads of America” has a series of galleries, interactive features, and multimedia presentations. Your educational travel group may even get the change to climb aboard a train car! In the past, there have been showings of photographers as famous as Vivian Maier’s, who took phenomenal photographs of everyday life in urban America that wowed the world! This photographer had a way of taking pictures without the subject even realizing they were being captured in a work of art! Your educational group tour will get the incredible opportunity to see the reactions of people to horrible tragedies as well as the advancements that lead to the Chicago we know today!

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