Exploring World Civilizations at the British Museum

17 December 20243 May 2025

I was overwhelmed with excitement as I entered each of the rooms at the British Museum. I have never before seen so much history represented in one place. Unprepared for the amazing relics and archaeological objects spanning thousands of years, I was excited for the opportunity to glimpse into the lives and cultures of so many ancient civilizations. Established in 1753, the British Museum is the oldest public museum in the world and in my opinion, one of the most fascinating.

Credited as the first “archeologist”, Roman Queen Helena’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the 4^th century AD was focused on preserving the sites and relics relating to biblical accounts of the life of Jesus Christ. It was her desire to protect the Christian items and locations so that others could visit them in the future.

Today, museums such as the British Museum, house spectacular finds through archaeological digs and private collections that span thousands, even millions of years. Covering the rise and fall of some of the most powerful civilizations such as Egypt, Assyria, Greece and Rome, these insights explain their religious, political and societal beliefs. From artwork to architecture and skeletons to sarcophagus, visitors have the ability to understand how these societies evolved over many generations.

Ancient Egypt:

The mummies are one of the most popular exhibits among visitors and are located in rooms 61 – 66 upstairs. On display are some of the various instruments used by embalmers to preserve the bodies before they were entombed. This floor also houses Coptic art, fancy jewelry and one of my favorite statues, the bronze cat with the gold nose ring.

Entering through the main entrance and arriving into the Grand Court, the Egyptian Exhibit is located to the left of the Reading Room in Room 3. Displays of large, colossal statues and Egyptian sculptures dominate the space dating from 3000 BC. One of the most historically significant finds in all of ancient history is the Rosetta Stone.

One of the most visited objects in the British Museum, along with the mummies, is the Rosetta Stone. Unearthed in the Egyptian desert in 1799, the Stone was used by Francois Champollion, a French scholar, to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics. This black slab of rock included three inscriptions in three different languages (Classical Greek and the two forms of ancient Egyptian) which assisted in the decoding of the Egyptian pictographs. Their biggest breakthrough was when it was discovered that the name of ruler Ptolemy V appeared on the sixth line of the stone. The Rosetta Stone dates back to 196 BC, made in honor of the coronation of Ptolemy. Large stones, such as this one, would have been displayed in temples all across Egypt and there are another seventeen quite similar that have since been discovered.

Not far from the Rosetta Stone (about 20 steps), is the Limestone False Door and Architrave of Ptahshepses dating back to 2400 BC. The door as well as the lintel are inscribed with hieroglyphics which tell the life story of a man named Ptahshepses. False doors were similar to our grave markings today, yet they were used as a ceremonial entrance into the room in which the mummified deceased was buried with his belongings. The purpose of the door was to allow the soul to come and go as it pleased but also used to keep out grave robbers from removing the earthly possessions of the dead.

Towering over the Ancient Egypt complex on the main floor, I easily spotted the Colossal Statue of Ramesses II in the distance. Ramesses took the throne in 1279 BC and reigned for 66 years. Known for his building accomplishments erecting temples, tombs, palaces and a large number of statues of himself, it is debated that he may have been the King of Egypt during the Exodus of Moses.

Weighing in at twenty tons, the full size sculpture stood 8 – 9 feet high. It was the largest Egyptian sculptures the British had ever seen and only the upper half of Ramesses statue is displayed at the British Museum. The statue dates back to approximately 1250 BC and was found in the Ramesseum, the pharaoh’s mortuary temple in Thebes. This memorial complex was built so that Ramesses could be worshiped as a god for many years after his death.

Exiting the Egyptian Room through the door facing the back of the Ramesses statue, there is a set of stairs that leads up to the mummies, coffins and one of the most fascinating displays I had ever seen, the human remains of the Gebelein Man (nicknamed Ginger due to a tuft of reddish hair) a naturally preserved body.

The body was discovered in 1856 in the desert of Egypt in a grave covered by stones. A combination of elements contributed to the preservation of the human tissue to include the hot sand naturally dehydrating and protecting the body and the additional layer of grave stones may have kept animals away. Scientists estimate Ginger to have died 5400 years ago, long before the pyramids were erected. He was found buried with bowls, beads and a flint blade next to his arm.

New technology has brought additional information to light about the death of Ginger. With digital imagery, it was determined that Ginger was “certainly murdered” and “his injuries suggest he was the victim of a deliberate, violent killing….consistent with a stab wound”. Additional information states that he was between the ages of 18 and 21 and was “stabbed by a blade of copper or flint at least five inches long.”

Ancient Assyria

Assyria, known today as modern-day Iraq, was a power-house civilization of the Middle East. Making their way as conquerors and traders, this Semitic culture expanded their dominion in a fierce ruthless manner terrorizing their neighbors from 900 – 600 BC. Some of the most beautiful artwork comes from the Assyrians on display at the British Museum.

Backtracking back to the Rosetta Stone in the Egyptian Gallery in Room 6, there are Two Winged Lions with Human Heads dating back to 870 BC. Found guarding the Assyrian palace of Ashurnasirpal II at Nimrud was called the Lamassu, the god of protection which defended the king from evil spirits. What makes this statue interesting is that it has 5 legs. The small marks between the loins of the Lamassu is cuneiform writing.

Passing through the Two Winged Lion entrance, turn right into Room 7, a narrow red hallway leading into a room with brown stoned panels. The beautifully detailed reliefs would have been painted and varnished, displayed in the throne room of Ashurnasirpal II’s palace. These intricately carved panels tell the story of Ashurnasirpal’s victories and hail him as the greatest king of the world.

Known to be ruthless in battle, the Assyrians carried their brutality into their leisurely activities as depicted in a set of reliefs in Room 10 labeled the Royal Lion Hunt. The impressive artwork depicts the horses and dogs preparing for the hunt while lions await unknowingly until the lions are killed by arrows. Lion hunts were the sport of kings and when wild lions were not available, staged hunts were arranged with animals bred for the fight. One of the reliefs shows King Ashurbanipal riding in a chariot participating in the hunt. Soon after the king’s death, the civilization of Assyria is overthrown by the Babylonians in 613 BC.

In Room 55, an extraordinary artifact is on display. Dating between 1500 – 500 BC it is identified as the “Flood Tablet”, which was found in King Ashurbanipal’s library. While many people are familiar with the story of Noah and the Great Flood, according to this writing, a similar story to the biblical account is referred to as the “Epic of Gilgamesh”. The gods planned to destroy the world with a flood, so Ut-napshti built a large boat to save his family and every type of animal. Of course the finding of this documentation in the late 1800’s caused quite a scandal due to the similarity between the Gilgamesh and Noah accounts.

Ancient Greece:

Visiting Greece last summer, a trip to the Acropolis was one of the highlights of my travels. I remember standing at the bottom stair leading up towards the Propylaea. This Panathenaic Way led to the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and victory. Inside, there once stood a colossal statue of her likeness made of gold and ivory, while the exterior was just as extravagant, with columns and colorful relief carvings.

Today, the ninety-two reliefs, known as the Elgin Marbles, are on display at the British Museum. These metopes, carved out of stone, depict war and battle scenes in elaborate detail. Some of them represent mythological conflict, while others portray actual battles. While many visitors stroll the exhibit to view the fifth century artwork, many are also intrigued by the political controversy that surrounds the display…should these ancient artifacts stay in London or should they be returned to Greece?

Ancient Rome:

The Romans embraced many gods from various cultures and celebrated an assortment of beliefs. From Persia, they adopted the worship of Mithras, or Mithraism which involved a number of initiations and rituals. The Mysteries of Mithras lasted in Rome between the first and fourth centuries so there is limited knowledge about the religion. It was so secretive that there were underground temples. What remains of this faith are several marble sculptures portraying the god Mithras, including the Statue of Mithras on display at the British Museum.

Dating somewhere around the 2^nd century, the beautifully carved stone shows Mithras performing the ritual slaughtering of a bull. Wearing a Phyrgian cap and trousers, his attire depicts the fashion of the east. The bull’s blood was said to have had cleansing properties, which would explain the dog and snake licking the blood, while the scorpion is shown attacking the bull’s testicles.

The detail of this sculpture, the flowing skirt and cape, and the folds in the shirt are exquisite. The sculptor is unknown, but it is one of the most fascinating pieces of Roman art in the museum.

The British Museum collection includes additional artifacts from other cultures around the world. For example, the North American Otter Pipe, found in Ohio dates back to 200 BC – AD 100 or the Shang bronzes from 15=00 BC. There are modern plaques from Africa, Mayan statues, and the Lewis Chessman found on an Isle in Scotland. Even the Great Court and Reading Room are both impressive and historical.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the British Museum? What was your most fascinating memory of your visit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Want to know where to go, eat and stay in London? Check out more of my recommendations below for a magical experience in London! Many thanks for exploring the British Museum through my post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The British Museum
Great Russell Street
Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7323 8000

Admission Fee: There is no fee for visiting the British Museum
Hours: Open daily from 10AM to 5:30PM and open until 8:30PM on Fridays
Amenities: scheduled tours, audio guides are provided in 10 languages, special exhibitions, restaurant, cafes, shops
Scenic View: Photograph the glass ceiling of the round reading room designed by Sidney Smirke
Length of Visit: At least 2 – 3 hours to see the highlights
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, pick up a map of the venue for planning your visit.

Where to Stay:

The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
London WC1B 5BJ, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7637 1001

Where to Eat:

Afternoon Tea at The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
London WC1B 5BJ, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7612 8416

On my first visit, I happened upon the Safari Themed afternoon tea which included an African-themed menu. I enjoyed a selection of finger sandwiches of African-spiced chicken and apricot, scones baked fresh with Devonshire clotted creme, a giraffe macaron with toasted coconut mouse, banana meringue and a wide variety of teas to include traditional, flavored, aromatic, fruit and green teas. I couldn’t pass up the Leopard Cocktail made with Amarula cream liquor, decorated with leopard spots and a paw print.

On Sunday, I returned for the Free Flowing Champagne garnished with fresh strawberries. From 2 to 6, I could enjoy as much champagne as my heart desired along with a wonderful selection of scones, pastries, sandwiches and cakes.

What to Eat:

Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly
Bangers and Mash at Mother Mash in Soho
Beef Welington at Simpsons on the Strand
Cockles, a type of clam, are best tried at Borough Market
Crumpets, similar to English Muffins should be ordered at Ask for Janice in Farringdon
Eton Mess is an amazing British dessert made of crushed meringue, cream ans strawberries at the National Cafe at the National Gallery
Fish & Chips at Poppies Camden in London
Full English Breakfast, which also includes blood pudding (a blood sausage) at The Ivy
Pie and Mash at the Windmill Mayfair
Pimm’s Cup, a gin-based drink made with ginger ale or lemon lime soda, fruit and mint is the official drink of Wimbledon and is best ordered at Lido Cafe Bar in Hyde Park
Scones at Gail’s Bakery
Scotch Egg is a dish that includes a hard boiled egg wrpeed in sausage meet, breaded and then fried; Try this at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly
Shepard’s Pie is on the menu at The Ivy Restaurant
Sticky Toffee Pudding at the Queens Arms in Kensington
Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding in Nottinghill at The Windsor Castle
Toad in the Hole, a pastry filled with sausage at Bistro Union
Victoria Sponge is a vanilla sponge cake filled with jam and whipped cream at the Wallace Collection Museum

What to Read:

A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson
A Week in December by Sebastian Faulks
Absolute Beginners by Colin MacInnes
Act Like It by Lucy Parker
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
London: The Novel by Edward Rutherford
My Best Friend’s Girl by Dorothy Kroomson
Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

Photo Guide to London:

The Lobby of the British Museum
Covent Garden Market
St. Paul Cathedral from the Restaurant Madison at One New Change, Millenium Bridge or Paternoster Square
Summerset House, especially during the Christmas holiday
The houses of Notting Hill
The architecture of Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Saturday market at Portobello
For amazing views, photos from the Coppa Club, close to Tower Bridge
The lovely pink cafe in London, Peggy Porschen
Panorama of London from Sky Garden Rooftop
Street art in Shoreditch
Leadenhall Market looks like Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley
South Bank for photos of the Thames
Panoramic Views of London from the London Eye
Saint Aymes Cafe for lovely feminine photos

Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee

28 April 20243 May 2025

Ranked as one of Knoxville, Tennessee’s top attractions, I was looking forward to checking out Ijams Nature Center for the morning before traveling down to Gatlinburg for the week. Having visited the website, I noticed the museum had won several awards and was ranked as a top destination. I wanted to hike the River Trail along the Tennessee River for its scenic views and bird watching and then stroll through the nature center to learn more about the surrounding area.

The exhibits were extremely informative and centered around the ecology of the Tennessee River. I learned that the river was home to over 230 species of fish, 100 types of mussels and the Cherokee Indians before the British began to build settlements here in the 1700s.

Stuffed taxidermy animals were strategically placed throughout the wildlife displays of trees and small ponds. Shallow pools held turtles and local fish which can be found within the river.

I was most impressed with the life-like paintings of Dr. Earl O. Henry, dating back to the late 1940s. Dr. Henry began his interest in birds when he was a young boy, imitating their songs. He was an active member of the Tennessee Ornithological Society that was founded by H.P. Ijams for whom the center is named. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, Dr. Henry returned to Knoxville and began to embrace his talent for painting the local birds.

Harry Pearl Ijams helped form the Knoxville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. An enthusiastic outdoorsman, H.P., as he was known by friends, purchased 20 acres where he set up the Ijams Bird Sanctuary to monitor the various species and study their habits. H.P. would later be regarded as the “Father of Knoxville Ornithology”.

It was a wonderful experience visiting the Ijams Nature Center, learning about the Knoxville wildlife and the men and women who were instrumental in protecting them.

Have you visited the Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee? What were your thoughts? I would be interested in hearing about your time spent at the exhibit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my time spent at Ijams and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ijam’s Nature Center
2915 Island Home Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37920
Telephone: 865 577 4717

Where to Stay:

Four Points Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House
1109 White Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37916
Telephone: 865 971 4663

Where to Eat:

Babalu
412 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37902
Telephone: 865 329 1002

What to Eat in Knoxville:

Brunch at Bistro on the Bayou
Chicken pot pie
Fried Green Tomatoes
Mac and Cheese
Meatloaf
Tennessee Whiskey

What to Read:

Historic Knoxville: The Curious Visitor’s Guide to Its Stories and Places, by Jack Neely

Photo Guide to Knoxville:

Bike Sculpture
Bridge Sunrise
CityView Sunset from SoKno
Fort Dickerson Quarry
Gay Street
Greetings from Knoxville Postcard Mural
House Mountain
Sunsphere
Tennessee Theater on the corner of Gay Street and Clinch Avenue
A View from the Bluffs

Inside Ijams Nature Center

Ijams Nature Center

Making Friends with the Early Ohio Settlers at Sauder Village, Part 2

31 October 202314 May 2025

I spent the morning visiting the historical buildings located on the Village Green and those in the outer perimeter. The structures built in the early 20th century include the 1920’s Grime Homestead, Building 19 on the Complex Map. This has been such a fabulous, educational experience learning about the history of each of the buildings as well as exploring the items that are inside relating to the type of building, shop or museum. I hope you have had the opportunity to read Part 1 of my Sauder Village blog to put this amazing complex in perspective and to understand Sauder Village’s beginnings.

Celebrating forty years as Ohio’s Largest Living History Destination, the Village is an amazing replica of a small town dating between the years 1803 to the 1920s. From the Natives and Newcomers Exhibit to the Pioneer Settlement there are close to forty buildings that will give you a glimpse of a time in US history with abundant growth and change.

The 1920s Grime Homestead looks practically like any other farm house that one would see in Ohio. A beautiful representation of our country’s “Modern Era”, this home is very similar to those we would see today without many of the technological advancements.

Friendly costumed guides are staged throughout the structures, replicating the activities of daily life at this time. Inventions, such as the gas range reduced the amount of time to prepare family meals. Our guide explained the process of gathering the ingredients of the meal using items the farm such as flour and eggs. Using the appliances and kitchen gadgets from that era, she explained the steps to ready her meal and offered samples of the pie she had prepared in advance.

The dining room, located off of the kitchen also served as a casual family room. Furniture included a table and chairs, a couch, phonograph and radio as well as wall decorations. Unlike the prevous rooms, this floor was carpeted. I learned that carpeting symbolized the wealth of a family, able to afford some of the nicer things in life and were considered well-off financially.

Entering the parlor, I was immediately drawn to the upright player piano reminiscent of the one I had as a child. This space in the house was set aside for entertaining guests and housed the more delicate possessions of the family, such as expensive furniture and family heirlooms.

The master bedroom, typical of one that you would find in the 1920s, was simple yet functional. The women loved vanities and dressing tables with benches. During this era, it was not uncommon to find furniture made out of veneer to help reduce the cost.

Downstairs, the large cellar served as a pantry and cooler for storing meat and milk. Because grocery stores were not as readily accessible in the 1920s, the lady of the house would can fruits and vegetables then place them on shelves until she was ready to use them.

The cellar also housed the laundry for cleaning of the clothes, hanging them out to dry and then ironing them on a regular basis.

Exiting the cellar into the outdoors was a garden, storage shed and outhouse. A garden’s size was based on the number of family members in the home as the produce was used to feed the family.

Before reaching the festival barn, I passed the garage that held the tractor. This was the first motorized vehicle on the property. I was so excited to see all of the farm animals and spent most of my time in this part of the village.

There are horses….

Cows….

Pigs…

Turkeys…

and chickens…but my favorite of all of the animals was…..

the baby lambs!

The Festival Barn is used strictly for entertainment purposes only holding special events, picnics and group lunches for visitors.

Over the bridge I arrived at Brush Creek Pottery where I found Mark Nafziger, the resident potter creating a bowl. With so many types of pottery on display, I browsed through the flower pots, vases, plates and decorative items exploring all of their designs and shapes.

Building 22 is a storage shed for employees only, but I can’t wait to visit the next building…the Ice Cream Parlor. A perfect time for a break, I ordered a single, hand-dipped ice cream in cookie dough on a sugar cone, super creamy and delicious.

Barbara’s Weaving Shop was closed, but on days that it is open, weavers use the barn’s frame loom to create beautiful items out of both threads and rags.

The water-powered grist mill at Sauder Village is one of the few that remain in the state of Ohio today. The process for producing corn meal is actually quite interesting. As the water is released from its source, it rushes over the wheel, turning the millstones inside to produce corn meal.

What fascinates me about this exhibit is that there are so many products that can be turned into flour or meal. An in-depth information sheet outlines how the mill works and the interactive display describes what is needed to ensure the mill runs smoothly.

I purchased a bag of fresh corn meal to compare the fresh meal with a box for making homemade cornbread.

About a minute walk from the Grist Mil is the Erie Express. I decided to board the 15 minute train ride along the north end of the park where I will see glimpses of the Natives and Newcomers as well as the Pioneer Settlement. The train ride costs $2 for the multiple rides throughout the day.

Once I disembarked the train and walked the short trip to the Natives and Newcomers exhibit. Covering the period between 1803 and 1839, I learn more about the pioneers who settled this region known as the Black Swamp area.

The Native American’s housing is surprisingly different than the teepee structures that I have seen in reading materials and during some of my travels out west. It seems so large and more rectangular in shape.

The wigwam was much larger than I had anticipated, but it was used to house two families here. In the center there was a partition that separatee each family, providing a little privacy.

During the time that these structures were built, the settlers and the natives were already developing a trading relationship in places that were called trading posts.

One of the more important items that settlers needed during the cold weather were animal pelts. Other items important for trade included pottery, guns, tobacco, whiskey and other items that were of interest to the trading parties.

From here, the walking path leads to the Pioneer Settlement that covers the years 1834 – 1890 when the Lauber family first arrived to this area. I am looking forward to reading more about the early settlers of the Black Swamp and to explore more of the personal lives of the residents of Fulton County. This part of my tour will be covered in Part 3 of my blog.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Sauder Village? What was your favorite sight or activity while you were here? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks for reading about my visit to Sauder Village and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sauder Village Living History and Farm
221611 OH-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 419 446 2541

Admission Fee: Adults: $24; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $18; Children, Ages 3 and under: Free; Seniors 60 and over: $22. person is permitted. 2-day Admission: Adults, $38; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $26; Valid for 2 consecutive days, non-transferable. AAA Discount: $2
Hours: Spring (May 3 – 27): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 3:30PM; Saturday 10AM to 4PM; Summer (May 31 – September 2): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 5PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Fall Hours (September 6 – October 8); Open Wednesday to Friday from 10AM to 3:30PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Length of the Tour: From 2 hours to 2 days.
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes as you walk through time visiting historical buildings. Download the map ahead of time and plan your day. There are several classes and demonstrations that you won’t want to miss. While there are several small shops to visit, make plans to eat at the Barn Restaurant for down-home cooking.

Where to Stay:

Sauder Heritage Inn
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

If you are traveling by RV, make reservations at the Sauder Village Campground.

Where to Eat:

The Barn Restaurant
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

Select the buffet or order from the menu loaded with down-home recipes.

What to Eat:

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Soups and Salads
Fried Chicken
Roat Beef Dinners

What to Read:

Heritage of the Black Swamp, by Cynthia Covert Harger

Photo Guide to Sauder Village

Visit Sauder Village in the spring for newborn baby animals

Making Friends with the Early Ohio Settlers at Sauder Village, Part 1

24 October 20233 May 2025

Celebrating forty years as Ohio’s Largest Living History Destination, Sauder Village is an amazing replica of a small town dating between 1803 to the 1920s. From the Natives and Newcomers Exhibit to the Pioneer Settlement, there are close to forty buildings that will transport you back to a simple life on the prairie.

Arriving in Archbold, the Welcome Center was my first stop to purchase my ticket and pick up a map to plan out my day. This expansive center includes a café, gift shop, restrooms and the Greenburg Gallery.

Crossing the threshold, I was immediately transported into another place and time. There were several shops, exhibits and eateries on the Village Green. Surrounded by a small community of historical homes, I began my self-guided tour at Erie’s Farm Shop, “where it all began.”

Erie Sauder felt it was important that people would have a place to visit where they could learn about pioneer life and experience it for themselves. It was his vision that led to the development of Sauder Village.

Since 1976, thousands of visitors have explored this living museum where costumed volunteers reenact the pioneer days and local artisans preserve their amazing craft. Keeping history alive at Sauder Village is a great way to appreciate the challenges and hard work of those who first settled this area.

Erie’s Farm Shop, where 16-year old Erie Sauder began his woodworking company, displays some of his original tools and replicas.

Each building is clearly numbered and guides in period costumes are available to answer any questions.

Sauder’s Cabinet Shop contained more woodworking tools. Having once owned a Sauder bookcase, I was interested in learning about his craft. I learned that Sauder had expanded their products to include church pews in the 1930s.

The Basket Shop was located next door to the cabinet shop where I watched creative craftsmen assemble baskets of all shapes and sizes. The final products were available for purchase in their store.

Exiting the Basket Shop I arrived at the Roth Barbershop which was set up as it would have been in the early 20^th century. Children giggled as they sat in the barber’s chair begging for a hair cut. Playfully, the attendant declined their wish but set out to explain all of the interesting barber’s tools used for a cut and a shave. While she had their attention, she told us that the men were not permitted to sit in the barber’s chair while chewing their snuff. They had to put it on a shelf were it would stay until the barber services were completed and then they could pick it up and put it back in their lip. The children asked so many questions and it was fun to see them so engaged.

One of the most fascinating stops o my tour was the Tinsmith’s Shop. I was amazed by all of the products that were created here. From candle holders to chandeliers, the extensive collection included a fabulous selection of household items as well as tools and decorative pieces.

At the Black Swamp Cooperage, I learned that the local craftsman who made the barrels and buckets was called the Cooper. There is a beautiful display of these items that have been handcrafted by experienced woodworkers that one can purchase from the workshop. I love the contrast and design of the wood on these buckets and barrels and was hoping to find a cutting board.

At Anna’s Spinning Shop, a spinner showed our group how to make yarn. Using various types of wools, she explained how first, the wool must be combed and washed before the spinning process could begin. She also told us that the craftsman could control the size of each strand by how tight he pulled the wool as the wheel spun the fibers into string. Children as young as 3 years old would help in the process of making yarn and it was usually their job to comb the wool. From the start of creating the yarn to the knitting of a sweater, the process could take anywhere from six to twelve months.

Stepping into the herb shop, my eyes were immediately drawn to the ceiling where bundles of herbs hung from the rafters. Herbs were not only used for cooking, but for other medicinal purposes, decorating needs and to freshen their homes. It smelled fantastic as I steeped inside to look over the herbs and spices they offered for sale.

Feeling a bit underdressed entering St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, I was greeted with a smile by the organist. She was eager to play a song on the organ. Once a local German Lutheran church, it was once a place of worship for Black Swamp families in the 1900s. Equipped with church pews, a pulpit and an authentic pipe organ, the acoustics were perfect for a rendition of Amazing Grace on the 100 year pump organ.

I explored the sites surrounding the Village Green and looking back into the circle, I realized how much I had learned about the first settlers that arrived in Fulton County. Next stop, the Elmira Depot.

The Elmira Depot was an original train stop along the Wabash Railway just a couple of miles from Archbold. Passengers could ride the Wabash Cannonball on the Detroit – St. Louis route starting in 1949. The depot was in use until It was brought to Sauder Village in 1968 and this is definitely one of the highlights of the park.

Inside, kids had a blast weighing themselves on the scale used to weigh goods transported by train.

I entered through the door opposite of the scales into the administrative office. Passengers could purchase their tickets while assistants sent telegraphs and carried out secretarial tasks.

My favorite part of the depot was the Baggage Room where objects that were transported on the railways were on display. Shipping routes were published on a large map while a placard displayed the American Morse Code. I watched a group of children try their hand at sending a telegraph using the morse code chart above the machine. Most of them opted to tap out their names and were having a great time pretending to send messages from one station to the next.

Just a few feet away I explored Dr. McGuffin’s Office. I was reminded of how far we’ve come from the medical care that was available back in the late 1800s. Sometimes the doctor would not only have to help the local people who were sick, he may have also had to act as the local dentist by pulling a tooth or make house calls to tend to an injured horse. He had a very important job within the community and was a well-respected figure.

I was impressed with the medical instruments encased in cabinets and the medicines and herbal remedies that were sitting on the shelf. The doctor was also in charge of prescribing medication which would have been kept on the premises. From his office, he could administer the treatment or make house calls.

The next building on my Sauder Village map is the District 16 Schoolhouse which was an original one-room school house where children attended school. The teacher played an important role, not only in the teaching of the children, but attending to additional duties. Some of these responsibilities included chopping firewood for the stove or ensuring that there was plenty of water in the bucket from which the children would drink throughout the day. Children that attended rural schools were only required to complete an 8^th grade education and the ages of the school children could range from ages 6 years to 21.

With so many levels of education coming together in one room, it must have been a challenge for the teacher not to mention giving each student the attention they deserved.

I was nearly halfway through the list of historical buildings when I happened upon the Stella Leona Chocolates & Coffee shop. It was a welcome sight to enjoy a café mocha and the milk chocolate shavings. I was tempted to try one of their delicious chocolates, but decided to wait until after lunch. With a little energy boost, I was ready to tackle the remaining sites.

For those that love to quilt, the Threads of Tradition Quilt Shop should be on the top of your list. I was able to find out anything and everything I have ever wanted to know about quilting. There are over 3500 bolts of fabric, patterns, instructional books, gifts and hand quilting demonstrations….every quilter’s dream.

Not far from the Quilt Shop is Lauder’s General Store. This place is a museum in itself with so many products that were popular in the 19^th and 20^th centuries as well as those items that even interest kids today. I took a walk down memory lane checking out past toys that I remembered as a child. In some ways it reminded me of the mercantile in Little House on the Prairie but with a focus more on toys, dolls, and its candy collection. I could have easily spent hours in this store.

I quickly passed by the The W.O. Taylor Printing Office on my way to visit Burlington Glass Works. The building was closed for the day, but it was once the newspaper office of Archbold in the early 20^th century. It would have been fun to see the printing presses and possibly some historical newspapers.

I overheard that the glass maker, Mark Matthews had just fired up his oven and was preparing to create one of his internationally acclaimed glass products. When I arrived, the glass was heating up so I decided to stay. Within minutes he began to manipulate the glass that would later be used to create some of his fascinating, colorful marbles.

I was surprised at the length of the process, so I did not to see the final masterpiece, but I am sure it was spectacular. Inside of his studio, he displayed many of his works which were available for sale.

My last stop before heading out towards the perimeter of the village was the Broom Shop.

It was entertaining and educational to watch the talented broom maker create a decorative broom. There was a large selection of brooms for sale and it took some time for me to made a selection. I have often heard that handmade brooms work amazingly well when sweeping floors and was happy to have purchased one.

Exiting the ship, I realized I was close to the parking lot, so I took my new broom to the car and would start my tour again at the 1920s Grime Homestead. I couldn’t wait to explore the rest of this amazing village.

Please note that this is Part 1 of my visit due to the extent of the amazing opportunities to learn about the historical sites. Check out Part 2 and Part 3 to read about the second half of my exploration of Sauder Village.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Sauder Village? What was your favorite place to visit or activity while you were here? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sauder Village Living History and Farm
221611 OH-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 419 446 2541

Admission Fee: Adults: $24; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $18; Children, Ages 3 and under: Free; Seniors 60 and over: $22. person is permitted. 2-day Admission: Adults, $38; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $26; Valid for 2 consecutive days, non-transferable. AAA Discount: $2
Hours: Spring (May 3 – 27): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 3:30PM; Saturday 10AM to 4PM; Summer (May 31 – September 2): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 5PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Fall Hours (September 6 – October 8); Open Wednesday to Friday from 10AM to 3:30PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Length of the Tour: From 2 hours to 2 days.
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes as you walk through time visiting historical buildings. Download the map ahead of time and plan your day. There are several classes and demonstrations that you won’t want to miss. While there are several small shops to visit, make plans to eat at the Barn Restaurant for down-home cooking.

Where to Stay:

Sauder Heritage Inn
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

If you are traveling by RV, make reservations at the Sauder Village Campground.

Where to Eat:

The Barn Restaurant
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

Select the buffet or order from the menu loaded with down-home recipes.

What to Eat:

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Soups and Salads
Fried Chicken
Roast Beef Dinners

What to Read:

Heritage of the Black Swamp, by Cynthia Covert Harger

Photo Guide to Sauder Village

Visit Sauder Village in the spring for newborn baby animals

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Currituck Heritage Park, Corolla, North Carolina

4 June 20173 May 2025

From the top of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, we had a beautiful bird’s eye view of Currituck Heritage Park below. The 39-acre property includes the lighthouse as well as the Whalehead Club located along the sound. Our walk was a short stroll from the light. Through the parking lot, we traveled towards the footbridge crossing over the pond to explore the waterfront.

It was a great change from a day at the beach as we strolled among the breezy 80 degree weather. Various water fowl gathered in the shallow end of the marsh looking for their afternoon snack while tourists were securing their life jackets for a short kayak trip around the Currituck Sound.

Overhead we noticed an osprey flying towards the Whalehead Club, so out of curiosity, we followed it and watched it come to rest at the crest of the rooftop. Fragments of thick, tall grass draped over the roof which suggested there was a nest. Walking further away from the building, we had a clearer view of the tiny beaks stretching up towards the sky. The children mimicked the birds with their necks distended trying to catch a glimpse of the baby birds. They lit up with excitement as their father put each one on his shoulders so they could have a clearer view and a few minutes to watch the baby chicks.

The Whalehead Club was built by Edward and Marie Louise Knight in the 1920s. During this time, it was not uncommon for the wealthy northeasterners to build hunt clubs and invite their friends for some recreational waterfowl and duck hunting. The former mansion is available for tours by appointment.

Following the walking path, we passed by the main pond where we noticed a family taking their chance at crabbing. They added a piece of chicken to the end of a string and waited for a crab to clamp down. It wasn’t long until one of the young boys, about seven years old, pulled up on his twine and a little crab was holding tightly to the end of it. We were just as excited for him as he handed over his catch of the day.

Throughout the park were beautiful outstretched oaks that provided adequate shade for a picnic or solitary space to relax. There were several walking trails that followed along the saltwater pond, led to the canal that feeds into the sound and directed visitors to waterfront vistas and boardwalks.

Displayed outside of the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education was the skull a whale that had washed ashore in September of 2009. By the time it was discovered, it had already decomposed to the point that its bones were exposed. The placard notes that the whale was “found to be a male, sub-adult approximately three years old and twenty four feet in length.”

Additional exhibits showcasing the Outer Banks’ ecosystem continued inside the 5,000 square foot complex. There were numerous attractions and artifacts as well as an 8,000 gallon aquarium. A life-sized demonstration of the saltwater marsh duck-blind was a reminder of Currituck’s history of water-fowl hunting.

Have you visited Currituck Heritage Park? Have you attended one of their events? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Currituck and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Currituck Heritage Park
1160 Village Lane
Corolla, NC 27927
Telephone: 252 453 0221

Admission Fee: There is no fee to enter the park.
Hours: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Amenities: fishing, picnicking, nearby Currituck lighthouse, rental of the Whalehead Club, kayaking, bird watching
Scenic View: Spectacular views of the sound from the bridge; beautiful views of the area from the lighthouse.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit to watch the sunrise and sunset.

Where to Stay:

Inn at Corolla Light
9606, 1066 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927
Telephone: 252 453 3340

Where to Eat:

Outer Banks Boil Company
Timbuck II Shopping Village
9501 Suite D, 785 Sunset Blvd.
Corolla, NC 27927
Telephone: 252 453 6578

We ordered the shrimp boil pot which included jumbo shrimp, Louisiana spicy andouille sausage, red bliss potatoes, corn on the cob and Vidalia onion which are all cooked together in a pot.

Duck Donuts
1190 Duck Road
Duck, NC 27949
Telephone: 252 480 3304

Try their maple bacon donut!c

What to Eat:

Crab Benedict at Sam and Ornies on Nag’s Head
Frogmore Stew Steamer Bucket from Armstrong’s Seafood in Nag’s Head
Donuts at Duck Donuts
Carolina Barbecue at Pigman’s BBQ on Nag’s Head

What to Read:

Hatteras Blue, by David Poyer
Early from the Dance, by David Payne
Surf Men by C.T. Marshall
Murder at Hatteras by Joe C. Ellis
Return to the Outer Banks by Diann Ducharme

Photo Guide for the Outer Banks

Pea Island Wildlife Refuge for capturing local birds
Jennette’s Pier to photograph local fishermen and beautiful sunrises
Ocracoke Horses
Triangle Shipwreck at Kill Devils Hill
Shipwreck artifacts at Seagreen Gallery
The Cape Hatteras lighthouse at Cape Hatteras
Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

The Art of Jason Morgan, A Springfield Museum of Art Exhibit

7 May 201615 September 2024

Flipping through a copy of Ohio Magazine, I was drawn to an article about a local artist Jason Morgan from Yellow Springs, Ohio. I learned that he would be exhibiting at the Springfield Museum of Art, and booked a Saturday to see his artwork for myself. I was fascinated by his amazing still life scenes and wanted to learn more about his artistic style.

Prior to entering the exhibit, I picked up a small guide with an overview of the artist and his work. Located at several stations throughout the museum, thought provoking questions were posed to encourage a deeper reflection on some of the paintings. I found this practice to be very helpful and enjoyed thinking about Morgan’s artwork in a more artistic manner. Outside of the left wing was Morgan’s “Strange Pilgrims”.

My eyes were first drawn to the Hawaiian-like totem figure and then to the yellow pepper which seemed out of place. Reminding me of a scene in the movie Toy Story, I was fascinated by the colors in the yo-yo and the reflection of the light on the egg.

The artwork on display was primarily acrylic on canvas dating from 2002 to the present. I quickly noticed Morgan’s talent for painting portraits which progressively evolved towards a photographic style. I provided some of my thoughts on only a small number of pieces on display and separated them into two categories, portraitures and still-life.

Portraiture

I began my exploration of Jason Morgan’s artwork starting with Moonstruck which was painted in 2001. Compared to the 2012 painting of Dr. Cotton, the images in his earlier paintings had more subtle backgrounds but not as much definition in their facial expressions.

The work titled “Tim & Brooke” was one that first captured my attention in the next collection of portraitures. The attention to detail and texture is phenomenal in this painting. I was most fascinated by the natural bunching up of Brooke’s white t-shirt. The shadowing gave the piece of clothing such a unique three-dimensional feel.

“Acala at Ten” was an extraordinarily elegant black and white portrait. I was drawn to her eyes and her defined facial features. The simple background allowed my focus to remain solely on her.

I had reached the “Dr. Cotton” painting and I found this to be one of the most interesting portraitures in the collection. I was impressed with his use of texture and dimension in the background, especially the brick and the fall-like plants/trees that can be seen through the window. Of course the main focus was on the doctor himself. Morgan was able make scrubs look interesting with the use of shadowing and his ability to create an added component of depth is fascinating. I was mesmerized by the recreation of the doctor’s hospital badge as well as the detail that was not overlooked in the watch and pager. The detail of the doctor’s hands, all the way down to his fingernails and cuticles, was extremely life-like and photogenic.

The Use of Portraiture and Still Life

“Mirror in the Mirror” seemed like an transition from Morgan’s painting of portraits to still life, incorporating aspects of both people and things. The girl in the background appeared softer with less detailed features while the items in the foreground took center stage. I noticed that the painting had a three dimensional feel with the daisy in glass at the front, the skull and pomegranate in the center and the young girl towards the back. She was paying no attention to the items laid out in front of her, but rather taking more of an interest in the IPhone that she was holding in her hands.

Still Life Paintings

“Pins and Needles” was another opportunity to explore Morgan’s mastery with the use of lighting and for painting reflections as they would appear on his objects. Light reflected off, not only the orange, but each pin that had been stuck into the spool. There were several aspects of the painting that seemed to have been included to challenge Morgan artistically. First was the orange. There was a great amount of detail given to the flesh of the orange looking as though it had just been squeezed. Instead of a perfectly sliced orange, there was an element of experimentation in the modified object. This could also be said for the re-creation of the photograph of the man and the young child, which brought Morgan’s attention to detail to a whole new level.

I wandered towards the center of the exhibit where there are samples of objects that Morgan used for his paintings. The display also provided and explanation of the process for which Jason Morgan creates his designs, using a three-step process.

The Perfect Photograph

Towards the end of the exhibit, I found myself spending the most time viewing “Indian Four”, an acrylic on canvas. Mesmerized by the artistic detail of this painting, I noticed the intricate reproduction of each of the motorcycle’s parts and hardware. There is rust on the metal, the chipping away of body paint and the reflective lighting on the bike was incredible.

The next three pieces that were painted from 2011 to 2013 were, in my opinion, the most developed in the way of lighting and the detail of reflection. The positioning of items in the painting “Enzo” was unique as the items are facing away from viewer. The back lighting gave the painting a distinctive depth in the ridges of the cantaloupe and the marble’s reflection on the table was perfectly executed.

The same could be said for “Grapes of Wrath.” A partial mirror image of the light bulb was painted on the table which was a result of the lighting. “One for Steve” took the reflective concept a step further showing the table’s reflection in the plum. Impressive was the remaining peel left by a bite in the piece of fruit.

It is clear that Jason Morgan is successful in capturing the details and textures that come from his intense strategic placement and lighting of his subjects. Whether portraitures or still life images, the attention to each element is clearly exhibited in the artwork he creates. I look forward to seeing where his talents take him and hope to see more of his work in the near future.

Do you have a passion or love for art? What draws you to a specific artist? If you visited the Jason Morgan exhibit, I would love to hear your thoughts about his work. Please take the time to let me know about your opinions and comments about my post in the comments below! I would love to hear from you!

What to See and What to Do:

The Springfield Museum of Art
107 Cliff Park Road
Springfield, Ohio 45504
Telephone: 937 325 4673

If you would like to explore Jason Morgan’s fascinating artwork, visit his website at www.jasonmorganportraits.com.

Admission Fee: Adults for $5, Students with Valid ID for $3; Seniors 65+ for $3; Children 17 and under are Free and Wittenberg students are Free. Special exhibitions may incur an additional cost, so check the website prior to visiting
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 9AM to 5PM; Sunday: 12:30PM to 4:30PM; Closed Monday, Tuesday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day and the Sunday after Art Ball.
Amenities: Partnership with the Smithsonian, Exhibitions as well as Workshops and Classes
Length of Visit: 1 to 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Check the website to confirm any additional fees for special exhibits.

Where to Stay:

Marriott Courtyard, Springfield Downtown
100 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone: 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Seasons Bistro and Grille
28 South Limestone Street
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone: 937 521 1200

My favorite item on the menu is the Bibimbap, a Korean rice bowl with marinated beef strips and seasonal vegetables served over white rice. Topped with a fried egg and Korean chili paste.

Another seasonal favorite that is offered on a limited basis is their grilled Chilean sea bass.

Schuler’s Donuts: Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
Simon Kenton Inn: This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue. With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
Guerra’s Krazy Tacos: One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
Salato Deli: I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
Le Torte Dolci Bakery; Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
Mike & Rosie’s Deli: This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink:

Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company: Springfield’s only brewery, Mother Stewart’s showcases nine craft beers produced onsite.

What to Read:

The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
Springfield, Ohio: A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
Still Standing: A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:

Hartman Rock Garden
Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
Heritage Center of Clark County
Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio

Here is another look at part of the process…From cute bunny stuffed animal…

To adorable painting of bunny hopping over mushrooms! A Great Escape

Display in the exhibit to explain Morgan’s artistic process

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

23 July 201514 December 2024

Since the Ohio River played an important role in providing freedom to American slaves, it was no surprise that Cincinnati, Ohio would have been chosen as the location for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

I visited the museum with the mindset that my experience would provide me with a historical perspective of pre-Civil War slavery, but I was more than surprised when I learned that the center also focused on modern day human trafficking. The interactive exhibits were educational and informative and I realized that I was not prepared for what I would experience here. This museum is so much more.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center presents detailed displays providing an account of slavery in the United States over the 18th and 19th centuries. Artifacts, photos, artwork and diaries bring to life the stories of some of the 100,000 slaves that were determined to flee captivity in search of freedom.

Walking through an original Slave Pen from Mason County, Kentucky was one of the most emotional experiences of my visit. I could not help but think of the many lives that passed through here, held against their will, sold for a sum that could never equal the price of a human life. It saddens me to think of the inhumane way that slaves were treated and that, just because of the color of one’s skin, that they should be regarded as anything less than human.

Placards show how the organization dismantled the two story log structure, transported it to the center and the carefully reconstructed the cabin on the second floor. Built in 1830, this twenty-one by thirty-foot structure was used to hold slaves until they were shipped to other locations for auction. I enjoyed a few moments with the museum’s docent who provided a description of the Slave Pen, explained the additional exhibits and answered the questions I had about the history of slavery.

On display are several artifacts and documents that have been well preserved and provide insight into the process of obtaining slaves in the United States. For example, a probate list of the “possessions of John W. Anderson” includes the details of his belongings to include a list of slaves that were in his possession. It is heartbreaking to realize that slaves were nothing more than property as if they were cattle or crops.

The length of time in which the slaves were kept in the cabin depended upon the slave trade market, lasting from days or even months. The Slave Pen’s construction is very simple with only eight small windows, a stone floor and a fireplace. The women lived on the first floor so that they could cook at the fireplace, while the men slept on the second floor. Stepping into the rustic structure is a sobering realization that slavery was once an accepted practice in the United States.

The men were chained to the structure to ensure that they would not escape. They were imprisoned, not because of any wrongdoing, but only because of the color of their skin. They were not free to come and go as they pleased and any attempt of escape was severely punished to include harsh beatings, dismemberment and even death.

The exhibit titled From Slavery to Freedom showcases the period of slavery in the Americas covering a period of three centuries. The museum’s thorough account of the how slavery began shows the early enslavement of Native Americans and European indentured servants. By the late 1800s, it was estimated that over 11 million Africans would survive the crossing of the Atlantic Ocean and would be sold into slavery to the Caribbean, North and South America.

The display concludes with the end of the Civil War resulting in Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery. After three long years of bloodshed, the document declared “that all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states are henceforward shall be free.” At the time of the decree it was estimated that there were approximately 4 million slaves in the United States.

Although much emphasis within the museum has been given to the history of slavery in the United States, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center also covers a wide range of events where Human Rights were compromised over the course of history. There is a piece of the Berlin Wall that once separated communist East Berlin and West Berlin restricting passage to each side of the city for over 28 years. November 9, 1989 marks the beginning of the Wall’s fall as East Germany opened the borders for passage.

Unfortunately, slavery continues throughout the world today with an estimated 27 million people enslaved, with 60,000 residing in the United States. With the Center’s primary objective to “abolish human enslavement and secure freedom for all people”, it is not surprising that a wing of the museum is dedicated to modern day slavery, which most of us know as human trafficking.

It is a despicable practice where people are living as forced laborers, child brides in arranged marriages and involved in the sex trade. It is a real problem, even in the United States that can no longer be ignored and denied.

The human trafficking section of the Center identifies the countries where the enslavement of people exists and what action is currently being taken by their government agencies and volunteers to end human slavery. Innocent lives are exploited each day for the sake of profit or the paying off of debts.

In addition to all of the exhibits, there are videos that literally bring the story of slavery to life. The Journey to Freedom video gives account of the lives of two former slaves, Solomon Northrup from America and a modern day slave from Cambodia, Vannak Prum. Both men were free until they were deceived into taking on employment that would result in their being sold into slavery, unbeknownst to them. The presentation documents their capture, the abuse that they would endure and the events that would lead to their release after suffering many years of captivity.

The documentary concludes by recognizing the many heroes that made it their mission to end slavery in both the 19^th century and today. The most recent account is the 2012 recognition of 12 activists who were honored for both their work to end Human Trafficking and their passion for fighting for Human Rights.

The Center provides various “quiet places” in which to reflect on past and present violations of human rights throughout history and throughout the world. It can seem so overwhelming that slavery is, in fact, an epidemic that continues to this day and is on the rise.

From one of these vantage points, I was reminded that not long ago, just across the river, American slaves longed to cross this symbolic Jordan River in hopes of living the rest of their lives in the Promised Land of the free. This was not an easy passage and it is estimated that only about 100,000 people were successful in their fight for freedom. The National Underground Freedom Center is a reminder that even today, freedom is worth the fight.

Are you a freedom fighter and human rights activist? Have you had the opportunity to visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center? I would love to hear from you to learn more about your cause and/or organization if you would kindly leave your message in the comments section below. If the museum has moved you in any way, I would be excited to hear about your experience as well. Many thanks for taking the time to read about my experience at the National Underground Freedom Center and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The National Underground Freedom Center
50 East Freedom Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 333 7500

Admission Fee: $15 for Adults, $10.50 for children ages 3 – 12, Seniors 60+ for $13 and children 3 and under is free of charge.
Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM from Tuesday to Saturday and from Noon to 5 PM on Sunday and Monday; Tickets sold until 4PM.
Amenities: Historic tours, Exhibits, Geneology, Group Tours, Rental Space, African American bookstore, Gift Shop, North Star Café, Special Exhibits
Scenic View: The view of the Ohio River and Kentucky
Length of Visit: 4 hours
Travel Tip: Backpacks, large bags and umbrellas are not permitted in the museum.

Where to Stay:

Millennium Hotel Cincinnati
150 W. 5th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 352 2100

Where to Eat:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 2337

I was so happy to see the Caprese Flatbread on the menu and I ordered a couple of local beers. The restaurant was busy because the Cincinnati Reds were playing and the location is close to the stadium.

During a later date, I visited with a friend where we ordered a flight of beer and the Meat and Cheese board which was served with grilled beer bread, spicy mustard, applekraut and pickles. We selected two meats (prosciutto and candied pork belly) as well as two cheeses (Red Dragon mustard Welsh cheddar, which is a favorite of mine and the Cabot Hot Habanero Cheddar). Exceptional! Additional meat and cheese samples are available for $4 each.

What to Eat:

Skyline Chili: My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce. I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out. Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese. Additional toppings include onions and beans.
LaRosa’s Pizza: A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce. My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
Graeter’s Ice Cream: It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich. Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
Montgomery Inn BBQ: Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience. Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals. Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
Glier’s Goetta: While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy. Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
BonBonerie: One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Where to Drink:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 2337

Books to Read:

Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
Running, by J.T. Cooper
Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide for Cincinnati (as provided by Chris Thompson on FourSquare):

The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge
- Pick a spot near the Covington pier and shoot north toward the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunset and underexpose by a few stops to get the lights just right.
- The new lights on the bridge create excellent stars when you photograph them using a narrow aperture (~f/16 and above) on your camera. That means you’ll need a longer exposure (and thus a tripod).
General James Taylor Park
- Shoot from the top of the flag pole mound to get more building reflections in your shot. Shoot at sunset or sunrise for great lighting.
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
- Arrive first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up
The Fountain at Fountain Square
- For great photos of the fountain: set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure (2-5 seconds) to capture the running water. Get Carew or the colored lights above Rock Bottom in the background.
Fountain Square (look for reflections in puddles)
Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.
Carew Tower Observation Deck
- Provides some neat photos of the highways snaking around the city. Set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure to get moving car trails. It’s only open at sunset a few days each year.
Engine Company 46, 2733 Erie Avenue (at Michigan), Cincinnati
- One of the most beautiful historic firehouses in all of Cincinnati. The firefighters here are used to having their photo taken while they work. Ask nicely and you can get some cool shots.
Cincinnati Observatory Center
Krohn Conservatory
Great American Ball Park
- Shoot the front of the stadium around sunset to get a nice color blue in the sky. Get one of the player statues in your shot for extra effect.
Devou Park
- The overlook next to the Drees pavilion affords a great view of the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting. Underexpose slightly to get the city lights just right.
Newport Central Catholic for fireworks
- Shoot the Riverfest fireworks from this location. Bring a long lens and a tripod. You’ll want a long-ish exposure (5-10 seconds) to capture the bursts, but make sure the skyline isn’t overexposed.
Riverfront Park
- The colorful fountains make a great subject, but you need to use a relatively fast shutter speed (>1/20 or so) to catch the lights before they change color, leaving your pic with plain white lights.
American Sign Museum
- Be sure to bring a tripod to capture all the signs. Manual white balance is the way to go, because there are so many crazy colors of lights that your camera won’t know how to react.

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Experience a Western Town by Visiting Rawhide in Arizona

15 May 201431 August 2024

It seems like ages ago that I spent the afternoon in the little western town of Rawhide, in northern Scottsdale, Arizona. With a fascination of learning more about the wild, wild west, I decided it would be fun to explore this recreation with gunslingers and historical outposts.

I imagined the John Wayne movies and Clint Eastwood’s attitude as I was transported back in time to the 1880s with a stage coach, train rides, gunfights and a mechanical bull named Widowmaker.

While I’m not the gambling type, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to strike it rich panning for gold, while failing miserably at the shooting gallery. After a few hours of reveling in the good ole days, I checked into the Rawhide Steakhouse for an authentic western-style meal with portions big enough to feed any hardy cowboy or a family of four.

Entrance into the town of Rawhide is free, unless an event has been scheduled. Visitors can check out Rawhide’s event calendar at calendar@rawhide.com. The town attractions require tickets or a wristband to participate, but both can be picked up at the entrance located on-site.

Unique shops line the wide dirt road selling souvenirs or fashionable western wear. Main Street is where all of the action takes place and at one point, I found myself in the middle of a gunfight.

I suggest that visitors plan for a full day of fun participating in a number of interactive experiences. If I had more time, I would have loved to have scheduled the desert train ride or watched a performance at the Spirit of the West Theatre.

After dinner, I had just enough time for one more activity and was having a difficult time deciding what I should do next. It was a toss up between the burros and the mules and I finally made up my mind to take a mule ride in the Sonoran desert. The excursion began at the Butterfield Stageline and was the perfect experience for watching the sunset. The warm, beautiful sun gave off a soft glow as it disappeared behind the cacti the covered the desert floor. Reflecting off of the ground cover in muted tones, we had plenty of time to return before dark of night.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Rawhide or a similar old western town? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments below! Many thanks for reading about my visit to Rawhide and wishing you many Happy Travels!

UPDATE since my visit to Rawhide!

The location of Rawhide has moved from Scottsdale to Chandler, located on the Gila Indian Reservation, close to the Phoenix Airport. In 2008, they reopened the Wild West Museum with featured exhibits and artifacts.

What to See and What to Do:

Rawhide Western Town
5700 W N. Loop Road
Chandler, Arizona 85226
Telephone: 480 502 5600

Admission Fee: Free during Signature and Holiday events.
Hours: Rawhide is only open for visitors during Signature and Holiday events which are listed on their website.
Amenities: Restaurant, rides, shopping, entertainment venue, scheduled concerts and festivals as well as private events.
Length of Visit: 3 – 4 hours

Where to Stay:

The Boulders Resort & Spa
34631 North Tom Darlington Drive
Carefree, Arizona 85377
Telephone: 480 488 9009

Where to Eat:

El Encanto Mexican Patio Cafe
6248 E. Cave Creek Road
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Telephone: 480 488 1752

This was such a romantic restaurant and I loved sitting out on the outside patio!

What to Eat:

Cheese crisps have a tortilla base with a generous layer of cheese, baked to crispy perfection.
Chimichangas
Mesquite flour is made from the mesquite tree and has a nutty flavor. Perfect for baking, try this local delicacy in sweets such as breads, muffins and pancakes.
Native American fry bread dates back to the late 1800s and is a fried dough used as a base for savory taco toppings or seasoned with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat.
Sonoran Hot Dogs are wrapped in bacon, set inside the bun and topped with pinto beans, onion, tomatoes, mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard. This popular street food is easy to find on local menus.

What to Read:

Desert Noir, by Betty Webb
Desert Run, by Betty Webb
Desert Shadows, by Betty Webb
Desert Lost, by Betty Webb
Dead Heat, by Patricia Briggs

Photo Guide for Scottsdale:

Pinnacle Peak as seen from the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale must be photographed at night as well as from the resort’s patio
Greasewood Flat is a restaurant that was once a bunkhouse.
The architecture of Cosanti and Arcosanti in Scottsdale’s Paradise Valley
Old Town Scottsdale for authentic Wild West shots.
Camelback Mountain
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West

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