Celebrate special events of the past century during 2012

Whether you’re a history buff or pop culture afficianado, 2012 offers numerous opportunities to celebrate the centennial year of eventful happenings from our past—with a look to the future. You can build a trip around any of these special anniversaries and learn about times past while enjoying the present.

Celebrate with a 'Vette from
any year!
Photo by Larry Burmeier

• Although Chevrolet actually turned out its first automobile in November 1911, the real celebration comes this summer when the company rolls out the 2012 Corvette Centennial Special Edition. What better model to commemorate a century of car-making than the All-American sports car, spiffed up with ebony interior, suede accents, red stitching, and the latest technology to provide the best ride ever. www.chevrolet.com/corvette
•  Universal Studios was founded in Los Angeles in June 1912. Throughout the year they will introduce a new logo, special editions, and restorations of 13 classics including To Kill a Mockingbird, Jaws, and Schindler’s List. If you can’t get to California to celebrate, rent a favorite Universal flick and hold your own centennial party. www.universal100th.com
• Julliette Gordon Low started the Girl Scouts in May 1912. Visitors can explore changes and advances during 100 years of Girl Scouting at Lowe’s home in Savannah, Georgia or participate in a Heritage Visit until December 2012. www.girlscoutsrv.org/100th-anniversary
• Starting with 3000 donated cherry blossom trees, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, scheduled for March 20 to April 27 (Arbor Day) has become a special tourist attraction for Washington D.C. during the past 100 years. This year the blooms came a bit earlier than usual, but the event is being commemorated with release of a new Forever 45-cent stamp this month. http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/about/2012-centennial

   

Cherry blossom trees bursting with flowers
Photo from Bing.com

• Baseball fans should head to Boston, Massasschusetts for the centennial game between the Red Sox and New York Yankees, the same two teams that played against each other when Fenway Park opened on April 20, 1912. Recently named to the National Register of Historic Places, the stadium is hosting a free open house featuring historical artifacts, photos, and banners on April 19. www.boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark
• Titanic frenzy is happening all around the world. One hundred years ago, on April 12, the Titanic sailed and sank, but people are still fascinated by the fateful journey and stories of people who sailed on its maiden voyage. This ill-fated voyage is being recreated at Titanic museums throughout the U.S. Some of the most notable Titanic museums in the U.S. that are recreating the ill-fated voyage are in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts; Orlando, Florida;  Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; and Branson, Missouri. If you’re truly fascinated by the ship’s story, head to Belfast, Ireland, city where the ship launched, to visit the spectacular new Titanic museum opening on March 31. www.titanicbelfast.com