Just like many of you – in fact, many thousands of you – I first paid a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago when I was a kid. I don’t remember whether I was in Mrs. Carter’s 4th-grade class or Mr. Johnson’s 6th grade class or whether I went with my Cub Scout Pack. Regardless, the visit was memorable.
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The Impact of the Museum
It doesn’t really make a whole lot of difference when I first visited… What matters most is the impact it had on all of us. Interestingly enough, the impact was felt immediately by some, and for the rest of us, well, let’s just say that it took a little longer. But what is important to know – and especially for those of you who are teachers, or Cub Scout leaders, or even… gulp… parents, the impact is undeniable. It does take place. And the result is forever.
For me, the impact of the Museum was like a charcoal briquette, smoldering unnoticed for, ahem… about 40 years. It is hardly fair to choose but a few of the thousands of wonderful exhibits that are found there. But the exhibits I remember most from my youth were the Coal Mine, the Echo Chamber, and the Living Body, among others.
Note: If you’re heading to Chicago to see some sites, it might be worthwhile to check out CityPass. You can save up to 48% off regular rates on the most popular attractions – including admission to the Museum of Science and Industry, the Shedd Aquarium and more!
The U-505 German Submarine
When I first set eyes on the inside of the U-505 submarine, I had no idea of the tremendous impact that it would eventually have on the way I viewed history. History in general and museums in specific. I actually despised and had no interest in history back then. I only knew that my father (who was a Seabee in the Navy) wouldn’t talk much about the “War to End All Wars.”
The briquette suddenly began to glow many years ago when I visited the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. I toured the USS Cobia submarine that is docked there. I can only encourage you to visit the museum yourself and tour the sub, and then ask you how you feel. It is a very cool, and very special place!
A German U-Boat off the Coast of New Jersey
I do know that the briquette burst into flame this past summer when I finally got a chance to read Shadow Divers, a true story about two deep wreck divers who discovered in 1990 – at a depth of about 240 feet – a German U-boat, some 60 miles off the coast of New Jersey!
Then came the revelation that the old and rusting U505 in Chicago had been given another chance at “life” at the Museum of Science and Industry – she had been completely redone, and the Museum had provided a brand-new home for her, some 40 feet underground. The exhibit encompassed some 35,000 square feet of space.
I had to see her once again, especially after reading an article in the Chicago Tribune Sunday Magazine. The article told the tale of her construction, history during the War, her final capture, and of the lives of several of her ill-fated crew, some of whom were still around to tell the story. And so I made another trip to the Museum…
Follow me on my next trip to the Museum of Science and Industry…
