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Living History
Step back into your ancestors' lives by exploring these historic sites.
Black Heritage-Boston
In Boston, you can see some of America's most important historic sites relating to the life and culture of free blacks before the Civil War. The Black Heritage Trail is a 1.6-mile walking tour through the historic neighborhood of Beacon Hill. Along the route are 14 historic sites, including the oldest standing black church in the United States and the first public school in the country for black children. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, guided tours are offered daily; reservations are necessary. For more information, contact The Museum of Afro American History, (617) 739-1200, or see www.afroammuseum.org.
Ride the Rails-Grapevine, Texas
Experience transportation the way your 19th-century relatives did on the Tarantula, a train powered by a fully restored 1896 steam locomotive. Affectionately referred to as "Puffy," the engine pulls turn-of-the-century Victorian coaches and open-air patio cars (windows are installed in the winter). You can ride the train from historic Grapevine, Texas, to Fort Worth's Stockyards Station. A one-way ride lasts a little over an hour. The Tarantula operates year-round, but for reservations or specific operating times call (800) 952-5717 or see www.tarantulatrain.com on the Web.
A Chritmas Carol-San Mateo, California
Try your luck at the fast-paced card game whist or learn to dance mazurkas and waltzes at the Dickens Fair Reunion Ball in San Mateo, Calif. The event is a re-creation of a Victorian-era ball complete with costumes, dancing and games. Most dances are taught or called, and you get the chance to mingle with the cast from the San Francisco Dickens Christmas Fair. Costumes are encouraged, but modern evening wear is an acceptable substitute. The event takes place on Dec. 11. For more information call The Period Events and Entertainment Re-Creation Society, (510) 522-1731, or visit their Web site www.peers.org. To find a re-creation ball near you, check out the Web site www.delanet.com/~mohring/ballroom.html.
Wild, Wild West-Cody, Wyoming
Got a cowpoke's bootsteps in your background? Saddle up and head to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center for a taste of life on the Western frontier. Attractions include the Buffalo Bill, Plains Indian and Cody Firearms Museums; the Whitney Gallery of Western Art; and the McCracken Research Library. You can see everything from fine art and historical documents to a stagecoach and Indian artifacts. The Buffalo Bill Historical Center is located in Cody, Wyo., 52 miles from Yellowstone Park. For more information call (307) 587-4771.
Harvest Time-Lumpkin, Georgia
If your family hails from the South, you won't want to miss the Fair of 1850 at Westville in Lumpkin, Georgia. Westville is an 1850s living history museum that lets you experience life in the pre-industrial South. During the fair, you can learn how to operate a cotton gin and find out how syrup is made from sugar cane. Artisans will also demonstrate pottery making, candle dipping, woodworking and weaving. Musical performances feature traditional instruments. For more information call (888) 733-1850 or see www.wetville.org on the Web.
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