American History In Branson

Written by Missouri Mom

We finally got a chance to visit the American Presidential Museum and I can’t tell you how pleased I was! We had taken off to Branson for a short trip, just me & my daughters (who are 15 & 11) on October 5th. Anyhow, I wanted to throw something educational in for them and thought this was just the place.

When we arrived, we were greeted by super friendly staff. She explained what the musuem was about and gave us a brief overview of what we would see. We paid and she asked if the girls would like to go on a “History Hunt.” Of course they didn’t, lol, but I volunteered them anyhow and we were off. When you walk down the steps, you’re facing two areas…an area full of first lady gowns or the Oval Office. Hmmm.. which one should you choose? We chose the Oval Office and felt like we walked the musuem backwards… but I’m not sure if we did or not. There’s probably no wrong or right way to go through as it curves back around to the entrance.

So as we walked through the exhibits and watched the years pass before our eyes, the girls were more and more excited to find answers to their questions on the History Hunt. We visited the Oval Office, learned what the desk was created out of, disappointed we couldn’t sit there, but enjoyed what we read about anyhow. There was several different exhibits throughout the museum. We climbed aboard Air Force One (half of it anyhow), peered inside Reagans special limousine, watched a video in the Kennedy Room, voted, wrote a letter to the president, decided that the dresses that some of the first ladies used to wear looked way to heavy for todays standards, and learned that Grover Clevelands little girl was so sweet they named a candybar after her.

After we finished and was ready to leave, the girls were given a special treat for completing the History Hunt. I can’t tell you again how friendly the museum staff were. They answered all our questions, stepped in when we looked confused, and just beamed enthusiasm for the place. It really was a fun way to spend the afternoon. At dinner, we were talking about it and agreed that we all enjoyed it more than we thought we would.

Kathie

Inexpensive & Interesting Museum

Written by Lydia1959

While wasting some time before a show, we stopped in at the American Presidential Museum. I had a coupon off the internet which was a buy 1 adult ticket get one free (I believe this same coupon is in some of the free coupons books around town). Children under 18 were free with an adult ticket - so my husband and myself and our 2 teens all got in for $10.00. My husband is very interested in history and politics, but even the 2 teens and I found the museum interesting. The political bloopers movie which is shown in the Kennedy Room was a bit long and we snuck out before it was over. There are several themed rooms, lots of pictures and memorabilia. The museum also houses replicas of First Lady gowns, President Bush's desk, the Nixon administration Air Force One jet and a presidential limosine. There are cut-outs of Kennedy, Clinton and President Bush that you can take your photo next too. Not very realistic looking, but good for a chuckle.

The museum's staff are very helpful and knowlegeable. The building is clean and well kept. There are lots of fun and unusual items in the large gift shop. Ask for the "Fact Hunt" sheet at the beginning (offered to students - but my husband filled one out) to win a small prize before you leave. Recommended, especially if you have the coupon or if you are a history buff.