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All Aboard for a Presidents Day Party, Missouri

Edited by Sarah Wilman

The fourth annual President's Day will be celebrated in Independence, Missouri, over a long weekend on February 17, 18 and 19, 2007. The theme of the event is "Toys and Trains: Antique and Unusual" and a variety of family friendly activities will be spread throughout the city. Displays, a children's workshop, lectures, puppet shows, themed tea parties, presidential re-enactors, films, toys of the Truman family and Caroline Kennedy's doll collection, will all be crammed into three days of live entertainment and special exhibits.

Whistle Call for Train Lovers

Built in 1879, the Chicago and Alton Depot is believed to be the oldest 2-story depot remaining in Missouri . Recently restored, the Depot includes artefacts of the era on the main level and a fully furnished station master's living quarters on the upper level. Displays will spotlight trains.

Sat 17, Sun 18 and Mon 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The beautifully restored Civil War heritage mansion at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, will set up displays throughout the house. A large "Backyard" child-sized train will also be set up in the circular driveway.

Sat 17, Sun 18 and Mon 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

www.bwestate.org.

The Puppetry Arts Institute, is holding "Little Engine in Cow Country", an original overhead shadow puppet show. There will also be balloon train engines being made, for children to take home.

Sat 17 and Mon 19, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

www.hazelle.org

The National Frontier Trails Museum is showing a free movie: "History of American Railroads". The four-part, eighty-minute film explores the fascinating story behind American Railroads.

Sat 17 and Sun 18, 2 p.m.

Lash Up a Corn Dolly

The National Frontier Trails Museum, is hosting a Children's Workshop: Cornhusk Doll Making. Children of the frontier often made toys out of anything that was available to them. In this fun and informative workshop, participants will learn the history of corn husk dolls and how to make and dress them.

Advance reservations required.

Sat 17, 10 a.m.

www.frontiertrailsmuseum.org

Tea Amongst The toys

Serendipity B & B is throwing “A Toyful Tea Party”. The 1887 three story brick house will be filled with antique and unusual toys , for a chance to experience the Victorian era. The home is overflowing with unique children's books, dolls, miniature furnishings, tea sets, teddy bears and more.

Tea party Sun 18 12:30 p.m. and Mon 19 1:00 p.m
Reservations required at 800-203-4299

Truman Presidential Museum & Library,

The Museum is hosting a major exhibit entitled " A Child in the White House: Caroline Kennedy's Dolls.” This exhibit showcases more than 100 dolls and puppets from about 30 countries given to Caroline between 1961 and 1963 by foreign dignitaries, first ladies such as Monaco 's Princess Grace and India 's Indira Gandhi as well as ordinary citizens from countries around the world. Caroline's doll house is also on display.

Sat 17 and Mon 19, 9 am to 5 pm; Sun 18, 12 pm to 5pm

www.trumanlibrary.org

Harry S Truman Home Ticket and Visitors Center, First daughter Margaret's toys will be on display during the weekend in the exhibit cases at the center.  Free for exhibits an film, regular admission applies to visit the Truman Home.

Sat 17, Sun 18 and Mon 19, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

www.nps.gov/hstr

Nibble a Presidential Cookie

A Truman Presidential re-enactor, dressed in period attire, will meet and greet visitors to the Truman Presidential Museum and Library. Truman will also offer occasional press conferences in the Museum's auditorium during the day and there will be opportunities to enjoy free cookies made from the favorite recipes of former Presidents.

Mon 19, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. .

www.trumanlibrary.org

Gorgeous George is Awash With Culture

There is a lecture at the National Frontier Trails Museum, on "George Washington: The Formative Years". George Washington’s childhood and early adulthood were filled with interesting people who helped shape his mind and heart. Learn about this formative period of the United States first president during the 30-minute talk which will be accompanied by illustrations.

Mon 19, 11:00 a.m.

For more details call 800-748-7323 or go to www.visitindependence.com

Missouri has a history of appealing to childhood and was the site of Walt Disney’s boyhood:  http://www.travellady.com/Issues/August05/1769Missouri.htm

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