by Jerry Annunzio
During the week of the ACB convention (July 1-8, 2000), many exciting tours will be offered. We encourage you to pre-register, so that you will be assured of getting the specific tours that interest you.
For information about the pre-convention tours, look back at your March “Braille Forum” at the article, “After the Winds of Winter, Kentucky Blooms.” Below, find information about tours which will be taking place during convention week. Please note that, because we are still in the process of confirming final arrangements, minor adjustments in schedules may still take place. But, for right now, here are our plans:
Louisville City Tours: Saturday and Sunday, July 1 and 2
A guide will ride with you on the comfortable, air-conditioned motor coach to provide a detailed narrative as you travel through the historic neighborhoods of Louisville. You may feel as though you are traveling through time, as you jaunt from the historic West Main Street to the downtown area with its contemporary architecture. The guide will explain how this frontier fort on the river moved from a small outpost to a sleek, modern city. There will be a brief shopping opportunity at the Kentucky Derby Museum Gift Shop, located adjacent to legendary Churchill Downs. After you have traveled through the city, you can relax and enjoy a delightful lunch on the banks of the Ohio River at Captain’s Quarters Restaurant.
Locust Grove: Thursday, July 6
Experience the story of George Rogers Clark and the beginning of Louisville. Clark’s final home was an 18th century plantation set on 55 acres of rolling hills east of Louisville. This plantation was visited by three presidents, and was the stopping point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition before they returned to Washington to report their findings. Special programs will offer visitors a first-hand experience of the plantation and the items produced there.
The Belle of Louisville Riverboat Cruise: Wednesday, July 5
Step back in time aboard the historic Belle of Louisville, our nation’s oldest operating river steamboat. As you board you will be entertained by the Belle’s old-time calliope. With a mighty whistle blast, your voyage will leave the dock at 8 p.m. and return you to modern civilization at 11 p.m. During the cruise, you can listen to the band, walk around the boat, dance or just relax and enjoy the sounds of the river and the gentle movement of this old sternwheeler.
Frankfort, the State Capitol History Center: Monday, July 3
The city of Frankfort, Kentucky, is only an hour away from Louisville. The capitol building, which is modeled after our national capitol, sits next to one of the nation's most impressive governor's mansions. A fresh new History Center houses artifacts that you may touch as you listen to audio descriptions. Under the “Domes of Silence,” Kentucky’s most famous historical person, Daniel Boone, rests in peace at the top of the cliffs overlooking the Kentucky River Valley as he requested.
American Printing House for the Blind: July 2 through 7
Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the American Printing House for the Blind and the Kentucky School for the Blind, both of which will be open for ACB conventioneers! There will be three areas to visit: the museum, the studio and the production area. In the museum, you will learn about the reading and writing systems which existed before braille. You will be able to touch systems that you may have never even known existed. And of course, there is a famous section about Helen Keller.
In the studio, you may hear — and be only inches away from — some of your favorite readers as they record yet another book for your enjoyment.
In the production area, you will smell the ink as the large-print books are being printed. At another point you will feel the vibrations of the presses as they punch out thousands of braille pages. And in a few more steps you will hear the whirring of the tape duplicating machines as they make hundreds of copies of this year’s most widely read books on tape. Tour groups will be limited to 45 members, so each person will be able to have a real hands-on experience. Be sure to check out your registration forms for specific departure times for APH tours.
Lions Eye Foundation: Thursday, July 6
Tours of the Lions Eye Foundation are still in the planning phase. We anticipate two opportunities, toward the end of convention week, for you to tour this intriguing research facility, which is funded by the Lions International. Come see the work being done for good eye health and learn about possible sight restoration procedures.
Louisville Slugger Museum: Wednesday, July 5 and Friday, July 7
Have you ever seen a baseball bat 120 feet long and 9 feet in diameter? Yes, that Louisville Slugger really exists at 800 West Main, along with a baseball glove that is 10 feet long, 9 feet wide, 4 feet tall and weighs 15 tons! All these and many more amazing icons of baseball are out in the open where you can touch them. In the case of the glove, you can climb onto it or even crawl inside it if you like.
How would you like to hold a baseball bat that Babe Ruth actually swung? Yes, you can do that and much more. This tour will fill your senses with thrills and excitement every step of the way.
At the beginning of the tour, you may order a personalized bat. Depending on the model you select, you may be able to pick up your bat at the end of the tour, or it may be shipped to your home.
You will hear about baseball’s greatest hits and hitters and hold some of the bats they used. There are life-size models of some of the greatest pitchers, hitters, catchers and players, and they can be touched.
Beyond the museum is the plant where you can take a guided tour and learn how a tree is turned into a baseball bat whose next stop could be a major league ball game. At the end of the tour you will receive a free 17-inch Louisville Slugger mini bat as your souvenir.
The Derby Dinner Theater: Saturday, July 8
The Derby Dinner Theater will be the site for a wonderful evening of food and entertainment. You may select your food from the buffet line or make your selections from a menu of buffet items and ask a volunteer to serve you.
Because the theater is in the round, you will never be more than two or three rows away from the action. The Sunshine Boys will be playing on the night of your visit.