Founded in 1971 with the intention of preserving the contributions of the Alton community, the Alton Museum of History and Art is devoted to its citizens and their history of the town’s development. Located in the Koenig House, built in 1887, the Alton Museum is also a historical landmark. Visit this concisely focused museum dedicated to the local people that made this community special over its historic life.

Not only is this museum preserving a piece of state and national history but, unlike many other museums, it devotes much of its mission to conserving and educating the public on the fascinating history of the Alton people over the years. Tour with your own pace exhibits featuring local history such as the Legend of the Piasa Bird, the Confederate Prison at Alton, and the Alton giant, Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man who stood at a staggering 8 feet, 11 inches. Other exhibits focus on Missouri and Illinois history like explorers Lewis and Clark, the Wood River Massacre, the Lincoln and Shields Duel, and Black Pioneers.

Interact, experience, appreciate the art, and learn about history from passionate and devoted individuals. This museum is a special and interesting opportunity for your group to learn about another community. Tour groups are welcome and invited to explore the exhibits stationed throughout the house museum. The gift shop is stocked with books and DVDs with more information about the exhibit topics if you are still craving deeper knowledge after your tour. If you have questions, ask any of the helpful, informative staff for illumination. The Koenig House also hosts festivals and regular events such as trivia nights and the annual Miles Davis Jazz festival and celebration.

For an informational and fascinating tour of Illinois history, come down to the Alton Museum of History and Art.

Tour a museum with cultural significance and historical importance at St. Louis’s Holocaust Museum. The museum was established in 1995 by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis by leaders and Holocaust survivors with the intention of preserving the history of the Jewish people’s terrible struggle and remembering the sacrifices of those who perished. Walk through the facility and experience the painful past, the hardships and discriminations culminating in the genocide of the Jewish people, and the final hopeful liberation and justice after the war’s end.

Tour the 5,000 square foot interactive museum’s many photos, visuals, audio, text, and artifacts from the camps, historical records, and survivors. Learn about the chronological history from pre-war Jewish life in Europe to the rise of Nazi power and the Holocaust which lasted from 1933-1945. Follow the events post-war at the Nuremberg trials and Jewish life in Europe after World War II. Experience the popular and poignant new exhibit, Change Begins With Me – Confronting Hate, Discrimination and Ethnic Conflict which explores post-Holocaust hate and prejudice issues.

For more information, peruse the video library including more than 500 titles or the 150 personal testimonies from survivors. Attend the monthly film series, lectures, events, teacher-training workshops, or the annual reading of the names at the Yom HaSoah Community Commemoration. The museum bookstore stocks informational texts for further study and employees are available to answer questions. After your tour, stop by the Garden of Remembrance for tranquil meditation to recall those who were lost.

Guided tours may be booked in advance and the museum is, of course, available for self-guided tours for groups and individuals. Audio tours are available for self-paced tours with informational guidance.

Bring your group to a meaningful, educational, and interesting interactive museum where the past is remembered with heartache and hope for a better future.

The Cleveland Play House is located in Cleveland, Ohio. It was established in 1915. It was America’s first professional theater company. The Play House produces comedies, drama, and musicals throughout the year. There have been several big names that have performed at the theater. These individuals include: Hal Holbrook, Tom Hanks, and Ed Asner. The Play House is more than a theater. Adult acting classes are offered. There is also a Children’s program called “Curtain Pullers” that was founded in 1933. The building houses several different theaters. Visitors can view art exhibits located in the rotunda lobby of the building. Featured theaters include: Bolton Theatre, Drury Theatre, Brooks Theatre, and the Baxter Theatre. The Play House also hosts a festival. It is called the Ground Theater Festival. The event showcases new theatrical works. Visitors will see a variety of new work from nationally acclaimed recognized artists. The Play House produces a centerpiece production. Come enjoy a performance with your group today!

Visitors to the Meramec Valley, just an hour away from the St. Louis Arch, may be surprised to know The Show Me State is also known as The Cave State, boasting almost 6400 surveyed caves scattered throughout its rolling green hills, winding rivers and lush, fertile valleys. Four are open for public exploration, and Meramec Caverns, discovered in 1720 by French Explorer Phillip Renault, is the largest of the commercial cave attractions in the state. Open to guests year round, the Caverns offer a fun, affordable vacation excursion for visitors of all ages, and well-trained rangers can accommodate groups of any size. Mile-and-a-half tours of the amazing cave complex depart every thirty minutes or so and take approximately an hour and twenty minutes to complete. Learn how the ancient Wine Table (the World’s rarest cave structure) was formed completely under water and marvel at rare and stunning mineral formations in an array of mind-blowing colors and surreal shapes and sizes as you explore this miraculous natural wonder! Exclusive 80-minute tours invite you to trip the light fantastic ( hand-held lantern light, that is) through the caverns; be prepared to encounter a gracious host of historical characters along the way – an Osage Indian, a Civil War soldier, and the infamous Jesse James regale guests with fascinating folklore and tales of courage and high adventure, and even provide a little intriguing cavern history – no secrets spilled here! When all your spelunking has you hankerin’ for some yummy vittles, the Caverns’ on-site restaurant promises hearty Classic American fare certain to satisfy as well as 28 flavors of ice cream to top it all off; a fully-stocked gift shop tenders truly perfect souvenirs of your amazing Meramec Caverns adventure!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > St. Louis Tours

Groups on Sunshine State escape enjoying beautiful, historic St. Augustine will want to stroll the oldest street in the Oldest City; a whimsical, wonderful melting pot of quintessential “Colonial Florida” flavor awaits visitors to this popular – albeit touristy – main thoroughfare, lined up and down both sides with wonderful galleries, intriguing museums and colorful and eclectic shops tendering everything from excellent coffee and delectable sweets to treasures, trinkets and luxury treatments. Fabulous eateries serving up diverse menus of casual to world class fare, amazing bakeries and historic “tabernas” and pubs tempt you in out of the Florida sun at every turn. Hoof it and wing it – or hop a trolley and see the stars of St. George Street; drop by the Oldest Schoolhouse, tour the Old Jail, duck into Gator Bob’s Trading Post or spend an hour or two exploring the Colonial Quarter; everywhere you go you’ll delight to the sounds of talented street performers, vendors and costumed characters hawking their tricks, trades and wares mingled with the laughter of happy wanderers trickling in and out of storefronts and ogling notable points of interest. It helps to know a little of the area history before embarking on your St. George Street excursion, so brush up a bit before grabbing your group and heading downtown; you’ll enjoy the updated historic architecture and the authentic cobblestone beneath your flipflopped feet that much more! Take that traditional tapas break, then head over to figure out your family crest. (No cars allowed in this designated “walking mall.”)

The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is located in Virginia Beach. The location offers group tours and features several animals and exhibits. You can explore the marsh lands and outdoor aviary as well. There are various animals and exhibits to observe. Featured animals include the following: Cownose Rays, the Great Horned Owl, Harbor Seals, Loggerhead Turtles, North American River Otters, and Sand Tiger Sharks. Exhibits include: Blue Crab Corner, the Chesapeake Bay Touch Pool, the Chesapeake Light Tower Aquarium, Indonesian Volcanic Island, Malaysian Peat Swamp, Mediterranean Sea, and the Red Sea. Visitors can enjoy food and also purchase Merchandise at the museum. There are two stores in the Aquarium. They offer the following: unique merchandise, local handicrafts, and “green options.” Food options include the following: the Aquarium Cafe, and the IMAX Snack Stand. Types of food include: sandwiches, salads, hot entrees, desserts, and beverages. Come visit this interesting location and see the different animals, exhibits, and stop to shop or enjoy an IMAX film during the visit!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Virginia Beach Tours

The Virginia Air and Space Center is located near Virginia Beach. The museum is close to the Hampton River and offers a spectacular view. Your group will learn about aviation and space during the visit. The location features various galleries and exhibits to explore. Featured exhibits include: the Adventures in Flight Gallery, the Images main Gallery, the Ham Radio Exhibit, and the Space Gallery. The Space Gallery has several exhibits on display. Exhibits include: Our Solar System, Mars and the Moon, Living and Working in Space, and Visions of Space Exploration. The Adventures in Flight Gallery features the following: the 1903 Wright Flyer, a recreated Jenny bi-plane, a B-24 Liberator, and Commercial Aviation Exhibits. The museum hosts science camps and other events. They also have an IMAX Theater. Some interesting facts about the aircraft on display include: the Wright brothers 1903 Flyer achieved the “first flight” in North Carolina on December 17, 1903. The Apollo 12 Command Module was launched on November 14, 1969. It traveled over 960,000 miles on its lunar mission. Come experience this one-of-a-kind attraction and enjoy the interactive exhibits with the group!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Virginia Beach Tours

Groups of animal lovers exploring The Oldest City will definitely want to schedule a special tour of the St. Augustine Wild Reserve, a non-profit corporation and wonderful rescue center for unwanted, abandoned, neglected and abused exotic animals. Frequently, parties obtain an exotic pet, only to realize the animal’s wild nature doesn’t fit into their routines as they expected; the Wild Reserve steps up and rescues these creatures from sadly unfortunate domestic situations and gives them back their lives in a safe haven designed to properly meet their requirements and ensure happier, healthier futures while in the protective custody of caring and attentive individuals who cater to the special needs of wild animals in captivity. Mountain lions, tigers, an African lion, wolves, leopards, and a menagerie of smaller mammals including several cervals, a bobcat, a bushbaby, a caracal, a Siberian lynx, a jungle cat, an assortment of birds including fancy chickens and geese and even a Madagascar Hissing cockroach call the Wild Reserve home. All eight of the Reserve’s beloved tigers are treated to luxurious, weekly bubble baths, providing the big cats clean, pest-free coats and hours of necessary enrichment. Guests are given “no-cameras-allowed” guided tours of the seven-acre compound by experienced wildlife professionals who introduce every species and share each animal’s biography; they meet and enjoy close interaction with many of the resident exotics, including precious Onyx, the Reserve’s beloved black leopard who beat cancer but lost a leg in the process, gaining star status when Ripley’s Believe it or Not featured her fascinating story on their national television show.

Credit St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches CVB

Groups on Sunshine State excursion exploring historic St. Augustine area landmarks and points of interest won’t want to miss this well-preserved part of the Florida National Park System, a somewhat small and primitive yet crucial monument commemorating the Spanish phase of Colonial American history. For centuries, Coastal Florida was a major field of conflict as European nations fought for control in the New World and tiny coquina-stone Fort Matanzas, a seven – man, five – cannon structure with a 1500 gallon fresh water cistern built into the rear of the gundeck fiercely guarded Matanzas Inlet, the “back door” to the “Oldest City” of St. Augustine. Although the Fort was originally built on just two acres of land, time, tides and the hand of man have contributed to the island’s growth to nearly 200 acres, today known as Rattlesnake Island. This fascinating landmark is accessible only by ferry and complimentary park service – guided character tours are offered on the hour, acquainting you with the pristine natural surroundings while bringing Fort Matanzas’ important history to life. Imagine yourself a soldier assigned to this fortified watchtower; close your eyes, and listen to what this very early part of our Nation’s history has to tell you.

Groups on Sunshine State getaway won’t want to miss out on an afternoon at the Colonial Quarter—a fascinating, two-acre signature attraction in the very heart of St. Augustine’s historic downtown district. Enjoy a fabulously immersive foray into the rich and culturally-diverse past of the Nation’s Oldest City with a narrated Historical Adventure Tour, or wander the grounds at your leisure and see three centuries of city life unfurl with every step. Climb to the top of a 35-foot, 17th century-style watchtower and imagine you’re a Spanish soldier on duty – are you seeing what he saw? Stroll the colorful Flags of St. Augustine Boardwalk, watch skilled boatwrights at work crafting a 16th Century sailing vessel, find shady refuge beneath a mighty Colonial Oak in the center of the 18th Century Garrison Town or thrill to live musket and cannon firing drills. Enjoy savory tapas in a charming, candle lit taberna atmosphere or classic pub fare from a sunny deck overlooking the hustle and bustle of famed St. George Street. Drop by a colonial leatherwork shop, see a 1770’s printing press at work, dig for buried 16th Century artifacts, witness a blacksmith bent over his anvil and visit the carefully restored one-room colonial De Mesa-Sanchez house and an authentic 17th Century soldier’s home. Don’t forget a stop at the Mercado for that perfect memento of your Colonial Quarter experience!