Authors: Suzanne & Craig Sheumaker

ISBN: 9780979259807

Suzanne and Craig Sheumaker have logged over 125, 000 miles traveling the USA by car and motor-home exploring America’s history. Combining their talents in writing, graphic design and photography and with the inclusion of a immense amount of information in their A Traveler’s Guide: America’s Living History: The Early Years, they have produced an excellent guide book that will enable readers to share their profound passion and enthusiasm as they explore America’s past through their travels.

The guide’s introduction outlines how the Sheumakers went about choosing three hundred of the top history-oriented destinations which, as they mention, comprises a substantial number of National Parks, National Monuments or State Historic Sites. In fact, six have been designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

The focus of the book with a few exceptions is on pre-1840 destinations and the span of time embraces American Native Peoples, European settlement and finally the emergence of an independent America. As the emphasis is on American history, each chapter begins with a brief overview of relevant historical information.

The first section of the guide presents us with a broad view of the couple’s recommended three hundred premier destinations and these are divided into defined areas of the USA comprising the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Central, South, Mountains, Prairies, Desert Southwest and the Far West. A general map at the beginning of the guide pinpoints each of these destinations and each section has its own individualized map with numbers that correspond to the name of an historical venue. For example, if we refer to the section pertaining to the Northeast, we notice sixty-two reference points divided into five sections, America’s Native Peoples, European Colonization, Religious and Secular Groups, Road to Independence, and Our Nation.

This section is followed by an historical timeline or the early years covering the period from pre-history to the 1500s, 1500s to 1630, 1630 to 1764, 1764 to 1783, and 1783 to 1840. An entire chapter is devoted to America’s Native Peoples and ancient cultures where we learn about such topics as the cliff and canyon dwellings. Recommended venues to visit are the Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico, the Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado as well as others that are scattered throughout the USA, all of which will enhance our appreciation of the contribution of Native Americans to American culture.

Another chapter is devoted to European colonization where readers are introduced to the influences of the Spanish, French and English settlers and once again the authors lead the way to the various sites where we can possibly enjoy re-enactments of past events, learn about early life pertaining to communities, arts and crafts, clothing, business, public affairs and military actions.

As religious and secular groups have played a very vital role in America’s past, there is an entire section devoted to such groups as the Huguenots, Quakers, Shakers, Amish, Moravians, Catholics, Jews, Mormons, Amanas and other groups. If we refer to this section we notice where the authors suggest we visit such places as the Huguenot Church in Charleston, South Carolina or such other religious venues as Fallsington, Pennsylvania that is a living testament to Quaker peacefulness and architectural heritage. Then there is the Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, the oldest Jewish house of worship in the USA.

The Road to Independence Chapter points the traveler in the direction of such destinations as the Claude Moore Colonial Farm, historic Deerfield, Massachusetts, Peter Wentz Farmstead in Philadelphia, Middleton Place House in Charleston, Gunston Hall Plantation in Lorton, Virginia and several others. Our New Nation Chapter brings us to the era when the United States became independent and how the landscape had changed where we witness a change in livelihoods and culture.

The final chapter is dedicated to the Opening of the West and quite a bit of ink is given to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

This engaging guide brings to life America’s past with its well organized, easy to follow format and with its perfect union of text and vibrant photo images, you can't go wrong. There is even included helpful sidebars that are sprinkled throughout every chapter as well as phone numbers and web site addresses of each one of the attractions mentioned.

The Sheumakers have researched their topic extensively and the result is a very valuable learning resource and a book that will undoubtedly enhance your travel experiences, particularly if you are interested in immersing yourself in America’s fascinating living past.

The above review was contributed by:  NORM GOLDMAN:  Retired Title Attorney: Editor & Publisher of Bookpleasures. Here are  Norm Goldman's Reviews       

To read Norm's Interview with Suzanne and Craig Sheumaker CLICK HERE