history

Dallas in a Day

| Chris

I spent a day in Dallas exploring some of its most historic and thought‑provoking spots. My first stop was the Dallas County Courthouse, a striking red sandstone building known as the “Old Red.” Its castle‑like towers made it feel more like a landmark than just a courthouse, and it set the tone for the day.

From there, I walked over to the JFK Memorial Plaza, a simple yet powerful monument. The stark concrete walls created a quiet space for reflection, honoring President Kennedy’s legacy in a way that felt both solemn and timeless.

Nearby was Dealey Plaza, the site forever tied to history. Standing there, surrounded by the familiar landmarks, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the events that unfolded in 1963. Just steps away, the Grassy Knoll offered another perspective—one of those places you’ve heard about countless times, but seeing it in person makes the story more real.

I did not go inside the Sixth Floor Museum as time didn’t permit. It is housed in the former Texas School Book Depository. It was deeply sobering and emotional even to just view it from the ground.

To balance the heaviness of the day, I headed to the Reunion Tower, one of Dallas’s most recognizable landmarks. From its observation deck, the city stretched out in every direction, a reminder of Dallas’s modern energy alongside its historic past.

I wrapped up the trip by hopping on a tour bus through downtown, a quick but fun way to take in the city’s highlights. Skyscrapers, bustling streets, and pockets of art and culture rolled by, giving me a snapshot of Dallas in motion.

It was a short trip, but each stop added a layer of understanding. Dallas offered not just sights, but stories, reminders of how places can hold memory and meaning long after the moment has passed.

Through the Eyes of the Pioneers

| Chris

There’s this little town tucked in the middle of nowhere, Nebraska. I was told about it by a friend years ago. So when I got a chance to travel to Nebraska, I made sure to make a detour. My wife and I were coming back home from Omaha and we decided to swing by a small town called Minden to visit this place my friend told me about. I wasn’t expecting much from a small town museum, but this place completely blew me away! And I love a good history lesson.

First, a bit about Minden itself. This tiny town of about 3,000 people has been around since 1876, when it was established and named after Minden, in Germany. The town was settled by German, Swedish, and Danish immigrants, which explains its quaint Midwestern charm and the incredibly friendly locals I encountered.

But the real star of the show is Pioneer Village, and calling it just a “village” is seriously underselling it. This place has 28 buildings on 20 acres housing over 50,000 irreplaceable items of historical value. It all started because of one guy, Harold Warp, who made his fortune in Chicago manufacturing plastic film. When he found out his hometown had put the one-room school house he attended as a child up for auction, he purchased the building in 1953 and just kept going from there.

Walking through the place feels like time travel. You’ve got everything from horse-drawn carriages to early automobiles, vintage farm equipment, household appliances and even old airplanes. The chronological layout really shows you how America evolved from pioneer days to modern times. We spent way longer there than I planned – there’s honestly something fascinating around every corner.

What struck me most was how well-preserved everything is. These aren’t just dusty artifacts sitting behind glass; most of the items are restored to operating order. You can actually see how these machines and tools worked, which makes history feel so much more real and tangible.

If you’re ever driving through Nebraska, definitely make the stop. Minden might be small, but Pioneer Village is easily one of the coolest museums I’ve visited. It’s the kind of place that reminds you how much ingenuity and hard work went into building this country. You’ll see it all through the eyes of the pioneers! And it’s way more entertaining than you’d expect from a small town museum.

A Journey Through Time

| Chris

As I stepped into the grandeur of the Wyoming State Capitol, I was immediately transported back in time. This architectural marvel isn’t just a building; it’s a chronicle of Wyoming’s rich history, etched into every stone and corridor.

I’ve been here many times. In fact, I used to work in the building across the street from it for years. But this is the first time I’ve actually joined a guided tour to get a deeper learning about its history.

The Wyoming State Capitol was constructed between 1886 and 1890. It stands as a testament to the state’s early days and its journey to statehood. The cornerstone was laid on May 18, 1887, a significant date that marked the beginning of a structure that would witness the evolution of Wyoming from a territory to the 44th state of the Union.

A symbol of equality, Wyoming has always been a trailblazer. In 1869, it became the first territory in the United States to grant women the right to vote, a bold move that earned it the nickname “The Equality State.” This decision was influenced by various factors, including the desire to attract more women to the territory and a genuine belief in women’s suffrage.

The Capitol’s design is a blend of Renaissance Revival architecture, a style that exudes elegance and authority. Its recent renovation, completed in 2019, has restored the building to its original splendor while integrating modern necessities.

Wyoming’s story is one of resilience and pioneering spirit. From the prehistoric human habitation dating back 13,000 years to the establishment of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming has played a pivotal role in the American narrative.

My tour of the Wyoming State Capitol was more than just an educational experience; it was a journey through the heart of Wyoming’s identity. As I walked the halls where history was made, I felt a deep connection to the past and a renewed appreciation for the state’s enduring legacy.

Here’s a few more photos from the tour.

Stellar Day at the Cosmosphere

| Chris

A friend and I decided to go on a road trip for a couple of weeks. We’ve done it many times in the past. This time we wanted to go where we’ve never been to before. The heartland! Our first stop? Cosmosphere.

Located in Hutchinson, Kansas, this place is a portal to the cosmos that rivals the dreams of science fiction enthusiasts and the curiosity of avid learners alike. I was pleasantly surprised! In the middle of nowhere. it seems, the Cosmosphere is not just a museum; it’s a celebration of human ingenuity and the spirit of exploration that has propelled us into the stars.

What is the Cosmosphere, you ask? Well, I learned that it is an internationally recognized STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education center and a Smithsonian-affiliated museum. It houses over 13,000 spaceflight artifacts, boasting the largest combined collection of US and Russian spaceflight artifacts in the world. This makes it a unique repository of space history and a beacon of knowledge for all who visit. And I’m glad, I did!

Experiencing the Thrill of Space Exploration upon entering, I was greeted by the imposing sight of the SR-71 Blackbird, its wings spanning the lobby, a silent testament to the speed and heights humanity can achieve. The place is way bigger than it looks outside and there’s quite a bit to keep you busy for a full day.

In the Hall of Space Museum, I walked through the story of the space race, learning about the technological and cultural differences between the superpowers vying for lunar supremacy.

The Carey Digital Dome Theater is a two-story dome theater with its 4K digital projection system. It features stunning documentaries and feature films, and makes you feel part of the journey into space.

The Justice Planetarium shows a guide to the night sky, and teaches you how to spot planets and constellations above Kansas.

The live science demonstration inside Dr. Goddard’s Lab was literally a blast! With safe explosions and bright lights, it was both educational and entertaining.

Well, my quick visit to the Cosmosphere was well worth the detour, I would say. It was an enlightening journey through the history and future of space exploration. A stellar adventure, indeed!

Too bad, we only had a few hours to spare before we had to move on. Maybe someday, I’ll come back. If you get a chance to visit, do it!