Computer History Museum-Remembers Steve Jobs

Hours of operation: Wednesdays- Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ticket Admission:  General- $15, students, seniors and active military- $12

Recently in the news the creator of Apple Steve Jobs died from pancreatic cancer. people who are saddend by his deatg went to the Computer History Muesum in Mountainview California where is work is on display. This museum honors the creativity of past computer geniuses. A vistior placed flowers on top of a Macintosh  Vistors will find older computers then Apple.

“It starts simple with an abacus, and then scales up to the giant computers of old that were business/government only, and ends in the modern age. Gamers will get a kick out of seeing the video game section (I didn't feel bad that I could identify all of the consoles based on where I first played them) and the robots/toys are interesting too.” said Craig D a user of yelp.com.

According to computerhistory.org visitors can learn about the first Babbage Engine in general to calculate the value of a polynomial that uses addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. This engine only uses addition to do the calculation. When a polynomial is known then the rest is calculated by repeated addition.

 “Make sure to take one of their free tours - they last about 40 minutes and I was skeptical at first, since ours started a bit slow, but at the end I wished it could have been twice as long. You'll learn things not written on any of the story panels and it's a good way to get introduced to the museum so you can explore more efficiently on your own later.” said Elena E. a user of yelp.com.

Visitors can also learn what it takes to design computer software for the game of chess. They can also listen to chest pioneers and watch video of the 1997 chess match between BMI’s Deep Blue and World Champion Garry Kasparov according to computerhistory.org.

 “One thing that makes this museum great is that is has pretty much every major device in the history of computer, gaming, and robotics. You're bound to find a device that you remember from years gone by, whether you're 20 years old or 60.” said Kathryn B. a user of yelp.com

Without the many inventions of computers and Steve Jobs we wouldn’t have the technology we have today. I found a YouTube video showing some of the computers the museum has on display I hope you enjoy.                                                                                                                                                

Ernest Hemingway House – Step Inside His Life and Meet the Cats

Key West Florida is the home of a famous writer Ernest Hemingway.  Hemingway’s home in Key West was turned into a museum and visitors can step inside his life.

"I had high expectations for Hemingway House and they were met. It was historic, interesting, the cats were cute, and it was a memorable experience for my wife and in-laws.” said PKVA a user of tripadvisor.com.

 Hemingway was given a six-toed cat by a ship captain according to hemingwayhome.com. The museum houses other six-toed cats. These cats are the offspring of Hemingway’s cat.  

“Since I am a huge cat lover, it only made sense to check this place out. The house and grounds were in really great shape. The tour guide was extremely helpful and shared some interesting tidbits about Hemingway.” said NYCexplorer_24 a user of tripadvisor.com.

Hemingway’s interior is decorated with antiques furniture which he gathered all through Europe. There are also his trophy mounts and animal skins that he received in Africa states trustedtours.com.    

 Some of the rooms visitors will see is his studio where he wrote all his books on his typewriter, his kitchen, his bedroom. Just outside the house is his pool.

 “This beautiful home and its grounds is full of history about one of our greatest American authors. The furniture, paintings and decorations are original from the Earnest Hemingway period.” said ghartford a user of tripadvisor.com.

Every July in Key West the Hemingway Look-a-like Society honors the writer by having a contest to see who look like him. The event is held at Sloppy Joe’s. This year’s winner was Matt Gineo.

Hour of operation: the museum is open 365 days a year from 9 a.m.-5p.m.

Ticket admission: General- Adult- $ 12.50, Child- $6, Child (under 5) - Free

Group- Adult- $10, Child-$6, Child (under 5) – Free.

Here is a video of the Ernest Hemingway house.

   

Salem Witch Museum- History of the Salem Witch Trials

Hours of operation: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in July and August.

 Ticket admissions: Adult- $9, Senior Citizen- $7.50, Children- $6

The Salem Witch Museum in Massachusetts offers visitors to learn about the Salem Witch Trials. In 1692 men and women were accused of being witches. People in that time were stoned to death or hanged.

 “Once we were all seated in the darkened room, the events of 1692 were told in a recorded presentation and different parts of the exhibit were lit up as each topic or scene was covered by the audio.” said Thrunderchief a user of tripadvisor.com  

 According to salemwitchmuseum.com they have an exhibit called Witches: Evolving Perceptions. This exhibit explores the changing understanding of what a witch is. There are pictures of witches on the wall from stories or movies. Then they have figures such as a mid-wife and a hag that both talk about their roles in society.

 “I enjoyed my tour very much. I agree, the props are a bit dated, but the information learned was well worth it. Really helped us understand what took place in Salem in 1692.” said Nattie_11 a user of tripadvisor.com.

 In different parts of Salem there are various sites that people can visit that have to do with the witch trials. Visitors can be in the actual spot where the events took place in 1692.

 According to salemwitchmuseum.com Jonathan Corwin House is a site where Corwin was in charge of many of the witchcraft assessments. He later was a part of the Court of Oyer and Terminer.

 Another site people can visit is Summit of Gallows Hill. This spot is where Charles W. Upham chose to execute those accused of witchcraft my hanging them on a tree.

 People who may not believe in witches may change their minds after visiting Salem. Historical places can open minds to a different point of view never thought of before.

Summit of Gallows Hill scene in the museum.

Ford’s Theater- the Historical Place where President Lincoln was Assassinated

Hours of operation: Thefordstheater.org has a list of monthly schedules when both the theater is open.

Ticket admission:  $2.50 for individuals, $2 per person that makes reservations through Group Sales Office.

The Ford’s Theater in Washington D.C offers visitors the opportunity to learn about that tragic day on April 15, 1865 when Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth. The Ford’s Theater also has a museum.

“This is a great piece of history that everyone should visit.” said LSMorales a user of tripadvisor.com.

I went to the Ford’s Theater in 5^th grade when I went on my Washington Patrol trip. A National Park Ranger tell the visitors all about the days leading up to the president's Assassination. The president’s box is decorated with a banner of an American flag design. A picture of Lincoln hangs on the President’s box.

I also remember that outside in front of the theater there is a tree covered in pennies. I found this to be a pretty interesting way to remember the president.

According to thefordstheater.org  in the museum visitors can learn more about:

·         Lincoln’s cabinet.

·         What life was like living in the white house.

·         Civil War Milestones and generals.

·         Lincoln’s great speeches

·         The assassination conspiracy.

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“The theater is a very educational stop, especially important for the youth of today.” said AKUS a user of tripadvisor.com.

Thefordstheater.org lists the exhibits that are displayed in the museum such as:

·         Booth’s Deringer that he shot the president with.

·         Lincoln’s clothes (the night he was shot he was wearing the frock coat, waistcoat, trousers, tie and boots.)

·         War time election (Campaign badge, envelope featuring pictures of President Abraham Lincoln and Vice President Andrew Johnson, an 1864 campaign button.

·         Booth’s dairy.

The Ford’s theater is where Lincoln’s life ended. People who visit this historical site help keep his spirit alive.  

Abraham Lincoln

John Wilkes Booth

The Alamo- A Place of Texas History

Hours of operation: 9a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10a.m. - 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Also open on Friday and Saturdays until 7 P.M. on the months of June, July and August.

 Ticket admission: free

 People who visit San Antonio, Texas have an opportunity to explore the Alamo and learn about its history and the battle. If you’re a history buff like me you may want to put it on your list of places to visit.

 “This was an incredible experience...it wasn't that the place itself awed me, but it is what it stands for that really moved me. These men gave their lives because they knew that what was going on was wrong. They staked their lives to defend the Republic of Texas.” said Doug M. a user of yelp.com

 “You don't really need an actual tour to go through the Alamo. You can see almost everything by walking in the main building yourself. However, it was really interesting to go and listen to the guide tell the story of the place. It makes the experience much more moving.” said Jenn01salts a user of igougo.com.

 Visitors have different ways to get into the Alamo. According to thealamo.org people prefer to enter into the old church or modern shrine. The church as artifacts that belong to the Alamo Heroes such as Travis B. Williams ring, Davy Crockett’s buckskin, rifle and Bowie knife.

 Next after leaving Shrine people can choose to turn right and go to the Alamo garden. If they turn left, that will lead them to the Wall of History according to thealamo.org. The site states that at if people want to learn more about the Alamo’s 300 year long history they should spend some more time at this exhibit. The Mexican military artifacts are held in the Long Barracks Museum at the Alamo.

 “I'm glad I got to touch this piece of history. I'm 25 and I finally got to visit this historical place. Do I fully understand the significance of this place? Of course not, but I do appreciate its beauty and how it is a symbol of freedom for so many Texans.” said Tiffany a user of yelp.com.

 In 2004 the movie “The Alamo” was remade starring Dennis Quaid and Billy Bob Thornton. In 1960 the original starred John Wayne, Richard Widmark.

Independence Hall- The Place Where America Became Independent

Hours of operation: vary by season but this historical site is open 365 days a year.

Ticket admission: walk-up tickets at the Independence Visitor Center on the day of visit are free at 8:30 a.m. but must come early. On busy seasons tickets are gone by 1 p.m. Consider purchasing timed tickets which are $1.50 each

Independence Hall in Philadelphia is an interesting historical place for anyone who wants to learn more about American history. This spot is where George Washington and 55 other congressman wrote the Declaration of Independence  to be free from Britain.

 According to ushistory.org  in that front of the building welcoming visitor’s is a statue of Washington. Before entering the building, visitors will notice a flagstone pavement that honors the moment when Abraham Lincoln raised the flag. It also states that this is the same spot where John F. Kennedy gave one of his speeches.

 Visitphilly.com states that the tour of Independence Hall is lead by National Park rangers. The tour starts in the courtroom where lawyers of divergent sides used the same table and books. In the Assembly Room, visitors will see “rising sun” a chair that George Washington used to sit in. You can also see the original inkstand that he used to sign the Declaration and the original Constitution which are displayed.

 “The guides we had were excellent -their commentaries made you feel that you could almost see the historical figures discussing our constitution and signing it. Don't miss this landmark!” said LovemyAura a user of tripadvisor.com.

 Outside the visitors can also see the Liberty Bell. According to ushistory.org, this bell is a symbol of freedom.   

 There is also a candlelit walking ghost tour in Philadelphia according to visitphilly.com. Visitors are guided through Independent Hall and Washington Square. The tour guide shares haunting tales about the Founding Fathers. The dates for this tour are restricted in certain months and ghosttour.com has the schedule.

 “This was the most relaxing part of our trip. I thought our hostess did a great job of keeping it very interesting. I learned a lot of history and saw a different side of Philadelphia. We would recommend this tour.” said c a user of travel.yahoo.com.

The Beatles Story- A place where the legacy of the Beetles Lives on

Hours of operation: Open 7 days a week every day apart from Dec. 25 and 26, April. 1 - Oct. 31: 9a.m.-7a.m. (last admission 5p.m.), Nov.1- March. 31: 10a.m.- 6p.m

The prices for ticket admissions are listed as British pounds on beatlesstory.com in American currency it is adults- $ 19.97, seniors over 60 and Students- $13.88, child (under 16) -10.75, child under 5- free.

Liverpool England may be widely known for its soccer team. It is also the place where a museum dedicated to a British band called the Beatles. The Beatles consisted of four members John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.

 “Definitely worth going, especially if you're a younger fan who wants to learn more!” said Bex987 a user of tripadvisor.com

 According to the beatlesstory.com the museum explores the story of the band from the very beginning when Paul McCartney met John Lennon to when the band broke-up. The site also states that the museum has an auto tour which is narrated by Julia who is John Lennon’s sister. This auto is offered in eight different languages some of them are English, Spanish, German, Polish, and French.

 "This was a highlight in our 4 week whirlwind tour of England. The setup with the audio allows you to journey through the '60s with the Fab Four at your own pace.” said suziob a user of tripadvisor.com

 The museum has several attractions. One of them the museum website states is the John Lennon Monument called Peace and Harmony. Another one of the museums attractions is Fab4D which is an animated film that takes visitors on a trip into the group’s music.   

 The museum also has special exhibits such hidden gallery of the group that a photographer found in his attic after 50 year states the museums website. On display are also the groups U.S memorabilia such as bubblegum wrapper and a lunchbox set.

 Here is a YouTube video of the museum