| Driving
graphic with icons representing different types of museums

Our country is full of countless museums and monuments to remember its rich history and noteworthy people, places, art, and events. However, there are always new stories to tell, and in 2020, these eight new museums are bringing a wide range of history, culture, art, and achievement to the forefront.

National Museum of African American Music (Nashville, Tennessee)

Music City’s newest museum was scheduled to open on Labor Day weekend, but that has been pushed back due to COVID-19. While it’s sad we can visit right now, all indications are that it will be well worth the wait. According to the website, visitors can expect to “discover the central role African Americans have played in shaping and creating all genres of American music.”

The Harriet Tubman Museum (Cape May, New Jersey)

In the 1850s, Harriet Tubman lived in Cape May and used the money she earned in the coastal New Jersey town to help free fugitives. Now, more than 150 years later, the Harriet Tubman Museum will open on a block that anti-slavery activists called home. The original opening date has passed, but the museum’s Facebook account recently posted it hopes to be open in Mid-September.

Planet Word Museum (Washington, D.C.)

The nation’s capital is full of fascinating museums and monuments, but the Planet Word Museum is on a mission “to inspire a love of language in all its forms,” promoting independent reading at the highest level.  By making the language arts a part of the D.C. experience, Planet Word is hoping people are able to do the tasks some of us take for granted, like reading recipes or medicine labels. Go check out all the exhibits on October 22 when the museum opens to the public.

National Museum of the United States Army (Fort Belvoir, Virginia)

Located in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, the National Museum of the United States Army was supposed to be open by now, but COVID-19 has pushed it to a later date. When it’s safe to do so, the museum will open to the public. At that time, stop by to honor American soldiers and learn about the nation’s oldest military branch. The 185,000 square-foot building will display art, artifacts, documents, and images, many of which have never been seen by the American public.

U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

Now that the museum has opened, Colorado Springs is boasting some of the coolest exhibits around. Plan your visit and see an old Olympic Torch or the very medals that the world’s best athlete’s wear when they’re recognized for their achievements. One of our favorite things about the new 60,000 square-foot facility? They say it will focus on the core values of friendship, respect and excellence, determination, equality, inspiration, and courage. We also love that the museum is setting a new standard for accessibility and inclusivity for every guest.

National Children’s Museum (Washington, D.C)

If you’re visiting our nation’s capital and want to entertain your kids, the National Children’s Museum is a good destination to keep your eye on. The museum is temporarily closed due to COVID-19, but it will reopen when it’s safe to do so. In the meantime, check out the museum’s website for a number of virtual resources to keep your kids entertained.

Roots 101 African-American Museum (Louisville, Kentucky)

Originally slated to open in April, the global pandemic put a pause on Roots 101 African-American Museum’s plans. However, when the museum does open later in the year, Louisville residents and visitors can expect to see exhibits that embrace the museum’s mission:

“To promote understanding and inspire appreciation of the achievement, contribution, and experiences of African Americans using exhibits, programs, and activities to illustrate African-American history, culture, and art.”

The Momentary (Bentonville, Arkansas)

Dedicated to contemporary art, The Momentary is located in Bentonville, Arkansas, and serves as a satellite to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. This former cheese factory is now “a multidisciplinary space for visual and performing arts, culinary experiences, festivals, artists-in-residence, and more.” The museum is currently operating with reduced capacity, so make sure to plan ahead when you want to visit.

Before you get in the car and drive to learn exciting information at one of our nation’s newest museums, find out if you have the right insurance coverage. Give Direct Auto a call or visit us at DirectAuto.com! Also, be sure to double-check opening dates and hours due to COVID-19. And above all else, make sure you follow local safety guidelines before your visit.