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potus_geeks, I don't have any plans to visit any historical sights in 2011, though if I did, I think some of the places I'd like to see are:1. The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, Iowa: This was one of the first Presidential Libraries and Hoover is such a fascinating paradox.
2. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston: Boston is one great city that I still haven't seen, and the 60s were such interesting times. Kennedy gave rise to so much optimism and his presidency ended so tragically. I'm sure this would be a geek's dream visit.
3. Sagamore Hill: I've seen Teddy Roosevelt's birthplace in Manhattan and that's a great place to see, but I'm told that Sagamore Hill has even more historical artifacts and let's face it, you can never get too much TR, right?
4. Mount Vernon: There would be so much to see in Virginia, not the least of which would be where the great man hung out.
5. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois: I've been to the Lincoln Memorial and to Ford Theatre and the more I read about Lincoln, the more I want to know about the man.
Here are some of the books in my collection that I still haven't read and am anxious to do so, hopefully in 2011:
1. James Monroe: The Last Founding Father-Just reading the introduction about the only other President other than Washington to win an election unopposed makes me want to learn more about what made this guy tick.
2. The Last Campaign: How Harry Truman Won the 1948 Election-I really want to know how Dewey blew it. This election was his to lose and he lost it. He didn't seem like an incompetent boob, so what went wrong?
3. By One Vote: The Disputed Election of 1876-Speaking of close elections, I bet this story is an interesting one. What made it so close, and was a corrupt bargain struck to give the election to Hayes?
4. Mr. Buchanan's Administration on the Eve of Rebellion-This is James Buchanan's explanation of what went wrong to cause the nation to divide and why he was powerless to stop it. Oh this outta be good.
5. Ike's Final Battle: The Road to Little Rock and the Challenge of Equality-The civil rights struggle of the 50s and 60s has always fascinated me, especially since I visited the Brown v. Board of Education Museum in Topeka, Kansas. Was Ike a ditherer or a leader? Strong opinions prevail on both sides and I'd love to learn more about the times and how Ike responded.
So many good books and interesting places to see. I hope that 2011 is a great year for each of you and one when you find time to whet your thirst for knowledge. Happy 2011 everyone!