Learn About Presidential History In DFW
President's Day marks a special time of the year where the nation comes together to commemorate all of the advancements that have been made to build this great country. Dallas is the proud host of several educational exhibits and events that are put forth in honor of this momentous holiday. From museum exhibitions to year round lecture series, Dallas has multiple ways for its residents to learn about both presidential and American history just within the city's walls.
The Sixth Floor Museum
411 Elm St.
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 747-6660
www.jfk.org
Price: $16 / adults; $13 / children ages 6-18; free / children 5 and younger
Presidents Day in Dallas is often bittersweet, especially for those who remember the fateful day when John F. Kennedy was assassinated here, November 22, 1963. The Sixth Floor Museum is dedicated solely to the events that led up to Kennedy's assassination and to honoring his legacy. The museum recently announced efforts to showcase monthly forums focused exclusively on specific details of Kennedy's assassination as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the event. The Sixth Floor Museum is one of the most popular of attractions in Dallas and widely revered for its accurate portrayal of the unfortunate assassination of one of the nation's most respected presidents.
Related: Exhibit Reunites Art JFK Saw Before Assassination
Southern Methodist University
6425 Boaz Lane
Dallas, TX 75205
(214) 768-2000
www.smu.edu
Southern Methodist University will partner up with both the Bush Library and The Sixth Floor Museum to introduce educational presentations that will delve into the intricacies of presidential history and more specifically those details that involve the presidency of John F. Kennedy. The first program in the series will be held on President's Day and is entitled "The Politics of Memory". Subsequent programs are scheduled to be held at various times throughout the year up until February 17, 2014. Leading up to the anniversary date of Kennedy's assassination, the lecture series will narrow its focus on Kennedy's time in office and his effect on the nation and its policies.
Eisenhower Birthplace
609 S. Lamar Ave.
Denison, TX 75021
(903) 465-8908
www.visiteisenhowerbirthplace.com
Price: $4 / adults; $3 / children ages 6-18; free / children 5 and younger
Travel just north of Dallas and plan a trip to visit the birthplace of the 34th president of the United States. Dwight Eisenhower was born in 1890 to two hardworking parents in a meek two-story home located directly in the heart of Denison, Texas. Recognized as a state historic site, tours of the modest home are offered six days a week, allowing visitors to observe antique furnishings within the 19th century style home and also exhibits that display the highlights of Eisenhower's presidency. After the tour, visitors are invited to picnic on the premises or to browse through the educational center at The Red Store, which is also on site.
Related: Texas Birthplace Of Eisenhower Welcomes Monument
National Women's History Museum
3800 Parry Ave.
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 915-0860
www.nwhm.org
Just as the presidents have been important to American History, so have the First Ladies and other noteworthy women shaped our country. Dallas pays homage to these phenomenal women, including First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, at its National Women's History Museum. Conveniently located in the Fair Park district of Dallas, the National Women's History Museum is just minutes away from Music Hall and other historical museums such as the African American History Museum. From lecture series to interactive online exhibits, the National Women's History Museum is just another way that Dallas residents can show patriotism and support for the incredible moves that the United States has made in history.
Cold War Air Museum
850 Ferris Road
Lancaster, TX 75146
(972) 218-9700
www.coldwarairmuseum.com
Just south of Dallas, the Cold War Air Museum displays aircrafts that were historically flown during the Cold War era. The Cold War marked a significant stamp in time in American History as it spanned throughout the terms of well over five presidents. Lancaster Airport's Cold War Air Museum is housed at a 45,000 square foot facility and welcomes visitors from all over the nation to tour the hangars that house Cold War aircrafts. While the museum is open Monday through Saturday, tours are only provided by appointment.
Leah Frazier is a freelance writer covering all things Dallas. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
