A museum is a place or building in which works of historical, artistic and scientific value are cared for and exhibited.

The word museum comes from Greek mouseion meaning "place of the Muses". Muses were any of the nine daughters of Mnemosyne and Zeus, each of whom presided over a different art or science.

It wasn't until the 19th century that buildings were specifically designed as museums. The first children's museum was the Brooklyn Museum in New York, which opened in 1899.

Why go to a Museum?
Visiting a museum is a great way to learn about the history of your community and see neat artifacts and memorabilia of the early days of your city or town.

Some museums offer special programs or camps just for kids that offer neat things for you to participate in.

Museums can be devoted to one topic. Art gallery museums usually feature works of artists. Science museums usually feature scientific information and artifacts. There are museums about space, travel, history, music and so much more. There are even museums devoted just for toys!

Whatever type of museum you go to you can learn about neat things from the past. Many have hands-on things for you to do. Who knows you might even find out your grandfather or great grandparents did some pretty cool things.

Going to a museum is not as boring as you might think - check out a museum today! If there isn't one near you to visit, many museums are online with lots of interaction and virtual tours right on your computer.

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