Museum Access

Join host Leslie Mueller as she explores the world of American literary giant, Mark Twain at the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, CT. See where he lived and where he wrote about Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer, King Arthur’s count, princes, paupers and more. Then go behind-the-scenes to see his personal artifacts and handwritten comments or ‘marginalia’ in the museums’ private archives.

Join host Leslie Mueller at the oldest federal museum in the country, the West Point Museum in West Point, NY. Explore the unequaled collection of military artifacts from the American Revolution to present day battlefields. Go behind-the-scenes to see how the cadet uniforms are skillfully produced each year. Then hear from 3 outstanding cadets as they share their personal journeys in the spectacular visitor’s center overlooking the mighty Hudson River.

Join host Leslie Mueller in Sarasota, FL at the spectacular Ringling Museum. Follow John Ringling’s journey from the rural Midwest to the national stage during the golden days of the circus. See one-of-kind circus artifacts from under the big top and John Ringling’s personal rail car. Then go behind-the-scenes to the private conservation lab to see where artifacts from the circus collection and the massive fine art collection are carefully conserved and protected.

Join host Leslie Mueller on the Chicago river at the unique McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. Learn about the history of the Chicago River, the importance of its moveable bridge system and the dynamic relationship between the river and the city of Chicago. Then go behind-the-scenes to see one of the massive gear systems in action as it powers the ‘bridge lift’ at Michigan Avenue and the river.

Join host Leslie Mueller in NYC at the New York City Fire Museum. Celebrate the history of the fire service from the days of bucket brigades to carriage to engines. Salute the New York firefighters lost on September 11, 2001. Then go behind-the-scenes at a firehouse in Norwalk, CT to see modern apparatus and learn how firefighters continue training year round.

Join host Leslie Mueller at the world class American Heritage Museum in Stow, MA. We visit 3 locations on the property learning about civilian and military transportation technology in the classic automobile barn, the historic aircraft hanger and the main museum that houses rare artifacts, tanks and vehicles used in WWI to the present day. Then go behind-the-scenes as Leslie drives an original WWII M4 Sherman Tank.

Join host Leslie Mueller in Astoria, NY at the Museum of the Moving Image. Learn about the history of moving images from early wooden cameras to present day digital tools. Explore the immersive Jim Henson exhibition and learn about his career and legacy including the beloved Muppets. Then go behind-the-scenes in the private projection room to see how films fill the screen at our local theaters.

Join host Leslie Mueller in Chicago at the American Writer’s Museum. Explore over 400 years of history through writing at this interactive museum. Learn about the mind of the writer, the tools of the trade and the sometimes challenging creative process. Then see rare museum artifacts from the private archives of this unusual museum.

Join host Leslie Mueller in St. Petersburg, FL at the architecturally breathtaking Dali Museum. Learn about artist Salvador Dali, said to be the father of surrealism. See the unparalleled collection of work from oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, prints, photographs, sculptures and more. Then go behind-the-scenes into the museums private archives to see dazzling jewelry designed by this prolific artist.

Join host Leslie Mueller in NYC at the world class American Museum of Natural History. See the striking exhibits throughout the museum and walk into the world’s largest jewelry box in the Hall of Gems and Minerals. From the 12′ tall amethyst geode to gems and minerals from around the world. Then go behind-the-scenes to see how this jaw-dropping exhibit was created.