Antique Farms are always interesting family outings that make history come alive. Just don't tell the kids it's a history lesson. Seeing how people worked and lived, especially in our own local areas really gives kids a connection to their heritage that is fun.

My friend told me her daughters were still playing "farm" weeks after the family toured a local farm museum. There's nothing like actually experiencing Living History to make it come alive.

If you are into collecting Antique farm implements, Milk Jugs or tractors, it's a lot of fun to go to Farm Museums and Country tractor shows. A lot of great people show up at these wholesome family days.

They are really fun and are a great way to spend family time together that will be remembered and appreciated. Believe me, kids go nuts with old Farm equipment, especially tractors!

I remember playing on old tractors as a kid, in my home town over 40 years ago! Playing farmer with my two wild brothers, on old ramshackled tractors is a memory I still delight in.

Who knows? Maybe that is what hooked me into the Antique Farm passion? Ok, I admit it, I'm hooked!

What is really amazing though is that you can find ancient relics at these shows often in Top running shape. Did you know you can still order parts for some of these living history machines?

To share in the fun, here is a list of some of the best Farm Museums out there. Here is a list of Farm Museums by Area:

(Please note: There are a lot of them so I will present the huge list via several articles).

North Dakota
Museum: MAKOTI THRESHERS MUSEUM
Location: Makoti, North Dakota
Contact: (701)-726-5581
Info: Over 250 stationary engines & 150 antique farm tractors. Open June through September by appointment only.

Ohio
Museum: HUBER MUSEUM
Location: Marion, Ohio
Contact: (614)-389-1098
Info: Visit the museum at the Marion County Fairgrounds. It is open every Saturday 1-4 p.m. And by appointment.The museum will be open during the Annual Steam & Gas Engine Show the 3rd weekend in June. You will find a 1914 Steam Engine, Threshers, a Corn Shredder, early Farm Tractors and Machinery, several pieces of Construction Equipment, and other Memorabilia.

Pennsylvania
Museum: ROUGH & TUMBLE ENGINEERS HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Location: Kinzer, PA
Contact: (717)-442-4249
Info: Collections of steam and gas engines available. Open May to Labor Day, Friday-

South Carolina
Museum: PENDELTON DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM
Location: Pendelton, South Carolina
Contact: (864)-646-3782
Info: Collections of local pre-1925 farm tractors, tool and equipment. Open by appointment only.

Texas
Museum: SELL HOMESTEAD MUSEUM
Location: Booker, Texas
Contact: Dan or David Sell, (806)-658-4786; (806)-658-2253
Info: Featuring antique engines, tractors & cars, rare tractors & cars. Open by appointment only.

Virginia
Museum: CHIPPOTES FARM & FORESTRY MUSEUM
Location: Surry, Virginia
Contact: (804)-786-7950
Info: Collection of antique farm tractors and forestry equipment. Open March to May & September to November Saturday 10-4, Sunday 1-4.

Washington
Museum: CENTRAL WASHINGTON AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM
Location: Union Gap, Washington
Contact: (509)-457-8735
Info: Featuring 18 display buildings of antique farm machinery and tractors. Open daily 10-5

Museum: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY
Location: 14th Street and Constitution Ave. N.W. , Washington, D.C.
Contact: (202)-357-2700
Info: Open daily, 10 am to 5.30 pm. Extended summer hours are determined annually. Admission is free. Call for more information

Museum: FORT WALLA WALLA MUSEUM COMPLEX
Location: Walla Walla, Washington
Contact: (509)-525-7703
Info: Open April to October, Tuesday through Sunday 10-5. On display a 1919 combine used for threshing wheat.

West Virginia
Museum: WEST VIRGINIA STATE FARM MUSEUM
Location: Point Pleasant, West Virginia
Contact: (304)-675-5737
Info: Old tractors and two steam engines on display. Open April to October,

That's all this time. Next time: International Farm Museums!

Aliza Levine is an Antique Farm Nut and Historical Researcher Check out http://www.Antique-Farm.com - Feel Free to copy, print and frame the stunning Historical Farm Photograph Collection!