Our American history studies only got through WW2 before this trip to USA. I was quite disappointed about skipping the Civil Rights Movement, but then I had a huge brainstorm. We can take a field trip that will pretty much encapsulate the entire theme — the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, TN.
The museum is at the former Loraine Motel, the place where Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed. (Step one was helping Sprite remember the difference between Martin Luther, the Reformer and author of A Mighty Fortress is Our God and Martin Luther King, Jr., the Civil Rights Leader. There was some serious confusion until that was nailed down.)
My mom, who knows Memphis like the back of her hand, drove us downtown. We were not allowed to take photographs inside the museum, but we did buy some nice postcards. The museum is very well done and is very in-depth. I was glad that I didn’t bring Sprite two years ago on our last USA trip. She wouldn’t have appreciated it very much at all. Even at almost 11 years old, she tired of the detailed exhibits long before my mom and I did. I would recommend the museum for middle school students and older.
I learned a lot that I’d never heard before. And my mom, who is an avid museum goer, was very impressed too.
Of course, what else does one eat in downtown Memphis but BBQ? (That’s the way we “spell” barbecue, here in Tennessee.) TOPS is one of the oldest and best BBQ chains here. It was delicious. Posters of Elvis Presley were hanging all around, and table top napkin dispensers were at each bright red booth. It really felt like home.
Sprite is a fan of BBQ. Of course. It’s in her genetic structure.
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Hi, I'm Jimmie, and this is my online collage -- a little bit of this and a little bit of that, but mostly homeschooling with a loosely Charlotte Mason style. You're welcome to poke around and leave a comment if you desire. 
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
SO glad you are having a wonderful time! I know how awesome and special and lovely and wonderful and delicious and cherished and nice and agreeable and tasty and full it is to be there! I’m SO happy for you
amy in peru
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I am so glad that y’all get to spend so much time with family. I bet your mom is loving that you arrived in time for Mother’s Day.
That BBQ is making me hungry! I actually had a pulled pork sandwich for lunch- with cole slaw and Tiger Sauce in it. Yummy.
.-= Marsha´s last blog ..I won’t get breakfast in bed for Mother’s Day =-.
We lived in the Memphis area for three years while my husband attended seminary in the area. We never made it to the civil rights museum b/c our children were all very young, but we did eat the best BBQ EVER while we lived there!!!! Enjoy your time!
.-= Nikki´s last blog ..Mother’s Day 2010 =-.
It sounds like a neat museum. And, a great way to study that time in American history. The BBQ looks yummy!
Enjoy your Mother’s Day with your Mom tomorrow! I’m sure she’s thrilled to have you & Sprite home.
I love BBQ and have heard of Tops but never eaten there. Have fun with your family.
Blessings,
Dawn
So happy to see you enjoying yourselves back in the good ol’ US of A! Made me excited about our trip home to visit family this coming October on our way from Europe to Asia.
Sprite & her BBQ reminds me of my kidlet who looks forward to some of that home comfort food!
Enjoy & happy Mother’s Day weekend!
.-= soultravelers3´s last blog ..Camping Europe in a Motorhome RV: 5 Best Sites! =-.
My best friend lives in Memphis, so I am there at least every other year (they come to our home in Houston for a visit the other years). We’ll be heading there in July and I’m going to put these on the list of places to visit while there. I can’t believe in the all the years we’ve gone to Memphis, we’ve never been to either one.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
That will be an unforgettable history lesson – I’m sure Sprite will never forget the Bar-B-Q as well.
Glad to know you are safe and sound.
Yum! BBQ is how I learned to spell it too *wink* must be southern roots! So glad you’re having a fun time and enjoying “hands-on” history too. We’re considering traveling to Boston this summer which will relate to our AH studies for this year – fun! Enjoy Mother’s Day with your mom!!
Oh my! My mouth immediately started watering when I saw that BBQ (being a Georgia girl and all)! I need me some of that.
I wish I were over there, too. Have a great time, and Happy Mother’s Day!
.-= Sue´s last blog ..Precious Moments =-.
Jimmie, I didn’t know you were on your way to TN. My parents live in Estill Springs (south of Nashville). We’ll be spending our summer there, however, I don’t think we’ll be there in time to “track y’all down” before you head out to vaster pastures. Enjoy all those downhome pleasures.
Memphis does have some good BBQ. Totally different from NC barbecue though