July 7, 2003 -- It's taken a while, but the stodgiest of New England's historic museums have finally come up with a winner-Driving Tours, with 25%-off admission coupons at their eight museums, good from now through December 31, 2004.

There are four themed, self-guided tours of the best of New England, allowing you to discover the charms of the area through some of the world's finest open-air museums. Moreover, each of the museums has programs and events of special interest to younger visitors.

The suggested "In the Country" driving tour celebrates period houses and historic gardens, taking you to Hancock Shaker Village (Pittsfield MA, www.hancockshakervillage.org), Historic Deerfield (Deerfield MA, www.historic-deerfield.org), Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge MA, www.osv.org) and the Shelburne Museum (Shelburne VT, www.shelburnemuseum.org).

The "Along the Coast" Driving Tour leads you to seaside houses and gardens at Mystic Seaport (Mystic CT,www.mysticseaport.org), Plimoth Plantation (Plymouth MA, www.plimoth.org) and Strawbery Banke (Portsmouth NH, www.strawberybanke.org).

The theme "Making a Life in New England" is the subject of "The New World Driving Tour," which goes to the Canterbury Shaker Village (Canterbury NH,www.shakers.org), Mystic Seaport, Old Sturbridge Village, Plimoth Plantation and Strawbery Banke.

Finally, art, architecture and antiques are the themes of the "Plain & Fancy Driving Tour," which visits the Canterbury Shaker Village, the Hancock Shaker Village, Historic Deerfield and the Shelburne Museum.

One slight catch about the discount coupons: You have to pay regular admission price for two admissions on your first visit to one of the museums. After that, you get 50% off your second ticket, beginning with your second museum visit. You get a booklet, like a passport, which the first museum has to stamp. When you visit succeeding museums, the coupon will be torn out of your "passport" booklet.

Four of the eight museums are open year round (with Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year exceptions at some), the remaining opening from either April or May through either October or November.

For more information on the booklet and the tours, check out www.historicnewenglanddrivingtours.com or visit the individual museum websites.

Special Exhibit

At Old Sturbridge Village, a long-term exhibit (through January 4, 2004) called "Enduring People--Native American Life in Central New England" says it '"uncovers the hidden story of New England's Native American people" with a collection of artifacts, including original portraits, clothing, moccasins and purses, as well as a full-size wigwam. On August 9 & 10, 2003, there will be a Native American Weekend, with performances and craft demonstrations highlighting the continued historical presence of Native Americans in the region. More information at www.osv.org or 800/SEE-1830 or 508/347-3362 (TTY 508/347-5383).