7 Ways to Experience American History With Your Family

Why Experience American History

I get asked why experience American History all the time. There is a short answer and a long one. The short one goes like this. I love my country and I’m sad when I see it attacked and torn apart from the inside. I think it’s important to find things we have in common rather than what keeps us apart. As a nation, we don’t have a universal language and we don’t all subscribe to a common religious doctrine as many nations do. Near as I can tell we all share three things in common. A flag, a hope for the best for our families, and a shared history.

Let’s Get Real

Let’s be real. Our history is frought with ugly. Slavery-ugly. Massacres-ugly. Civil War-big yuck. BUT here’s the rub. It doesn’t matter what our individual ancestry is. We are all American and it’s time we remember that. Don’t get me wrong…be proud of your ancestors and know their stories! Honor them! I know I am proud of mine… but also be proud of the collective stories that have woven together to build this nation. Our diversity has been our greatest strength before and we know it can be our weakness. I choose to put out a message of hope.

If we learn our American History, we talk about it. When we talk and communicate we connect and build community. We get to know ourselves and each other as part of something bigger then just ourselves. We also start appreciating things and people we may not have thought of before. These are the things that provide foundational blocks for a community who cares about each other and it’s place.

Here’s Why

So why experience American History? It’s our right, and maybe even our duty.

HAHAHAHA and THAT was the SHORT version. 😉 Ok on to fun things to do that is not listening to me on a soapbox.

Cook (and Eat) American History

France and Italy and China tend to get a lot of press for great food but we here in the US haven’t done so bad! Through the ages we’ve been rather creative with what we had here. Not all of it has stood the test of time but some things have! What a fun activity to cook a little history up and the sometimes wild stories that go with it!

I mean, nibbling on a little hard tack? Instant appreciation for a Civil War soldier AND an Instagrammable moment. You’re welcome 😉

Some American originals to get you started in the kitchen: Popcorn, Pumpkin, Sunflower.

For Cookbooks and recipes from 500 Original Nations to the twenty-first century, click below.

Watch American History

There are an extraordinary amount of well done films out there that are worth the time to find and watch. Not all of them are perfectly historically accurate of course BUT that’s part of the fun because it encourages conversations (or at least it should). There are certain formulas and markers to make a hit film so it is rare that a story will be 100% accurate. Even documentaries have their outlines and story arc.

I’ve put together a GREAT LIST of stunning films telling stories spanning from the 1600’s to late twentieth century and you can see them all by clicking below. (I only included two documentaries because I think more people like ‘story’ than docs. They are both Ken Burns and he kind of does a spectacular job so…).

Have a peek. (And let me know if there is a fabulous film you think should be added to this list)

Don’t forget your popcorn! Read all about this American Original HERE!

See American History with Your Own Eyes (Reenactment)

Nothing puts you in a moment as when you are immersed in it. All of your senses get instantly transported to a time and place of yesteryear. We’ve been to everything from 1600’s Pilgrim events to Revolutionary War to War of 1812 to Civil War. Some of the reenactments are on the places the events took place and some are not. Either way, they are excellent ways to learn about the people, times, and events. I admit, I’ve been moved to tears watching a Civil War skirmish, an Abraham Lincoln survey the battefield and then give the Gettysburg Address. I learned more that day than I ever did in my history classes.

Here are some nationwide resources to find a reenactment and time period that sounds exciting to you.

Everfest

Civil War Events

Reenactor Info

American Battlefield Trust

Read about Riley’s Farm, who specializes in Living History and Dinner Theater HERE!

And experiencing living history doesn’t always mean battles. There are plenty of immersive experiences. Some even have costumes to rent so you can become part of the scene!

Check out The Very Best List Ever of Living History Parks in the US Here

Visit a State Capitol

All state Capitol buildings have free tours! If that is not reason enough right there, amirite??

Capitol buildings are FULL of history, have gorgeous architecture, usually are on some amazing grounds, and often have interesting exhibits, both permanent and temporary. HERE is a list of all the capitol building WITH PICTURES.

Plan a visit to the US CAPITOL

Experience a Cultural Museum

Culture and History go hand in hand. This could be an entire symposium really. The point is there are cultural museums all across America. Some are dedicated to a specific ethnic group, some are historically centered. Others focus on art. Asian American, Native American, Latino, African American, etc.

HERE are a few to get you started. I was disappointed to only see 45 on this list. I know in little neighborhoods like Little Italy or little Armenia there are other lesser known museums tucked away. Heck there is even a museum dedicated to the Bavarian art of the Nutcracker in Leavenworth Washington. That list is just to get you started thinking outside the box. I also have a list going on Amazon but they don’t have museum admission tickets (yet) so that list too is somewhat sparse but at least it can spark some creative thinking. HERE it is.

DISCOVER PLACES YOU CAN EXPERIENCE NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES

Dance American History

One of the most fun things we’ve discovered in recent years is historical dancing! It’s low impact so people of all ages and most ability can participate. We’ve done Colonial Dancing and a Colonial Ball and we’ve done a Victorian Christmas Ball. Sage took her dad to a 1950’s Daddy Daughter Sock Hop. We’ve even done a 1920’s Speakeasy!

The groups that put these events on take their work seriously and it shows! In addition to learning dances, we’ve learned customs and etiquette of the times. It’s been amazing to see the work and care that go into the decorations, the food, the music, and the clothing. It’s an all immersive experience and I cannot recommend this enough.

Find a Historical Dancing Society near you:

Regency Dancing

English Country Dance

Early Dance

Travel through American History

By no means is this a complete listing. There are SO MANY places to go and visit but it will give you an idea there are places to go coast to coast for every time period you might be interested in.

Native America-Pre Contact

Experience Native America: HERE

Experience a Native American Pow Wow: HERE

Colonial Destinations (1600’s-1700’s)

Jamestown VA

Plymouth Plantation MA

Old Sturbridge MA

Colonial Williamsburg VA

Castillo de San Marcos FL

Oak Glen CA

Victorian and Civil War Destinations (1800’s)

Gettysburg PA

Richmond VA

Connor Prairie IN

Mystic Seaport CT

Old World WI

Old Cowtown KS

Early Twentieth Century Destinations (Early 1900’s)

Kona Coffee Captain Cook, HI (1920s-40s)

Hearst Castle, CA (1930s)

D Day Canneaut, OH (1940’s)

Yellowsprings Street Fair, OH (1960’s)

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Philip, SD (1950’s-90s)

Reagan Museum, CA (1980s)

DISCOVER THE BEST LIVING HISTORY PARKS IN AMERICA

Final Thoughts

As the great Troy Bolton of Disney’s High School Musical said (and everyone then sang) We’re all in this Together!

The more we know, the better we are together. Are you inspired? I hope so!

Want even MORE ideas and instant bucket lists?? Be sure to check out our DISCOVER AMERICA section. and sign up for our email where you will get stories like this delivered to your email box.

Tell us below what your next adventure in our history will be!