Houston's Must-See Museumsby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 03 May 2007 04:28 PM My friend and former colleague recently accepted a job at the number news station in Houston, Texas. At her going away party I asked her what she was most looking forward to doing when she got to her new home. "Visit the museums," she replied excitedly. Visit the museums? What was she thinking? I bit my tongue and smiled. It was either smile or... grab her shoulders, shake her, and demand to know why, after six long years living in the frozen tundra of northeast Wisconsin, would she not be dying to explore the nearest park, pool, or pond? I'm proud that I contained myself. Rather than shake my friend, I came home from the party and did some research on Houston's museum scene. I learned that my friend may have a point... the city does offer a variety of unique museums that provide more than just venues to appreciate art. Buffalo Soldiers National Museum The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is a must-see if you are interested in partaking in a hands-on history lesson. The museum is filled with exhibits honoring the achievements of African-American soldiers from the Revolutionary War to the War in Iraq. Their stories are told through well-preserved photos, letters, documents, uniforms and artifacts. The museum also boasts exhibits that honor the Tuskegee Airmen and African American astronauts. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft You can't expect a city the size of Houston not to pay homage to the world of modern art. The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is a home for art made of unique materials, including fiber, metal, glass, clay and wood. In addition to the art exhibits, the museum offers classes and an artist-in-residence program. Children's Museum of Houston My daughter loves a great children's museum (as do I) and when we visit my friend in her new digs you can bet we will be heading to The Children's Museum of Houston. It is billed as a "Wonderland for Wee Ones." Some of the interactive exhibits that I know my daughter will love getting her hands on are the scientific "Bubble Lab," an interactive replica of a Mexican village, and a 25-ton red caboose. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and free for kids 3 and younger. (What a bargain!) Even better: Thursdays are free from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Holocaust Museum This museum pays tribute to Houston-area Holocaust survivors. Their heart-wrenching stories are told through exhibits that display personal belongings, writings and photographs. Last year, the museum added a 1942 German-built rail car---the same kind that transported European Jews from ghettos to concentration camps. The new addition allows visitors to peer into the 26.5-foot-long car and visualize what it looked like with hundreds of poor souls crammed into it headed to the unthinkable. Related Articles: Visiting the Madison Children's Museum Family-Friendly Spring Break Destinations FRIED COKE... At The State Fair Of Texas Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags art, family, Houston, museums, Texas Discuss this article
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