The 10 Best History Museums in United States, United States

September 9, 2021 Diedre Savory

Spanning 2,800 miles (4,506 kilometers) from east to west, the US is a vast patchwork of landscapes and metropolises. From Arizona’s red-rocked canyons and California’s coastal beaches to New York’s big city and Virginia’s storied past, it covers any topic any traveler could want or need.
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1. National Museum of the Pacific War

340 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624-4612 +1 830-997-8600 [email protected] http://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,735 reviews

National Museum of the Pacific War

*Open Wed-Sun.Online ticket purchase only* Formerly the Nimitz Museum, the complex is now the only museum in the Continental United States centered on World War II's Pacific campaign. Since 1968, the Museum has expanded to occupy a six-acre campus and gained a reputation as one of the premier military museums in the nation. Over the years the Museum was upgraded and enlarged, and the campus grew to accommodate the Memorial Courtyard, the Plaza of Presidents and the Japanese Garden of Peace. We opened the expanded George H. W. Bush Gallery in 2009. The Gallery's state-of-the-art 33,000 square foot exhibition features 40 media installations, approximately 900 artifacts in 97 climate-controlled cases, 15 macro-artifacts, and hundreds of photographs. Two blocks east of the main campus is the Pacific Combat Zone. Recently reopened after an $8 million renovation. The PCZ is also home to our popular WWII Pacific Combat Program that takes place on set weekends throughout the year.

Reviewed By Tour560826

We had no idea this museum was in Fredericksburg - only an hour drive from Austin. My grandfather is a WWII vet who served in the Pacific, and the staff went above and beyond to help us honor him with a beautiful memorial in their gallery. They even gave me a rendering that I can provide to my grandfather, since he is too elderly to travel. We spent 5+ hours at the museum admiring the detailed and perfectly curated exhibits (including the remarkable oral history collected from veterans), and are so excited to come back when the renovated Admiral Nimitz Gallery reopens. Highly recommend!

2. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203-1911 +1 205-328-9696 http://www.bcri.org/
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,251 reviews

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

This historic museum traces the journey of the civil rights advocates of the 1950s and 60s, who changed the course of American history. The struggle for equality for Black Americans is chronicled here, from the Jim Crow laws in the 1800s to the freedom rides, sit-ins and demonstrations of the 1960s.

Reviewed By vault101_overseer - Newark, United States

The museum had interesting content. The target market seemed to be families with young children or people with less understanding of Jim Crow or the Civil Rights era. It was worthwhile though and the highlight was touching the bars of the jail cell MLK Jr was in and seeing the effects that were donated by Denise McNair's family.

3. The Strong National Museum of Play

1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607-3941 +1 585-263-2700 [email protected] http://www.museumofplay.org/
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,156 reviews

The Strong National Museum of Play

The Strong is a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play. It is one of the largest history museums in the United States and one of the leading museums serving families. The Strong houses the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play and is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School, and the American Journal of Play. Together, these enable a multifaceted array of research, exhibition, and other interpretive and educational activities that serve a diverse audience of adults, families, children, students, teachers, scholars, collectors, and others around the globe.

Reviewed By V7823XUmichaelb

This museum is fun for all ages and for hours! They have a mini Wegmans, toys HOF, a butterfly exhibit and so much more! Fabulous.

4. National WWI Museum and Memorial

2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108-4616 +1 816-888-8100 [email protected] http://www.theworldwar.org
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5,466 reviews

National WWI Museum and Memorial

The National WWI Museum and Memorial is America's leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum and Memorial holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and experiences of the war. The Museum and Memorial takes visitors of all ages on an epic journey through a transformative period and shares deeply personal stories of courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice. Designated by Congress as America's official World War I Museum and Memorial and located in downtown Kansas City, Mo., the National WWI Museum and Memorial inspires thought, dialogue and learning to make the experiences of the Great War era meaningful and relevant for present and future generations.

Reviewed By PiperLinda - Stillwater, United States

If you have even a smidgeon of history buff in you, you will love this museum and memorial!! Wonderful displays and an extensive amount of information are just waiting for you!! And, as an extra perk, take a look at the view from the outside -- it really is spectacular!!

5. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

620 N Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102-3032 +1 405-235-3313 [email protected] http://MemorialMuseum.com
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5,055 reviews

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum stands as a symbol of strength in the wake of unspeakable violence. Visit the Memorial Museum to experience the brutality of the Oklahoma City bombing, and the tenderness of the response. Share our dream of a world without violence and terrorism. Free parking with Museum admission.

Reviewed By MidwestKathM - Detroit, United States

Our first visit to Oklahoma City so visited the Memorial with family who live here. A beautiful memorial! The setting is serene and thought-provoking as we walked around the reflecting pool, the walls, the survivor tree, the chairs each with the name of a victim, and the fence with notes and memorabilia. Very sobering, and more so with the stories our family shared of that day and the weeks that followed. (We did not visit the museum, due to time constraints.)

6. Legacy Museum

115 Coosa St, Montgomery, AL 36104-2506 +1 334-269-1803 http://museumandmemorial.eji.org
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 361 reviews

Legacy Museum

Reviewed By jillg272019 - Cambridge, United Kingdom

the museum and the memorial are stupendous testimonials to the history of African Americans in USA. a moving and memorable experience.

7. National Museum of African American History and Culture

1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20560-0007 +1 844-750-3012 [email protected] http://nmaahc.si.edu/
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,476 reviews

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Reviewed By HopesandDreams - Virginia, United States

Having visited other sobering locations – Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, Hitler’s Historical Museum in Munich, Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany, Vietnam Military History Museum in Ho Chi Minh, Aboriginal interest in Sydney, etc. . . .. . . . . one compares and contrast and ponders what is in the hearts and minds of some. This is a truly well presented, creative, EXCELLENT Museum, especially for overall cultural appreciation and understanding. At this Museum, as with others, the hearts must be of stone or the minds must be tight of those who are not moved by the exhibits, regardless of background or culture. Visited on a slow (still crowded) Thanksgiving Day. 1) Yes, it is difficult to see some exhibits, as by design, it is CROWDED, dark and a tight squeeze. 2) Yes, you may miss something as the walking patterns are not aligned in any one direction in some areas. 3) Yes, the Sweet Shop food is soulful and expensive and not to everyone’s taste. (I enjoyed it!) 4) Yes, there are things that are not perfect and can be critiqued and improved but overall……. So much history and information. . . Overwhelming! Difficult to absorb everything in one 7 hour day visit. Get early timed passes to ensure your 10:00 AM opening time entry and plan to be there until 5:00 pm close as this is, at least, a whole day activity. Start at the bottom floor and work your way up (an intentional, creative design) for true historical progression. HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR ALL!

8. Historic Jamestowne

1368 Colonial Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185 +1 757-856-1250 [email protected] http://www.historicjamestowne.org/
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,335 reviews

Historic Jamestowne

Historic Jamestowne is the original site of the first permanent English settlement in America. Ongoing archaeology at the site of James Fort has changed our understanding of the struggles and triumphs of early 1600s life in Virginia. Living history programs and an archaeology museum tell the story of this dramatic rediscovery. The site is jointly administered by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia.

Reviewed By Seabiscuit47 - Washington DC, United States

This was a pleasant and educational surprise. It is well worth the short walk from the visitor center to the ruins, archeological dig and museum. The interpretive introduction by the volunteer, in character as John Rolfe was both fascinating and humorous. The archeology museum is a wonderful source of artifacts and reconstruction of 17th century life in the settlement. The small restaurant onsite serve nice sandwiches/wraps and has a patio on the banks of the river.

9. Colonial Williamsburg

101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185-4565 +1 855-392-8473 [email protected] http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/#utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=business_listing
Excellent
67%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12,204 reviews

Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is the only place that takes you back in time to the dawn of America. This isn't just a place where things once happened. They're happening, right now, here in the 18th century. We're the place where the idea of our country is being born; the place where the ideals we stand for as Americans are being defined. We are the 18th century "live," filled with the stories of the women, men, and children—free and enslaved—whose values and visions gave us a new world. Step back in time and meet the people who made America—sing with them, dance with them, eat with them, and have fun with them. For every person who wants to understand this country, this is your place.

Reviewed By 511lindam - Chapel Hill, United States

We stayed at the Williamsburg Lodge and loved everything about it! Williamsburg is great fun and I would recommend a multi day pass to explore all of Colonial Williamsburg!! Overall just a great place to visit for all ages!!

10. Eastern State Penitentiary

2124 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130-2603 +1 215-236-3300 [email protected] http://www.easternstate.org
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,299 reviews

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of convicts. Tours today include the cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Al Capone’s Cell, and Death Row.

Reviewed By 527suzyb - Nashua, United States

Our family, including 7 and 11-year old children, visited Eastern State on Monday, August 20. We booked ahead online for a discount, and saved a few additional dollars using a hotel brochure code. The online tickets were scannable from our phones so there was no need to print. We took advantage of the different tour options available: *Main Audio Tour - A perfect starting point for getting oriented and learning the basics *Hands On History Tours - We attended several short talks given by live guides. I especially recommend visiting the Hospital wing which can only be done on a tour. The map lists tour times throughout the day. *Selected Audio Tour Stops - Together we came up with a list of additional sites to visit based on everyone's interests. We took in the sports yard, Al Capone's cell, an escape tunnel and more. Nothing about Eastern State was too scary for the kids. Ahead of our visit we described it to our 7-year old as "a museum about a prison" to emphasize that it was not in active use. That helped him frame it appropriately. Walking out, he declared "that was more fun than I thought it was going to be!" The 11-year old was so taken with this snapshot that it's now the background photo for her phone. Mission accomplished!

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