When you’re looking for something to do on the weekend or on an upcoming trip, consider visiting a local museum.
Museums are a great way to feed your brain, create new memories and inspire you to make a positive change in your community. Whether you live near or are traveling nearby, these four award-winning museums tell powerful stories that are worth a visit.
1. Mississippi Civil Rights Museum: Jackson, Mississippi
This compelling museum opened its doors on December 9th, 2017; the day of the bicentennial celebration year of Mississippi statehood. As the first state-sponsored civil rights museum in the United States, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum’s mission is to educate visitors about the men and women who fought the battle for equality in Mississippi. Within the museum, you’ll find eight interactive galleries taking you through the movement’s history, from 1945 to 1970. In the eighth gallery, visitors are met with a beautiful, colorful, glowing sculpture that increases in intensity as more people enter the space. In addition to the lights and colors, the space is filled with the sounds of “This Little Light of Mine” and “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around”: a powerful experience that is sure to leave you with goosebumps. In 2018, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum won the Gold Muse Award in the Video, Film, & Computer Animation category. Ready to plan your trip? Visit their website for more information.
2. B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center: Indianola, Mississippi
Feeling soulful? Saunter on over to Indianola, Mississippi and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds surrounding legendary blues artist, B.B. King. The museum chronicles King’s life from social challenges in the 30’s, his popularity in the 50’s and how the Civil Rights movement shaped his music in the 60’s. With so much history, iconic music and fun events, it’s no wonder the Museum won the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Mississippi Attraction. The thrill is never gone here so plan a trip and let the good times roll!
3. Bradford Railroad Museum: Bradford, Ohio
In the 1920’s the railroad brought economic growth and prosperity to small towns all over our nation but many of these boom towns crumbled once the railways disappeared. Bradford, Ohio was greatly impacted by the demise of the iron horse and this museum tells the stories of the people who lived through it all. Carefully preserved artifacts, fun interactives and a whole lot of history awaits any train enthusiast. In 2017, these stories were honored as the Ohio Museums Association awarded the Bradford Railroad Museum with the Best Exhibition Under $500,000 award. If you’re in the Bradford area, the museum is worth a visit.
4. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
On April 19, 1995, tragedy struck Oklahoma City after car bomb was detonated in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building, killing 168 innocent people. 24 years later, the magnitude of the destruction and the lives of those lost are still remembered through interactive exhibits, murals, artifacts, and dramatic presentations at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Housed across the street from the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in the historic Journal Record Building, the museum’s mission is to educate visitors on the impact of violence while remembering those killed and those who survived. Over the years, the museum was awarded the Redbud Award in 2014, ranked at 21 on the Top 25 Museums in the U.S. list in 2018 and was awarded the inaugural Tripsavvy Editors’ Choice Award. Every year, the museum hosts the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, which Exhibit Concepts’ employees had the opportunity to participate in this year. Our employees had the opportunity to visit the museum, testifying the powerful impact it had on them.
Whether you’re traveling or just need something to do on a Saturday afternoon, a museum is one of the best options for creating new memories and experiences. Not only will you enjoy your visit, you’ll leave exhibits with a lifetime of knowledge and lessons you’ll use for the rest of your life. Looking for other possible museums to add to your must-see list? Check out our portfolio.
